First published in 1985

The purpose of this book is to draw together research on one aspect of verbal and nonverbal communication—emotional expression. The focus is on verbal and nonverbal behaviors associated with emotions.

A distinction is made between expressive behaviors that occur spontaneously during emotions—often without a person's awareness or control—and more deliberate forms of communication where the person manipulates verbal and nonverbal cues in order to create an impression.

The difference between expression and communication is introduced in Chapter 1 and developed throughout the book.