166: Kevin Barrows | Think Like an FBI Interrogator

Detecting Lies

Detecting lies requires a keen understanding of human behavior and the ability to identify inconsistencies in a person's story. Kevin Barrows explains that people who lie often embellish their stories unnecessarily, which can be a red flag for deception 1. He emphasizes the importance of credibility, noting that a consistent story, even if not entirely favorable, can lend more credibility than an exaggerated one 1.

People again, it always goes back to they'll tell you what they think you know. If they don't think you know that these little things are lies then they're not lies in their mind.

--- Kevin Barrows

Barrows also highlights the tactic of confronting liars with evidence of smaller lies to challenge their overall credibility 2.

   

Body Language

Interpreting body language is a nuanced skill that can reveal much about a person's truthfulness. Barrows discusses the importance of establishing a baseline of normal behavior to detect deviations that might indicate deception 3. He notes that changes in behavior, such as hesitations or physical tells, can be significant when assessing someone's honesty 3.

I noticed that you took a long time to answer that. No, you didn't take a long time with all the other questions. So that tells me that you're either thinking, “How can I lie or how do I say this?”

--- Kevin Barrows

Barrows stresses the need for a baseline in every situation, as different contexts can influence a person's demeanor 4.