Peter A. Andersen
Mayfield Publishing Co., (1999)
Reviewer: Terrence L. Warburton
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

On the "old" Tonight Show ("How old was it? It was so old, it was hosted by someone named Johnny Carson"), Tony Randall explained his love of opera by describing his reaction when he first discovered it. The set-up of his story would be seen today as politically incorrect (Randall was speaking long before Bill Maher), but the punchline is what counts: having seen his first opera, Randall exclaimed "You mean this is what I've been missing all these years? What took me so long?" I would not suggest that Anderson's Nonverbal Communication: Forms and Functions is the textbook equivalent of Carmen or Aida, but after reading the book, I feel a lot like Randall. I may not have previously known what I was missing, but now that I do know, I am a committed fan.

Undergraduate nonverbal texts are similar to texts in interpersonal, public speaking, mass media, and the like in that most differences are of degree rather than kind. Graphics, sequence, exercises, and ancillaries are the primary means used to distinguish among a host of books that basically say the same things in much the same way. This reiterative process may even be seen within the books themselves, with the second part often serving as a re-presentation of the first part, only in somewhat different packaging. This is not necessarily bad or counterproductive, but undergraduate students (many of whom are ever sensitive to reasons for not reading a book in its entirety) are not always receptive to a presentational format that is perceived as blatantly repetitive and therefore (to them) goes on twice as long as it should. While Andersen's book avoids this major pitfall, its success should not be defined primarily in terms of what it does not do. As with Randall and opera, I am a fan because of what is delivered - and the way it arrives.

The book is divided roughly into the two major elements in the title - forms and functions, but Andersen handles the content and arrangement far more effectively than the other basic nonverbal texts with which I am familiar. Part 1 begins with with an array of definitions that explore the relation of nonverbal communication with language. Some may take issue with Andersen's discussion of the "primacy of nonverbal communication," but I shall leave that debate to Frank Dance and others far more eloquent and passionate when it comes to defending the "primacy of speech." From there the text moves to the specific nonverbal codes, examining cultural, sexual, and gender differences and dimensions. Although this may not sound much different from most other NVC texts, the treatment is well done, with a solid grounding in relevant and current research.

Part 2 turns to the discussion of functions of NVC, primarily related to the personal and interpersonal dimension, with emotion, stress, immediacy, and intimate relationships each getting a chapter. Not only does Andersen focus on themes that are likely to be of interest to the typical undergraduate - as well as many whose undergraduate days are well behind them - but he also covers them in a way that expands and enriches what was introduced in Part 1. Readers are not likely to perceive the material as little more than a rehashing of the first 131 pages. Part 3 continues the focus on functions, but moves from the personal to the public dimension with influence, persuasion, deception, and power as the chapter topics. Again, the discussions build upon what was introduced previously.

The style is accessible but not simplistic; Andersen strikes a good balance between the sophistication of expression necessary to do justice to the literature and the clarity of presentation essential to connect with undergraduate audiences. The text engages without talking down to or above the intended readers. The extensive reference list would also provide an excellent orientation for students assigned a research paper or project as part of the class.

As Tony Randall explained, once he found what he had been missing, he stuck with it; in the same respect, I plan to use Andersen's text next year in my NVC class. However, I realize not everyone may enjoy opera or every opera, so I would not presume to recommend the text for everyone or every class. But I would encourage people to take a look; you may discover something you had not realized you were missing.