Gender Differences in Non-Verbal Communication and Behaviors

Men and women differ in terms of non-verbal communication and behaviors. Females are more
sensitive to subtle non-verbal cues than men (Hall, 1990). Women may be better at decoding or
interpreting others’ body language (Eagly, 1987; Hall, 1978). But there are no differences in the
display of postures or gestures associated with dominance in non-verbal social situations
(Halberstadt, and Saitta, 1987). Women have a tendency of gaze when someone is talking,
especially a man. Men typically do no look at women talking. Women are generally more formal
and tense in their posture and demeanor. Men are generally informal and relaxed (Henley,
1977). Also women are more likely to smile than men. According to Henley, these differences
reflect the power position of men, and submission of women. It also indicates that men have a
higher and women a lower status in society. The gestures used by men are the ones used by
people with a high and powerful position; the case is the opposite with women.