Understanding Communication: Are Women Better at It Than Men?
Written on
In the world of communication, a provocative title can often provoke irritation. I apologize if that annoyed you, but it's an illustration of how media can manipulate our thoughts and emotions, often without our awareness.
The subtitle intended to grab your attention likely did not upset you, demonstrating how emotions can obscure rational thought. This emotional response is primarily governed by the left hemisphere of the brain, which tends to be rigid and unyielding.
The Mechanics of Reading
As you engage with this text, you may not realize how your brain processes the words. It might be surprising to learn that many of my mistakes go unnoticed during your reading. According to Ken Goodman, Peter H. Fries, and Steven L. Strauss in their work “Reading — The Grand Illusion,”
> “The idea that accurate reading is an illusion may be strange considering most of us were taught that accurate reading is necessary for comprehension.”
They argue that the belief we read every word is a misconception. In reality, our eyes leap across the text, skipping letters and forming a rough picture of the content. Research indicates that an optimal reading line contains about 80 characters, facilitating speed and comprehension.
Furthermore, studies show that people tend to read silently at about 238 words per minute and aloud at around 183. In the realm of User Experience design, it’s noted that individuals typically focus on text for only six seconds, a phenomenon described as the six-second rule. This is why engaging titles that evoke emotion are crucial.
Interestingly, our eyes also have a blind spot where the optic nerve exits the eye, which the brain fills in. This tendency leads to assumptions based on pre-existing mental frameworks, making it challenging to change one's opinion. For example, convincing someone with strong anti-vaccine beliefs of their misconceptions is an arduous task.
As noted by Goodman, Fries, and Strauss:
> “Just because we believe we have made sense does not mean that this is always the case. The sense we make depends on prior knowledge (what we knew before).”
If you find yourself perturbed by typos, consider seeking support, as it's essential to recognize our humanity. Reading “Reading — The Grand Illusion” may also offer valuable insights.
The Essence of Communication
Verbal communication serves as a representation of how we perceive our surroundings. This is why truly listening can enhance understanding. When speaking, your left brain communicates, while the right side listens, interpreting deeper meanings. A one-sided conversation, or monologue, may not effectively convey information, much like writing articles that go unread.
Conversely, a dialogue involves mutual exchange, where both parties share and receive insights. While this may sound simplistic, it’s crucial to note that successful communication requires more than just exchanging words. Arguments often lead to heightened emotions rather than constructive dialogue.
True communication occurs when information is accurately received and comprehended. As Eddo Rigotti and Andrea Rocci explain:
> “Constitutive context becomes relevant at the level of the speech act in its double role of defining the conditions of meaningfulness of the speech act and constituting the target on which the speech act operates effecting a change in the intersubjective reality. At this level communication context is eminently a social notion.”
The Role of Brain Hemispheres
According to Dr. Iain McGilchrist, our left brain governs our right side, while the right brain controls the left. This arrangement means that while most people are right-handed, the left hemisphere tends to dominate thought processes.
This dominance is evident in the Dunning-Kruger Effect, where less knowledgeable individuals often overestimate their understanding. The left hemisphere simplifies life to conserve energy, while the right hemisphere grasps abstract concepts.
For instance, when someone says, “It is too cold in here!” the left interprets it literally, while the right understands the underlying need for warmth. The right side of our brain crafts a more nuanced worldview, while the left adheres to rigid narratives.
Many psychological disorders, including various personality disorders, may stem from underactive right hemispheres, as suggested by Dr. McGilchrist. He posits that individuals with right hemisphere damage often deflect blame, a behavior observable in some politicians.
The Shift in Sensitivity
What once seemed innocuous can suddenly become offensive. This shift may stem from survival instincts tied to your mental framework or a decline in right hemisphere function. This is especially relevant in social contexts—when a man gazes at a woman within her line of sight, her right brain detects his attention.
Your right hemisphere challenges simplistic beliefs, urging you to reconsider your understanding. Strategies like sleep and meditation can slow down impulsive reactions, fostering a space for thoughtful reflection.
Social media often exploits our left-brain tendencies, leading to polarized thinking. Ideologies like feminism or psychopathy represent extreme left-hemisphere perspectives, promoting binary rather than nuanced views.
The left hemisphere thrives on repetition, reinforcing its limited worldview, while the right hemisphere encourages exploration and cooperation.
Conclusion: Communication and Gender
Ultimately, whether women are better communicators than men hinges on their use of the right brain.
Thank you for your support!
> If you enjoyed this article, please leave claps, so I know what resonates with you!
For further insights from Dr. Iain McGilchrist, visit: https://channelmcgilchrist.com/home/