Generational Differences in Communication Styles

Communication between generations of people isn't always easy. Much of this stems from differences in perspectives or views, topics or subjects being discussed, emotions in conversation and even stereotypes. Older generations were brought up to have more taboos than younger ones and they tend to be more formal in how they communicate. This doesn't mean that the differences will prevent effective and meaningful communication, but that you will need to learn ways in which to communicate that may differ from your own.

Stereotypes

• Stereotypes are thought patterns based on a person's traits, which can create expectations that are brought into a conversation between generations. For example, a younger person may have the stereotype that older people are slow or don't know enough about modern subjects to be interesting in conversation. Older people may have the stereotype that younger people are disrespectful, rude or that they interrupt. These expectations can influence how a conversation between generations will take place.

Generational Perspectives

• People born before 1946 lived through the Great Depression and World War II. They tend to be frugal and respectful of their elders, formal in their communication and conservative with an emphasis on family. Those born between 1946 and 1964, called Baby Boomers, lived through the sexual revolution and tend to be more liberal, focused on self and have a more personal communication style. Generation X (1965-1980) are people who are diverse, autonomous, much less formal and more challenging toward others. Those born after 1981 are highly social and confident; communication is less personal than it is technology-based and they voice strong opinions.

Communication Differences

• Because older generations tend to be more formal, it can be offensive when younger people, who were raised in an era when speaking your mind was acceptable, challenge the status quo or even authority. Younger people are much more comfortable using a computer, cell phone or social media to communicate, while older people used traditional telephones and letter writing. A lack of ability to understand or respect the ways in which the other generation prefers to communicate can cause issues in communication, such as frustration.

Older "Language," Younger "Language"

• A study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology found that older people and younger people do speak a certain way to each other based on their generational communication styles: "Although the older speakers showed little variation in response to listener age or task difficulty, the young speakers adopted a simplified speech style when addressing the older listeners." Because of the evolution of vernacular, older people may have a hard time understanding the kind of slang words or phrases a younger person is using, and vice versa.

Generational Differences Enhancing Communication

• The generational differences in communication styles doesn't have to be a negative thing. However, it does involve "bridging the gap" between the generations because of stereotypes, communication differences, beliefs, vernacular and even upbringing. To reach across the ages, you need to set aside any assumptions or judgments about the other generation and open a dialogue with them to learn about what is important to them, acknowledge your differences and respect the differences in how they communicate.