Spy the Lie: Former CIA Officers Teach You How to Detect Deception

by Philip Houston

it’s simple faulty logic to assume that whatever it is a person is doing differently is indicative of deception.

Truth fears no questions. —Unknown

DECEPTIVE BEHAVIORS • Failure to answer the question • Refusal to answer the question

• Referral statement—“I think I’ve been pretty responsive to you in the past.” • Two exclusion qualifiers—“I think” and “pretty

I never encourage deceit, and falsehood, especially if you have got a bad memory, is the worst enemy a fellow can have. The fact is truth is your truest friend, no matter what the circumstances are. —Abraham Lincoln

The reason we’re all susceptible to the model is that there is so much conflicting information to process, and so many distinct behavioral elements to consider, that our brains simply can’t keep track of them all.

I.III. QUESTIONS ABOUT MATTERS OF INFIDELITY

• Who have you found yourself especially attracted to? Why? • When is the last time you were tempted to have an affair? • What really happened between you and (name of individual in question)? • Is there any reason that someone would say you’re having an affair? • Since our relationship began (Since we got married…), who else have you been sexually active with? • When is the last time you had sex with someone besides me? • Do you have an emotional attachment to anyone else? • Under what circumstances would you ever consider having an affair? • When is the last time someone came on to you (hit on you)? » Follow-up: What did that lead to? • What haven’t I asked you that you think I should know about?

Hiding mouth or eyes—A deceptive nonverbal behavior in which a person uses a hand to shield his mouth or eyes when responding to a question, or closes his eyes when responding to a question that does not require reflection.

Inappropriate level of concern—A deceptive verbal or nonverbal behavior in which a person attempts to equalize the exchange by diminishing the importance of the matter at hand. He may focus on either the issue or the process. Verbal example: “Why is everybody making such a big deal about this?” Nonverbal example: Smiling or chuckling in response to a question regarding a grave situation.