Now, Ragan emphasizes that each communication style has certain strengths. For example, women are often better at interpreting nonverbal communication, while men are often more goal-oriented and convey more strength of purpose in their dealings with coworkers. While Ragan admitted that the debate will not soon be resolved over whether genetics or socialization plays a greater role in determining gender-related communication differences, she does see at least one source of those differences in messages we received in childhood. That basic difference in our orientation to others, she explained, colors all aspects of communication, from the purpose of conversation, to one's body language, to the kind of humor people think is funny. The purpose of conversing with others, for example, is often quite different for women than for men, according to Ragan.
Men talk about things and activities to gain information.
Therefore, disclosure of personal information in the workplace often has a dramatically different effect on men than on women. To women, revealing information about themselves is a way of establishing a connection with their colleagues. Men, on the other hand, often see such disclosure as unnecessary, inappropriate, or even threatening. According to Ragan, men tend to view the workplace in a more hierarchical manner than women, and communication plays a big role in determining who's on top in the hierarchy. Women, Ragan suggested, could learn to use some of these gestures and postures in situations where they want to appear more confidant and powerful.