Nonverbal and Paraverbal Control in Dyads and Triads: Sex or Power Differences?

Abstract

The somewhat misleading term genderlects has been used to describe sex differences in nonverbal communication. This research sought evidence for the existence of powerlects rather than genderlects in same-sex groups. Specifically examined were sex differences in three methods of control: initial eye gaze dominance, initial speaking order, and time consumed while speaking in status undifferentiated dyads and triads. The findings indicate that females are as consistent as males in using these forms of control with members of the same sex, which suggests that power rather than sex is the important factor in these nonverbal and paraverbal modes of communication. There were several differences in usage but no consistent pattern of dissimilarity. One interesting result was a tendency for females to avert initial gaze as they simultaneously spoke first, which would be predictedfrom past research. Males, however, were more likely to maintain the initial gaze as they spoke first. The data also suggest caution in generalizing about nonverbal and paraverbal behavior in twoto three-person social units.