---
title: "Notes and summary: men and women communication styles"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_5/communication_english:notes-summary-men-women-communication"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/notes-summary-men-women-communication
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Notes and summary: men and women communication styles

Communication English · Chapter 1: Intensive Reading

- Asked in: 2070 Chaitra, 5+5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/notes-summary-men-women-communication
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-1

## Question

Study the following text carefully. Prepare its note and convert it into summary.
We are well acquainted with the fact that men and women are different in terms of appearance. [passage of about 330 words on "report-talk" of men and "rapport-talk" of women and how misunderstanding of these styles causes conflict] ... Whether you attend a therapy or not, if you want to have more fulfilling relationship with the opposite sex it is essential to learn new and healthy ways of relating and communicating.

## Short answer

Men use report-talk to give information, while women use rapport-talk for private connection. Conflict arises when each expects the other to communicate identically. Adapting styles, avoiding criticism, and learning healthy communication fosters fulfilling relationships.

## Answer

#### Notes
**Title: Men's and women's communication styles**

1. **Difference**
   - Men and women differ not only in appearance but also in communication
2. **Two styles**
   - Men use "report-talk": giving information; public speaking
   - Women use "rapport-talk": small talk, private speaking; builds relationships
3. **Cause of conflict**
   - We forget the differences; get angry or frustrated with the opposite sex
   - Each expects the other to think, feel and respond the same way
   - Men mistakenly expect women to react like men, and vice versa
4. **Advice**
   - Use different styles to suit the message
   - Do not assume the other understands; do not criticise different styles
   - Learn new, healthy ways of relating (with or without therapy) for fulfilling relationships

#### Summary
Men and women differ in communication as well as appearance. Men use "report-talk", which gives information, while women use "rapport-talk", or small private talk that builds closeness. Conflict arises when each sex forgets this and expects the other to think and respond in the same way. People should adapt their style to the message, avoid criticising different styles, and learn healthier ways of communicating in order to have more fulfilling relationships.

*(About 80 words.)*

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is 'report-talk'?
   A. Small talk
   B. Writing reports
   C. Women's style
   D. Men's style of giving information, often public speaking
   Answer: D. Men use report-talk. (Key point: Report-talk)

2. What is 'rapport-talk'?
   A. Women's small, private talk that builds relationship
   B. Giving information
   C. Public speeches
   D. Business talk
   Answer: A. Women use rapport-talk. (Key point: Rapport-talk)

3. Why does conflict arise?
   A. Men talk too little
   B. Each sex forgets the difference and expects the other to respond the same way
   C. Women disagree on facts
   D. They speak different languages
   Answer: B. Misunderstanding of styles causes frustration. (Key point: Cause of conflict)

4. What advice is given?
   A. Avoid the opposite sex
   B. Always use report-talk
   C. Adapt style to the message, avoid criticising different styles, learn healthy ways of relating
   D. Stop talking
   Answer: C. This leads to fulfilling relationships. (Key point: Advice)

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