The two main causes of the differences are:

• Genetic/hormonal factors - "hard-wiring" of the brain
• Environmental/social factors - the way we are treated
• In the workplace, communication style differences are a key aspect

Differences in body language:

• Eye contact - females maintain it for longer than males
• Space - women approach more closely
• Facial expressions/gestures - women more skilled at sending and interpreting them

Differences in participation:

• Who talks the most?
  In mixed gender groups men spend more time talking than women;
  people who talk more are perceived as dominant
• Who interrupts?
  Men interrupt women more often than women interrupt men;
  women are more likely than men to allow an interruption to be successful;
  people who are interrupted are seen as less powerful

The impact of gender differences:

• Women have less opportunity to contribute ideas
• Women perceived as weaker, less competent

Differences in making requests:

• Use of tag questions vs. clear statements - "It's cold in here, isn't it?"

Some changes for women:

• Discourage interruptions
• Participate more
• Make more direct statements

Some changes for men:

• Listen more
• Ask questions
• Self-disclose more - feelings, mistakes