In my experience in conversing with men and women, I agree with the article over men and women’s conversation traits. Even as a student we find the evidence the article lists by the teaching styles of our professors. I come across more female professors interested in interacting with the students and hearing their opinions over the subject than male professors. Female professors tend to do discussion activities where students are able to share their opinions or ask questions. Women professors are open to, even encourage, students to oppose their opinions so the students can think for themselves. However, the majority of male professors I have been taught by are not open to student’s opinions. Male or female, the men professors do not want to hear your thoughts on a subject. I have never had a discussion group with a male teacher nor have I been encouraged to share my thoughts on a topic. Instead, he lectures for the whole class period, maybe asking questions to see if the students have kept up on their readings. Even the different conversations styles can be reflected in academics. They can also reflect in family life, careers, business, etc.
Tannen’s explanation covering why men “challenge” women’s argument’s seems plausible. If we sit and have a group discussion, men will challenge men and women. A friend of mine who is in another English class witnessed an argument which almost led to physical fight among male students. What escalated to the fight was that three men were opposing each other on a topic. From what she described, it was like a competition; which one can come out right and dominant. Men get into heated arguments all the time with other men. Women, a majority of the time, do not.
The blunt truth of the matter is that men and women will never be on the same page when it comes to speaking styles. The fact that men and women differ on conversation styles does not mean it’s based on gender discrimination. Women are ambitious too, like men, and contain of useful knowledge. However, if women do not want to feel “ignored,” or are tired of being the “appreciative audience,” then we must step up to the plate. If man does not want seem like a total jackass to the ladies, he must adjust to the appropriate conversation style for a woman.
However, I do not think these adjustments are very realistic.
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I agree with you on the way professors teach is much different. My male professors have also never done any interaction and always lectured. My female teachers have done more things with interaction and in groups. As a male I too have seen many arguments that almost turn into fights because guys get too worked up over a topic.
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