In negotiating a transaction or for that matter having a conversation with someone, we need to be aware that men and women communicate differently. Here are several guidelines to be aware of for better communication:
Men tend to interrupt women more than they do other men.
Women tend to provide more detail while men just want the facts.
Women talk about problems to build rapport while men want to fix a problem.
Women tend to ask for opinions which to men this looks indecisive.
Men can take an opposite view when talking to other men to banter with them for conversation which doesn't work with women.
Women tend to downplay their authority which allows men to take their authority away.
Men are more task oriented, what are we going to do? Women are more relationship oriented wondering how everyone felt.
Men assume they have the information they need without asking all the questions and wonder why the women are asking the questions when they did not.
Men jump into a conversation and women need to enter early as well to increase their visibility.
Men can use loudness to make a point, whereas women tend to have a softer voice. The softer voice can be misinterpreted as being unsure.
Men disclose less personal information. Women feel normal about disclosing more personal information so they can get to know you.
Women can be more indirect in their communication. Men don't beat around the bush.
Men are looked down upon for using their feminine side of being warm and sensitive. Women who are very focused like men are accused of being bossy or aggressive.
None of this communication language going back and forth between the genders is easy. Just be aware we are indeed different and respect those differences.
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