Deborah Tannen’s “The Power of Talk: Who Gets Heard and Why Essay Sample

hand, boys learn to establish their position in society by playing in large groups of boys with defined leadership roles (Tannen 2001:244). They use language to communicate their needs and highlight their abilities, rather than downplaying them to climb the hierarchy (Tannen 2001:245). This social behavior persists into adulthood and the workplace, resulting in genders having different communication skills and expressing their intentions differently. Men are sensitive to the power dynamics of interaction, speaking in ways that position themselves as superior and resisting being placed in an inferior position by others.

According to Tannen (2001:246), women are inclined to respond more emphatically to the moral force of resonance through their speech, using strategies that protect the dignity of others and minimize statements that might be seen as putting others at a disadvantage. In contrast, men are more prone to praise their own abilities by showcasing their achievements (Tannen 2001:246).

Different cultures have distinct communication rituals that involve various types of responses. When it comes to gender differences, women tend to apologize more frequently as a way to demonstrate concern and may also use softer criticism in order to preserve the other person's dignity (Tannen 2001: 250). Additionally, women engage in compliment exchanges by assuming a modest stance and expecting the other person to grasp the ritual and respond accordingly (Tannen 2001: 251). Conversely, men possess their own unique communication styles.

Apologies should be avoided as they put the speaker in a subordinate position. Those who were raised to assert dominance by demeaning others and asserting their own superiority are unlikely to respond positively when a woman engages in a compliment exchange by placing herself in a subordinate role.

Instead, they are more likely to further belittle her and offer advice or criticism. This behavior can disadvantage women at work and lead to them being seen as lacking confidence (Tannen 2001: 251).

It is crucial for individuals in leadership positions to understand the different communication styles of both men and women in order to optimize the use of talented employees. There is no one correct way to communicate since it depends on the situation, culture, and language of the individuals (Tannen 2001: 257).

Bibliography

1. Tannen. D.2001 ” The Power of Talk: Who Gets Heard and Why”. From Linguistics at Work: A Reader of Applications, edited by Dallin D. Oaks 242-259.