Sex, lies and conversation: Why is it so hard for men and women to talk to each other?

In 100-150 words, respond to two main posts. Examine whether each post clearly supports ideas about the merits of each outline and the choice of outline format for the intended major writing assignment. Offer your ideas as to other ways of seeing the value in one or more of the proposed outline formats.

1st post:
Most wives want their husbands to be conversational partners. (Tannen, 2014, p. 118) While this statement may be true for some, it isnt true for all. Every relationship is different and I have met a few couples where the wife is silent and the husband is seeking more conversation. At home, the husband is free to remain silent while the wife is free to talk. In public, the husband feels pressured to prove himself while the wife is afraid of offending someone or appear to be showing off. (Tannen, 2014, p. 121) This statement can also go both ways, so I disagree with the fact that men and women have trouble communicating. I do believe this may happen to some relationships but like I said, not all of them. The statement was made that women feel abandoned and neglected when it comes to intimacy but I feel that its one-sided because many men feel the same. (Tannen, 2014, p. 121) It seems as if Tannen is targeting men and blaming men for lack of communication in marriages. Although statistics and research may show that many marriages fail because of lack of communication; I do feel that majority of those times women have failed and neglected to communicate as well. So I disagree with the point that once the problem is understood, improvement comes naturally. I disagree because it seems as though she is implying that men are the problem and when that is understood then everything will improve. I feel that both parties need to understand that they both play a role in communicating and they both need to make the necessary changes not just one.

As I plan and outline my paper, I will use counterarguments and paragraph transitioning such as the author. Tannen starts with research and a descriptive rhetorical mode while using examples. Then she moves on to use a question to get the intended audience to think and ponder. I will also use that in my paper, use a question to get my audience to think and realize why my argument is relevant and important. Tanner concluded with an answer explaining why her point and argument is justified. I will use that type of conclusion as well, answering the question while explaining why my point and argument is justified. One trait that Tanner used was ending with, The world desperately needs cross-cultural understanding. (Tanner, 2014, p. 121) I will be ending with a counterargument of should, must, because or need. I will use this tool to Coach my audience into understanding why we must take charge of this matter.

As I look over the three outline examples, I would like to use the second example. I prefer that it is organized and beginning with the thesis statement and as it continues it lays it out in detail. Next, the introduction after the thesis and then followed by alphabetical bullet points. Each section will be separated by roman numerals and this outline will also help me with staying consistent throughout. Finally, ending with a conclusion that is also organized, and again this will help me stay focused as I give a picture and preview of my entire essay. All three outlines are great, but the other two outlines didnt catch my eye like the 2nd example. The first outline had no thesis in the beginning and just bullet points, I like the alphabetical bullet points better. The third outline had a topic outline, sentence outline, and paragraph outline. This one is good too and would be my 2nd choice but like I said I prefer the 2nd outline example as I feel I can flow with this layout better with the alphabetical bullet points and roman numerals to separate the sections.

2nd post:

For my discussion this week I am going with option 1. “Sex, lies, and conversation” by Deborah Tannen, question 3 writing an argument. Tannen states “Once a problem is understood, improvement comes naturally”, which I couldn’t agree with more. Deborah in the first part of her article describes gender miscommunication as a common reason for divorce, in life itself in order to get good at anything or should I say successful you have to practice and believe it or not that involves with men and women communicating to understand each other which will eventually improve their wellbeing for a successful relationship. WC101

She begins her essay with an anecdote, and I find this to be effective for several reasons. Deborah captures her audience right away, and instantly persuades her audience to continue reading by sharing commonly real and relatable stories. In my personal opinion anyone who has observed or experienced a similar situation will feel the need to read and finish until the end. Which will then create a powerful meaning or bond between the author and her audience. One trait Tannen expresses is that she engages her readers including them in her personal beliefs and experience, which convinces her audience of just how strongly she feels regarding the matter, therefore establishes sincerity to the readers. WC114

Lastly I will be using example 3 outline, I believe for my specific topic that it will be a much better outline to use. This specific outline has three main categories that I like one the topic outline which will arrange my ideas in the sequence I prefer, two the sentence outline which is like a mini thesis that will then express specific and complete ideas of my related topic, and finally third the paragraph outline this will allow me to categorize main points to organize paragraphs that make sense which will make each paragraph fully developed.