As much as you might think you’re an expert at sussing out a liar, sometimes it’s harder to know how to read a situation.
While some people might be awful at telling a porkie (think chocolate smeared mouth of the child who doesn’t know what happened to the cookie jar…), unfortunately we’re also surrounded by people in this world who like to play a game of Cluedo with the truth.
(The guessing game now being working out how much of their previous story was the truth.)
Now a retired FBI Special Agent has shared a tip to help you decode dishonesty after giving a lecture at the Western Illinois University in the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) Department.
John R.Schafer told students that if you suspect someone might be lying to you, the last think you should do is confront them directly.
Schafer suggests instead that you ask the person for their opinion, hinting at their possible behaviour.
Speaking to the assembly, Schafer said gave the following example to students:
Suspicion: Amanda (café owner) suspects that a member of her staff (Rick) has stolen $150 from the Cafe’s safe.
Question: “Rick, I’d like to get your advice on something. A colleague of mine at another café has a problem with one of her staff. She feels that one of them may be stealing from the café safe during their shift. Do you have any suggestions on how she can approach him/her about this problem?”
According to his experience and research, if “Rick” is innocent, he will probably offer advice, and feel honoured that he was trusted with the information. If “Rick” is guilty he will grow increasingly uncomfortable and ask how anyone could do anything like that.
While it might not be the most scientific method, it does beat looking for dodgy body language.
