Final answer:
Communication extends beyond the spoken word to include body language and cultural norms that dictate non-verbal interactions. Goffman's dramaturgical analysis and Tannen's research highlight the role of societal structures in shaping communication styles. Various personal and contextual factors influence one's communicative approach, especially in diverse workplaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding how people communicate entails much more than just spoken words. Beyond verbal communication, individuals rely on a variety of non-verbal cues, such as gestural modes including body language and facial expressions, to convey their messages and emotions efficiently. Cultural norms dictate the subtleties of these interactions, influencing when to shake hands, where to sit, or how to express agreement or dissent.
Erving Goffman's concept of dramaturgical analysis compares social interaction to a theatrical play, where individuals perform roles timed with cultural scripts, adapting to each new context like actors on stage. Meanwhile, Deborah Tannen's research into communicative subcultures highlights the distinct differences in communication styles between genders, driven by societal norms and expectations.
Moreover, in a multicultural society, various factors such as age, culture, and individual personality traits (such as being introverted or extraverted) impact one's style of communication, as does the context, such as in a workplace where a balance between directness and diplomacy is valued.