Communicating with Credibility

Research suggests that it is difficult for women to gain credibility in male-dominated work environments. Credibility is a key issue for women, the perception of which is based on interpersonal contacts that provide evidence of job competence, character, and trustworthiness. Most of the speech characteristics typical of women's style are those associated with powerlessness in work environments. Nonverbal differences also exist. Women value eye contact more than men, they use more facial expression and are better at conveying and interpreting emotions, they smile more frequently, and are more attracted to others who smile.