Gender Difference in Nonverbal Communication
Running Head: Gender Difference in Nonverbal Communication
Observational Research on Gender Difference in Nonverbal Communication
Annie Murray, Mia , Lacresha McElrath
Columbia College
HUMS 300, Summer Term
Abstract
This paper examines the issue of gender differences in the use of hand gestures as a form of nonverbal communication. While there is perhaps a tendency, at least in the U.S., to assume that women surpass men in this particular category, the research does not support that assumption or hypothesis. Indeed, a number of scholars and experts seem to have conducted studies that show quite the opposite. Men and women are probably equally likely to use hand gestures, depending on the situation and their audience. It is likely that the type of gesture is the most distinguishing aspect between males and females, with women using more limited or smaller gestures, while men tend to make grander gestures that are larger in a spatial sense. This seems to concur with the idea that men are likely to be much more expansive in relation to the space that is available to them in any given situation.
Introduction
If we are to believe the old adage, ‘actions speak louder than words,’ there is potentially a wealth of information that can be derived from a person’s nonverbal methods of communication. Mannerisms can often tip us off to whether or not a person might be nervous or somehow uncomfortable. Lack of eye contact or shifting position can be an indicator that we might not have another person’s full attention or indeed, that perhaps what we are saying is boring and is therefore incapable of sustaining another person’s interest. There is a lot written about the reasons of nonverbal communication, as well as how different actions can be interpreted. This study, however, examines the specific frequency in which hand gestures are utilized in the course of conversation or interaction, as
Observational Research on Gender Difference in Nonverbal Communication
Annie Murray, Mia , Lacresha McElrath
Columbia College
HUMS 300, Summer Term
Abstract
This paper examines the issue of gender differences in the use of hand gestures as a form of nonverbal communication. While there is perhaps a tendency, at least in the U.S., to assume that women surpass men in this particular category, the research does not support that assumption or hypothesis. Indeed, a number of scholars and experts seem to have conducted studies that show quite the opposite. Men and women are probably equally likely to use hand gestures, depending on the situation and their audience. It is likely that the type of gesture is the most distinguishing aspect between males and females, with women using more limited or smaller gestures, while men tend to make grander gestures that are larger in a spatial sense. This seems to concur with the idea that men are likely to be much more expansive in relation to the space that is available to them in any given situation.
Introduction
If we are to believe the old adage, ‘actions speak louder than words,’ there is potentially a wealth of information that can be derived from a person’s nonverbal methods of communication. Mannerisms can often tip us off to whether or not a person might be nervous or somehow uncomfortable. Lack of eye contact or shifting position can be an indicator that we might not have another person’s full attention or indeed, that perhaps what we are saying is boring and is therefore incapable of sustaining another person’s interest. There is a lot written about the reasons of nonverbal communication, as well as how different actions can be interpreted. This study, however, examines the specific frequency in which hand gestures are utilized in the course of conversation or interaction, as
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