Gender differences in the oral communication of technical information

Abstract

This paper describes a project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, undertaken at the School of Information and Media, the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK, which investigates perceived differences in the oral communication of technical information and, if such perceived differences exist, whether the determination of gender based upon these perceptions is accurate. The results of the investigation show that there was a significant gender difference in the oral communication of technical information and that respondents largely based their perception of gender on use of technical language or jargon. This was not the sole factor, however: manner and style of communication also influenced response. The implication of the findings for education are discussed.