Interviewing and interrogation | What's the Best Interviewing Technique? | Tip # 35 of 101 Tips

Summary

In this video, Sten Walters emphasizes the importance of using a versatile range of interviewing and interrogation techniques, as there is no one-size-fits-all method. He advocates for narrative-based, information-gathering approaches over accusatory techniques, highlighting their ethical advantages and ability to extract more information. Walters also discusses tools like micro-expression analysis and criteria-based content analysis, encouraging interviewers to expand their skill sets to handle different situations effectively. With a focus on adaptability, Walters stresses that the most successful interviewers are those with a broad array of techniques and experience at their disposal.

Takeaways

• 😀 There isn't a single best interviewing or interrogation technique; the right approach depends on the situation.
• 😀 The key to successful interviewing is using a variety of techniques, much like a plumber using different tools for different tasks.
• 😀 An accusatory style of interviewing is highly destructive and can lead to contamination of information, especially with victims and witnesses.
• 😀 Narrative-based interviewing, which focuses on information gathering, is considered the most ethical and effective interviewing method.
• 😀 Practical Kesic Interviewing is an example of a narrative-based method that can increase the amount of information gathered by at least 60%.
• 😀 When dealing with large groups of people, criteria-based content analysis can save time and resources by allowing multiple individuals to provide their accounts simultaneously.
• 😀 Micro-expressions, as researched by Dr. Paul Ekman, reveal emotional reactions that are hard to disguise, offering valuable insights into truthfulness and deception.
• 😀 A successful interviewer or interrogator needs to learn multiple techniques to adapt to different situations, whether it's a face-to-face interview or content analysis.
• 😀 The broader the range of tools and techniques an interviewer possesses, the more effective they will be in obtaining the desired results.
• 😀 Being adaptable and understanding the philosophy behind each technique allows interviewers to deploy the right tool at the right time to get the best results.
• 😀 Engaging with the audience, sharing experiences, and learning from others' approaches can help improve interviewing and interrogation skills.

Q & A

What is the best interviewing and interrogation technique?

There is no single 'best' technique. The key is knowing how and when to deploy different techniques depending on the situation. A variety of methods should be available, just as a plumber has different tools for different jobs.

Why is it important to have multiple techniques in interviewing and interrogation?

Different situations require different approaches. For example, a narrative-based interview technique may be best for some cases, while others may require an accusatory approach or even the use of micro-expression analysis. Having a diverse set of tools ensures the best chance for success in any given scenario.

What is the key difference between accusatory and narrative-based interviewing styles?

An accusatory style can be destructive to the interview process, causing issues like contamination or distress for victims and witnesses. On the other hand, a narrative-based style is focused on gathering information and is considered more ethical and effective in many cases.

What is the practical kesic interview and interrogation program?

The practical kesic interview and interrogation program focuses on mastering narrative-based interviews and integrating scientific methods to analyze interviews. It is designed to provide ethical and effective ways of gathering more information during interviews and interrogations.

How can reality monitoring be helpful in interviews and interrogations?

Reality monitoring is a technique that helps assess the veracity of information provided during an interview. It is particularly effective because it can help gather more accurate details from victims, witnesses, and subjects by analyzing how they recall events and experiences.

What is criteria-based content analysis and when is it used?

Criteria-based content analysis is a method used to gather information from multiple individuals in a group setting, saving time and resources. It is particularly useful when there is a large volume of people to interview and when face-to-face interviews are impractical due to time constraints.

Why might face-to-face interviews be preferred over criteria-based content analysis in certain situations?

Face-to-face interviews can be more effective when dealing with high-stakes situations like first responses or when time is limited. They offer a more personalized approach that can lead to better results, especially in urgent or high-risk cases.

How can micro-expression analysis be integrated into interview techniques?

Micro-expression analysis focuses on detecting emotional reactions through brief facial expressions that are difficult to control. This can be used alongside narrative-based interviews or in criteria-based content analysis to gain deeper insights into the emotions and truthfulness of interviewees.

What are micro-expressions, and why are they important in interviews and interrogations?

Micro-expressions are brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal emotions such as fear, anger, or surprise. They are difficult to fake and can provide valuable insight into the true feelings of an interviewee, making them an important tool for detecting deception or emotional responses.

What advice is given for developing effective interviewing and interrogation skills?

The advice is to learn multiple interviewing techniques and to blend them as needed. It’s important to have a broad range of methods, including narrative-based interviewing, micro-expression analysis, and criteria-based content analysis, as different situations call for different tools.