Questioning

INSTRUCTION

Do the Questioning only for a few days before you move onto the Answers

Questioning Tips

 Objective: is to extract ‘RELIABLE’ and  ’USABLE’ and All the information’

• Establish the Norm (Baseline) in the language, such as consistent words, tone and pitch of the person by asking non intrusive questions.
  

1. Wanting the speaker to elaborate more information ( it is more of a subtle push to get them to speak more)

Repeat their last ‘key’ word or phrase! This prompts a person to elaborate

Example :

• ”John is complex ”
• ” Complex ?”
• ” Yes, one day he is nice to me and the next time I see him – he ignores me”
  

  Example

• I am going out to see Jane
• ” Jane?”
• ” Yes, Jane – remember I told you about John’s friend that has a clothing shop”
  

2. When they start speaking – let them speak – do not interrupt.

• When they finished speaking – take a few moments being quiet and remain looking at them as if you are waiting for more of the story.

The more the person talks – the more information you obtain.

• After they speak – give a moment of silence and wait. They may have more to say.
• Then, help them along saying, ” I am trying to understand” – please help me”
• Say again, ”Please explain what you are saying”
  

3. Use your memory.

• Ask a question and remember the words used in the answer in relation to the time, place or motive.
• Ask other questions – Then ask the same question again to hear if you heard the same as before or perhaps it is different.
• An example. : At the airport the official asks you
• ”Do you have children?” ” Yes, a daughter in London”
• ” What is her name?” ” Roxanne”

” You said that you have a daughter at home in London and her name is Roxanne”

”Yes”.

• ”You have friends that you are visiting here and you are going to stay with them and their names are ? ” Steve, Alan and Elaine”
• ” What work does Roxanne do? ” ” She is in marketing”
• I remember you said your friend’s names were Steve and Alan. Who was the other ?”

If the person replies with the correct name and in a relaxed and timely fashion – then you can consider the truth is being told, however if the person cannot remember the name or takes time to remember, then be concerned.

4. Asking the right questions

Using the right questions is key!

• A person wants to know if someone has stolen their chocolate.
• To ask a suspect ” Did you take my chocolate ? ” may stimulate an answer which could provide an indication
• however, asking the question ” How did the chocolate taste ? ” would be a question that the suspect is not expecting.
• This is highly effective when you suspect a planned lie to be used, as the suspect plans a lie according to ‘thought-out’ questions by the suspect. When a question is asked where the suspect has not planned – they will fold when asked the right question, at the right time for the right reason.
  

5. Putting forward a statement and then posing a question

• ” I hope that the meat in the fridge is still there. I am taking it back to the store because, I heard that the store has been caught selling horse meat.
• I hope you did not eat the meat – did you? ”

6. Being Quiet.

• A person is summoned to have a discussion.
• This technique is especially powerful when you believe the person has had sufficient time to plan the lie.
  Do not ask the question outright – simply talk about other things.
  Then keep quiet letting the pressure build up in the person.
• The person may break under the pressure or manage to keep control ( to some degree), as you will notice the indicators of stress building up.
• Eventually when you ask the question – the answer could be quickly blurted out along with a story instead of a simple yes or no.
• A person that has nothing to hide is calm and collected with no change in tone tempo, unless they are nervous about something which has nothing to do with the topic as they may believe they are being summoned for something else. Therefore, do try to determine ‘why?’ they are nervous.

• 7. Final Questions – the best!
  

  • Is that all that you have to say?
  • Would you like to add anything?
  • Do you think you forgot to add anything?
  • Now listen closely to their reply and watch indicators. They may not use words at this time – and even after they reply –  ask the question again?
    

    Note: Therefore do try to determine ‘why?’ they were or are still ‘nervous’.
    They may have done something else wrong that you were not aware of!

Conclusion

Remember the story and the sequence it is told. Be calm, relaxed and patient.

The truth will come out eventually even though you would like to know the answer right here and now – take your time.

We reiterate, that it is important to let the person speak and encourage them to speak with intervals of quietness giving them time to speak more. The more they speak the more information they provide.