I don't think many people in the UK (male or female) would give directions in terms of compass points. Our road system simply isn't laid out like that as it's developed over the millennia from footpaths which tended to follow topography and avoid natural obstructions like boggy ground. In fact I would think pubs are the most common route pointers here for both (all?) genders, followed by road numbers. And keen cyclists might give different directions from drivers as they probably know their area very much better than most.

Interesting article though. The only TS I know well used to do a lot of semi-professional acting and her voice is totally convincing so perhaps her Thespian experience has served her well.

Robi