Conversation Tannen Analysis

Summary Tannen’s entire article can be summed up in four simple words; “Conversation is a ritual” (1994). Men and women tend to approach interacting with each other in the work place in the same patterned method. Tannen provides a guide for us to better understand the importance of communicating more effectively in the work place. She explains how verbal interactions could be interpreted in many different ways, depending on one’s point of view and which side of the conversation you happen to be on. Tannen delves into seven areas of rituals where men and women differ including; apologies, criticism, thank-yous, fighting, praise, complaints, and jokes. She employs short story about actual people, expert opinions, and contrasts to show how women and men would react differently in a conversation. Throughout the article, Tannen shows instances of interaction between individuals that emphasize the episode from both aspects. Tannen explores:
• Why women are told that they apologize too much.
• Why they are less likely to give and receive criticism
Being able to effectively communicate and interact with coworkers, friends and family means listening to understand other’s thoughts, opinions and ideas. Additionally, transmitting your message clearly and concisely so that it is understood by others will help protect those relationships. Men and women have different thoughts on how to communicate with each other which leads to many miscommunications in relationships and work environments. Tannen’s article demonstrations that women and men can walk away from the same conversation with completely different ideas of what was actually said. This all applies to our children as well, how many times have we heard a teenager stomp away from their parents screaming you never listen to