1.Conversation rituals are the routine scrips that people use when talking and responding to others (Beebee & Mottet, 2013). These rituals vary completely between males and females. Males communicate using more direct and to the point messages that focus on the content they wish to share while females communicate using more passive messages that focus on relationships and how the sender and receiver are feeling. These types of communication have been broken into the categories powerful and powerless language. By using powerful language, men put emphasis on the task at hand while women who stereotypically use powerless language, concentrate on facial expressions, body language and connecting with the receiver of their message. Men tend to be sensitive to the power dynamics of interaction, speaking in ways that position themselves as one up and resisting being put in a one-down position by others. Women tend to react more strongly to the rapport dynamic, speaking in ways that save face for others and buffering statements that could be seen as putting others in a one-down position (Tannen, 1995).

It is possible to merge these rituals by learning to incorporate your opposite form of communication into your daily life and work practices. It is important to first identify your own style of speech and then come to an understanding of what your opposite communication style is. For example, as a woman its important to understand that men use ritual opposition and it is not a dismissal or veto of our point of view or ideas. This tends to be a way for men to assess your thought pattern and to encourage new ideas. On the other side, men would need to understand that ritual apology is not a sign of weakness or even an actual apology. When women use this communication form, it is to convey concern and to try and smooth over a situation. 

2.“The problem with conversational rituals is that they can sometimes misfire. Put simply, the message sent doesn’t equal the message received” (Beebe & Mottet 2013)
Gender differences in conversational rituals can manifest in many ways, but I want to focus on communication style. We, men, often display a more assertive communication style, focusing on conveying information, facts, and opinions directly. We, as men, may engage in more competitive verbal exchanges, like soccer, and basketball, and seek to establish dominance or expertise in a conversation. However, women tend to prioritize building rapport, empathy, and emotional connection in their communication. They may use more supportive language, ask more questions, and demonstrate active listening skills.
How can we become more understanding regarding these differences and improve our ability to converse? 
Understanding and respecting gender differences in conversational rituals is essential for effective communication and building positive relationships. Here are some ways to become more understanding and improve conversational abilities considering these differences. 1) Be sympathetic by recognizing that individuals may have different communication needs and preferences based on their gender, personality, and cultural background. Approach conversations with empathy and a willingness to understand the other person’s perspective. 2) Respect boundaries: Respect personal boundaries and avoid imposing your own communication style onto others. Be mindful of the other person’s comfort level and adjust your behavior as needed to ensure a respectful and inclusive conversation.