Communication 300: Summary and Implication Paper

Griffin Chapter 34 Whitney Bestwick, Section D

Tannens theory on genderlect styles suggest the reason for the deviation

between male and female discourse lies in the misinterpretation of each others culturally

influenced communication styles. Women utilize rapport communication as a tool to

build relationships and connect with their interactants, while men strategically use report

communication to exert their status and control over others. By listening to both unique

dialects, Tannen connected the discrepancies in communication to contrasting values and

priorities that each gender aims to gain from their interactions. These cultural values were

established by the speech community that the men and women grew up in and are

represented through the acts of public speaking, storytelling, listening, asking questions

and handling conflict. As woman look to engage with others by finding common ground,

being inquisitive and supporting one another. Men become vocal in times where their

independence is in question. In order for this type of cross-cultural communication to

progress, there needs to be recognition and appreciation of each others differences by

both genders.

Tannens theory implies that if both genders continue to misunderstand each other

desires, then they will remain distant during their interactions. The method of rapport talk

implies that women are more likely to be socially accepted by the public, due to their

ability to listen and share personal information with each other. Tannens idea of report

talk implies that men are afraid of feeling exposed, so they establish a public persona

which exerts their dominance in society . Lastly, the concept of recognizing the

differences implies that if men and women become more aware of the motives behind

others subconscious behavior, it can directly lead to more fulfilling relationships for both

genders.
Communication 300: Summary and Implication Paper