Page 221 - Deception at work all chapters EBook

222 Deception at Work

is especially important when you are in the role of a nurturing parent, when the tone and
volume of your voice should drop and speed of delivery decrease. You should feel that you are
talking to a child whom you are genuinely trying to help.

Adapt your own body language

AWARENESS

You must always remain alert to the possibility that someone may try and deceive you: a little
paranoia does no harm.

Never take things at face value but think what they mean

This does not mean that you have always to express your concerns, but you should internal-
ize and think to yourself ‘What is the angle?’ and ‘Is this important?’ If the lie is insignificant,
such as a joke or a slight exaggeration, you are best advised to simply enjoy it, unless you dislike
the person concerned and want to teach him a lesson. A lot of lies fall into this ‘good’ category
and if you challenge them all, you will quickly become unpopular. Do this and your only op-
tion will be to become a lawyer, accountant or even an investigator.

Decide which lies you wish to challenge

DEALING WITH NERVOUSNESS

Before the interview begins, you must plan the approach and techniques you will use. Never,
ever go unprepared into an interview. In the opening phase you must adopt an adult and
professional role.

Although it is usual for even experienced interviewers to feel a little nervous, you should
remember that, deep down, the suspect is under much greater stress. Your nervousness can be
reduced by good planning, knowing the facts inside out and through rehearsal.

Check the legality

If the case is out of the ordinary or particularly difficult, you should check with qualified
litigation lawyers in the country concerned that the planned approach will not contravene
the law. It is especially important to confirm that privately conducted interviews are legal and
admissible in court. Also, if you are not already certain, you should establish whether or not
you are required to caution the subject to the effect that he is not obliged to answer questions
and that, if he does so, the answers will be admissible against him in court. Finally, the posi-
tion on covertly tape recording interviews should be confirmed.

Rehearsal

If the interview is important, always rehearse it, if necessary with a colleague, your wife, kids,
or in extreme circumstances, with your mother-in-law. The first rehearsal should be with you