Rating: Summary: LIfe changing Review: I entered this book with scepticism but found it to be one of the most interesting and practical books I've ever read. It's interesting because it describes how and why the opposite sex has a general communication "style". It's practical and very valuable if you want to understand and improve communication with the opposite sex (I'm male) at home, work, or play. Tannen suggests that men and women be flexible and sensitive to these basic (but not absolute) communication styles.I have been flexible and... it works!
Rating: Summary: Very tendentious, difficult to read Review: I find it unfortunate that Deborah Tannen is the foremost mind on this subject of communication differences between genders. I have observed the phenomena she wrote about in her book, but have had limited success in using the knowledge to overcome communication problems with women.
She has uncovered an important topic and made it relevant and somewhat accessible to the average interested person. Tannen deserves credit for that. However, her approach, obviously feminist (and probably some type of neo-feminism that I do not care to research or think about), taints her writing. For example, Tannen suggests that because of the way women are socialized to communicate in the United States, they might be better equipped to function and prosper in the business world. What? It would be better to say that women MIGHT be cut out for certain functions in the business world, and men for others. In the information age it's difficult to believe that those who ostensibly communicate to send and receive information (men) are less appropriate than those who communicate to establish a bond or relationship with the other party (women).
I do not recommend the book. The author should have been more scientific - every page drips with her agenda and it makes the book difficult to read. It's also filled with personal anecdotes, perhaps meant to make the book more accessible, but it disappointingly detracts from the social science she did. econ
Rating: Summary: I simply LOVE this book !! Review: I have read and reread this book a number of times. I have loaned it out to friends and have bought some to give to friend. It is quite simply an extremely good book on the differences in gender communication styles. Ever wonder why your significant other couldn't grasp the concept of what you were telling him/her or why they failed to follow through on requests?? This book helps explain it all. Simply great !!
Rating: Summary: Essential to relationships Review: I originally found this title through a referral in Lori Gammon's threesome book. Although she recommended it as a bi seduction aid, I believe that ALL couples should learn how to tell their partners what they want from each other, in bed and otherwise. This book explains all the communication pitfalls couples encounter in a close relationship and how to overcome the problems that result. If you don't know why you aren't happy, read this book and find out.
Rating: Summary: Good read on different communication styles Review: I read this book a few years ago and continue to see the ways every day that boys and girls are conditioned differently. This conditioning is expressed in men and women through (sometimes) vastly different communication styles. The material is insightful and clear, though some of the case studies can be a tedious read.
Rating: Summary: Enlightening and Powerful Communication Tool Review: I read this book many years ago, and have since given it as a gift many times over. Ms. Tannen gives us a clear picture of WHY men and women's communication styles are so different through studies and examples that are easy to read and understand. This book has given me information that has proven invaluable over time in my relationships with both men and women. I have given this book as a wedding gift and have been profusely thanked by both husband and wife. I have also given it to a few teens who are just beginning to get into the world of male/female communication (or lack thereof). It has been well accepted and appreciated. My own experiences have been less frustrating based on a better understanding of where we are going (communicatively) and why. Thank you Deborah Tannen for a wonderful gift of insight!
Rating: Summary: Quite good Review: I read this book when it first came out in paperback, and I've gone back to it more than once since then. I thought that the majority of Tannen's arguments made sense. She did a good job of backing up her thesis. She writes with a clear, concise style. I have used the book to help in communicating with some of the men in my life. I appreciate that Tannen acknowledges these gender differences as being rooted in culture rather than biology. My only criticisms of the book is that the author does tend to generalize. There are problems with some of the studies she cites, as well. However, these issues don't take away from the fact that the book is an interesting and easy read.
Rating: Summary: Good stuff Review: I read this book years ago, and must recommend it to other men. It really makes certain male conversational 'mistakes' blindingly obvious. If you sit there wondering why you're partner does not seem happy when you're geniunely trying to be 'nice', read this book. All will become clear.
Rating: Summary: Generalizations Review: In Tannen's book she wrote many generalizations of what men and women are like. If she would cut out "most men" and "many women" the book would be better. Even though she is doing it to cover herself up. Overall this book gave me much to think about, some things I can relate to as a man, but some things are really far fetched
Rating: Summary: No solutions offered... Review: It's not that what some of Dr. Tannen says isn't true, but she ruins it by pointing out OVER AND OVER how it's basically society's (i.e.: men's) fault for every problem/shortcoming women have ever experienced. She doesn't hold women responsible for any of their own problems (which, in itself, is sexist towards women), and then, offers no solutions AT ALL on how to correct these problems. Basically, she runs through all the problems women have...and then the book ends
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