Non Verbal Communication Between Men And Women

Different Non-verbal Communication Between Men and Women

Facial Expressions

• Women tend to use facial expressions more in order to express their feelings and intentions.

• The messages that women give out tend to be more subtle and sophisticated than the messages that most men give out. – Women are more “experienced” in using their

facial expressions.

Eye Contact

• Men will look into the eyes of the person they are talking to.

• Women look into the eyes of someone they are listening to. – Enjoy a wider peripheral vision than men– Prolonged eye contact is more likely used to

indicate affection or interest for– More attentive to “reading” the eyes of others

Men and Listening

• Many men are misjudged on their no-verbal behaviors when it comes to communication between women.

• If they don’t make a “listening noise” or grunt then they are seen as not paying attention.

• Most men who don't make this noise may in fact be listening very intently to the conversation.

Women and Listening

• Most women are more often misjudged on their non-verbal communication than men are.

• Many women nod and make listening noises such as “Yeah”, “Ah” or “Oh really?” during conversations and are assumed that they pay attention more.

• This kind of feedback is more of a way to show interest in the conversation whether they truly mean it or not.

Gestures and Mannerisms

• Women are more likely to use more “warm” gestures and mannerisms than men do. – Use fewer and less obvious gestures• Hugging, lowering of the eyes in aggressive behaviors.

• Men tend to use obvious gestures such as talking with their hands than using facial expressions.

Touching

• Some men take touching as a sign of sexual intentions and are less likely to touch other men during a conversation.

• Women are more likely to touch other women because touching is mostly used as a form of friendship or sympathy.

Body Proximity

• Men sometimes tend to be more uncomfortable with close proximity– Prefer more face-to-face conversations

• Women are more comfortable sharing their space with other women– Prefer side-to-side conversations

• Many different cultures have different forms of body proximity– Often exceeds the difference between genders

What Do We Need to Know?

• Because interpreting body language requires a great deal of observation try getting to know the other person and their characteristics.

• Have a greater awareness and understanding can help prevent and resolve conflicts and misunderstandings.

• Be respectful and don’t judge either gender based on their body language issues.