Spy the Lie

 Spy the Lie by P. Houston, M. Floyd, & S. Carnicero

Three former CIA officers teach a method they've developed for detecting deception. Years of experience interviewing prospective employees and questioning criminal suspects taught them what to look for and what to disregard, and proved their method to be highly effective. 

They warn against making assumptions based on single body-language or verbal cues, which might be present for any number of reasons besides guilt, and recommend instead looking for clusters of indicators. Topics include:  Failure to Answer, Inappropriate Questions, Referral Statements, Qualifyers, Convincing Statements, Verbal and Non-Verbal Disconnect, Anchor Point Movement, Grooming Gestures, and others with clear examples of each. Another section explains the kinds of questions that shut down communication versus ones that lead to more informative answers. Several interviews (one with O.J. Simpson) are laid out word for word as an excercise for readers to practice what they've learned, and it's suggested we gain additional practice watching tv interviews, news shows, etc. 

Most of us will never have to question suspected criminals or spies, but some of these principles could be helpful even in personal or work relationships. And if you never use them, the book is still fascinating in its examination of how human beings behave when trying to hide something. We are interesting creatures indeed.