While Bevan and Sole (2014) point out that academic research finds few fundamental differences in how women and men communication, people still tend to believe they communication differently. The goal of this discussion is to discuss the ways both men and women can adjust their communication for context, audience, and purpose in order to achieve various communicative goals. You will first summarize at least two tendencies in the ways men and women communicate based on course readings and videos. Then you will discuss the ways we can all communicate more effectively.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:
Read the writing prompt below in its entirety.
Find sections of our course readings (especially Section 2.2 in Bevan and Sole) that address tendencies in the ways males and females communicate.
Describe how tendencies in the ways males and females communicate can both help and hurt them in various communicative exchanges.
Consider changes that people can make to become more effective communicators and overcome various weaknesses in these communicative patterns.
Watch at least the first 10 minutes of the study on language differences between the sexes: War of the Sexes: Language.
This video examines the different communicative styles and language differences between men and women. Following three couples, they consider how gender influences communication.
Optional: Watch Gender & Communication: Male Female Differences in Language and Nonverbal Behavior.
In this video, the relationship between gender and verbal and nonverbal communication is explored. Power, change, and equity are also analyzed.
Review the grading rubric and remember that 25% of your grade is based on your application of course material (Content/Subject Knowledge) and 25% is based on your ability to demonstrate you are thinking critically and presenting original ideas.
Supplemental Reading Options
What Language Barrier?
Why do men and women talk differently? A new book argues that guys argue and girls overshare for a reason: Evolution. The author explains
Reflect: Take time to analyze and reflect on the role of gender in communication. Consider whether or not women and men communicate differently and what implications these potential patterns in communication might have on future social relationships and/or job prospects. Think about changes one might want to make to become happier, healthier or more prosperous.
Write: Based on what you have learned this week from our text and the video, answer the following questions:
What patterns are there in the ways males and females communicate?
How might the way boys and girls are taught to communicate help and hurt them in various communicative exchanges?
How might we all make adjustments to our gendered patterns of communication through paying attention to purpose, audience, and goals in order to communicate more appropriately and effectively?
Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately. Your answers should begin with some points about the importance of thinking about gender in relation to communication. You should then address how both genders can make adjustments to be appropriate and effective.
Your initial response should be 200 to 300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates' posts and try to find some common ground or expand on the students' ideas. Use the text to expand on everyone's understanding of the importance of nonverbal communication.
Ask questions that will improve everyone's understanding of the key functions of nonverbal communication. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult About Discussions under the Course Home menu.
Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.