Gender difference in nonverbal communication assignment

Specifically, gestures in this capacity can consist of signals or deliberate movements that act as a significant manner in which to ommunicate without having to use words. Included within this category are such things as pointing, waving, and the use of fingers to signify number values. Although the observational approach to identifying frequency in the use of hand gestures is far from being an exact science, Wietz notes, “ Gestures themselves are nothing more than movements of expression which have been given special qualities by the urge to communicate and to understand” (1979).

Prior to the advent of language, gestures were arguably the simplest way for people to communicate with one another. With he development of language, however, the necessity for using hand gestures was essentially eliminated. Human beings started out with an innate drive to use their hands to communicate, thus, a large majority of the population continues to utilize hand gestures, often as a means of adding an additional dimension or emphasis to their spoken words. Author Louann Brizendine published a book in 2007 entitled The Female Brain.

Research published in 41mprint Blue Papers in 2009 suggests, “ In terms of gender, men and women often speak different dialects of body language, too. Studies have shown that: ?????? Women tend to gesture less than men. Women break eye contact sooner than men do. Women stand slightly closer to one another, face each other more, and touch more than men do with other men. ?????? Men tend to cross their arms or protect their torso less than women do. ?????? Men prefer side-by-side interaction, while women prefer face-to-face. ???? Men send and interpret fewer facial expressions than women. ???? Men naturally tend to have more relaxed of aloof postures (41mprint, 2009). In their extensive studies on group dynamics, O’Connell and Cuthbertson suggest that there is a clear distinction not only in the frequency with which men and women tend to use hand gestures, but that there are differences in the manner in which men and women behave respectively when gestures are involved. The authors note, “ In general, women use fewer gestures, use fewer one-handed gestures, tape their hands, and keep their hands down on the arms of the chair.

Men use more gestures, including one-handed gestures, move their legs and feet, and tap their feet… It is important to understand these subtle differences in how women and men use nonverbal communication. A gesture or facial expression may not mean the same thing from one person to the next, particularly when gender is concerned” (O’Connell, cuthbertson 2008, p. 102). Finally, students at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a particularly interesting and relevant study, which focused solely on the use of hand gestures. The subjects involved were between the ages of 17 and 22 years old, male and female.

The same can be stated for the males, between these hours. The observation during the 8: 00 P. M. hour, for males and females, mirror the 6: 00 P. M. hour. The exploration into the use and frequency of hand gestures between males and females is one that is likely to need much more structured study, if there is to be any true degree of significance with regard to the outcome. The hands, in particular, are used in various ways, both in different geographic areas of the world and by people of different cultures. The manner in which a simple introductory handshake is carried out can set the tone for a relationship.

Gallo’s notes, “ Culture plays a significant role when one analyzes the frequency of hand gestures during conversation. An early study of hand gestures was performed amongst Anglo-Americans, Jews from Eastern Europe, and Italians from New York. The results showed that Americans gestured using mainly the hand and wrist, Jews gestured using the lower half of the arm only, and Italians tended to gesture using the whole arm from the shoulder down” (Gallo’s, 1997). While there is no one conclusion that has emerged from such studies, one result did seem to occur somewhat consistently.