Communication Paper

Evan Miller

Soc/110

August 3, 2010
Lydia Haddad

Communication Barriers between Genders and Cultures

Even though it can become an obstacle based on what the opposite gender sees as being socially acceptable. Verbal and Nonverbal communication can mean different things in different countries. Because a word or gesture in one country may be socially acceptable but in another it may not be acceptable. And verbal and non verbal communication between genders can become an obstacle. How do people communicate? People communicate in different ways. It can be done both verbally and non-verbally. In talking about the way that we communicate through verbal communication in groups there are three main functions of verbal communication- task ordering, process orientation and narrative (Harris & Sherblom, 2008, p. 107).

The first communication method that I will be talking about is task ordering; It involves cognitive meaning that focuses on either/or choices and creates an understanding about the group’s purposes and processes. Specifically, language draws attention to particular items and provides the backbone of the group interaction. What if we are asked to serve on a task force, one of the first questions we might ask is, “What are we trying to accomplish?” We are also interested in the time constraints, the resources available, and other pertinent data. Another example of task ordering is if the group has an agenda, keep notes, or takes minutes. This is communication by putting the tasks in order of what is the most important. (Harris & Sherblom, 2008, p. 107).

The second verbal communication method that I will be talking about is process orientation, or how we say something, is frequently as important as what we say (task ordering). The norms, roles, and process all influence how well the group functions.