Stereotypes about gender suggest that men and women communicate non-verbally in different ways. Men are often thought to be powerful and aggressive, while women are conceived of as more demure or meek. But these are just ill-informed notions. What’s the truth about gender and nonverbal communication? Data from hundreds of studies suggest four consistent differences between the sexes (J. A. Hall, 1998; J. A. Hall, Carter, & Horgan, 2000). First, women are better than men at communicating nonverbally in ways receivers can correctly interpret and are more accurate than men in interpreting others’ nonverbal expressions. Second, women show greater facial expressiveness than men, and they smile more. Third, women gaze at others more than men do during interpersonal interactions, especially during same-sex encounters. Indeed, women are more likely than men to find speakers persuasive when the presenters maintain eye contact with them (Bailenson, Beall, Loomis, Blascovich, & Turk, 2005). Fourth, men are more territorial than women in terms of personal space. Men maintain more physical space between themselves and others while talking, tolerate intrusions into their personal space less than women do, and are less likely to give way to others if space is scarce. Correspondingly, women enjoy closer proximity during same-sex encounters than men, prefer side-by-side seating more than men do, and perceive crowded situations more favorably.

Of course, not all women and men show these differences. Understanding that such differences may exist can help you improve your cross-sex nonverbal communication. For example, if you’re hosting a presentation in which the audience is largely male, arrange the seating to provide ample space between audience members. When you’re talking with a female friend, she may desire shared gaze and prefer to sit in close proximity to you.