A behavioral and non-verbal communication expert has shared a simple questioning technique designed to expose when a person is withholding the truth. Jose Astorga stated in an interview with lifestyle publication Men's Health that asking one specific question can catch deceptive individuals off guard by disrupting their composure.
Astorga said the technique relies on asking a speaker what they have not disclosed that they feel they ought to share with the interviewer. According to the expert, the question is utilized by the Central Intelligence Agency, where intelligence specialists refer to it as a mop-up note.
The timing of the question is critical to its success, Astorga explained. He noted that the inquiry should be delivered specifically at the end of a dialogue. While individuals who are lying often appear highly confident throughout a conversation, facing this inquiry at the conclusion causes them to begin acting impulsively.
How Deceptive Signs Appear in Behavior
Astorga added that when an individual has been dishonest, the psychological impact of the final question manifests in observable physical reactions. He explained that evidence of lying can be detected both on the person's face and through involuntary physical movements.
Behavioral analysis and non-verbal communication focus on interpreting body language, facial expressions, gestures, and vocal tone to evaluate truthfulness. Security agencies and psychological researchers study micro-expressions because involuntary physical stress responses frequently contradict spoken statements when a person is caught unprepared.
The Use of Strategic Interrogation Techniques
The Central Intelligence Agency, the federal agency responsible for foreign intelligence gathering for the United States, uses structured questioning strategies during debriefings and security evaluations. Closing questions designed to prompt immediate, unscripted responses help interviewers evaluate credibility before a subject can formulate a calculated answer.
Astorga outlined the method in Men's Health, an international publication that reports on health, fitness, psychology, and personal relationships. The outlet frequently features insights from behavioral specialists regarding interpersonal communication and conflict management.
