Some authors believe that differences between male and female verbal communication are so great that they can be characterized as "men are from Mars, women are from Venus." Other researchers believe the differences aren't nearly so dramatic and would describe them as "men are from North Dakota, women are from South Dakota." Which approach seems more accurate to you? Offer at least one specific experience from your life to support your point of view. Do not speak in generalities - it is important to provide at least one specific example to back up your position on this topic. In other words, make sure to include the actual language that was used in your example to justify your position on this topic.

 

Note: Notice the question is asking you about verbal communication only. Remember, verbal communication (also known as language) refers only to the words that we use to communicate with one another. Verbal communication does not include potential differences as it relates to behavior, thoughts, interpretation, actions, and any nonverbal behavior mentioned in chapter seven (remember, "how" we speak is not considered verbal communication - this falls under the nonverbal communication category of paralanguage). Therefore, in responding to this question, make sure you are only focusing on verbal communication (words only) and on nothing else in making your decision.