Near field phases can be observed on individual broadband seismograms at teleseismic distances from great earthquakes. Even at distances of 20¿--30¿, such phases can have amplitudes of several tenths of a mm. While previous studies have identified near field phases in vertical component data, I show that such phases can be much more easily observed using the transverse component. Although observed effects agree well with complete waveform calculations using point moment tensor sources, they do not satisfy some of the assumptions commonly made in seismic data analysis. It is therefore suggested that care be taken in the analysis of very broadband seismograms which may contain these effects. Recent W phase observations are shown to be a case in point. ¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union