Ratings8
Average rating3.5
Three former CIA officers share their expert techniques for lie detection, outlining methods for identifying deceptiveness as revealed by verbal and non-verbal behaviors from facial expressions and grooming gestures to invoking religion and using qualifying language. 60,000 first printing.
Reviews with the most likes.
Quite anecdotal throughout. Although it would be difficult to pin point specifics it felt very up in the air although did ironically feel quite true.
There's a bit of a Independence day message of “God bless America” but I can look past that.
I would also say there is nothing secret or groundbreaking about the book but that, in a way, is it's beauty because human behaviour has not changed in the abstract. I reject the idea that all people will eventually confess. I've spoken to far to many people who lie to their teeth and are unfortunately delusional enough to think of it as the truth. The book touches on this slightly but most of the anecdotes they focus on are almost like a church confessional.
Overall I did enjoy the book and helped me think a lot about communication and what was behind the words being said.
I was not expecting much out of this book, but was pleasantly surprised; it is a very interesting look at what kind of behavior is manifested when deception is occurring.
Far from the hallowed steps of “Lie to Me” (the TV show centered around reading micro-expressions), this team of former CIA polygraphers delves into simple physical and speech-based cues to when someone is being deceptive.
I think the most interesting aspect was the commentary accompanying the appendices, which are actual transcripts with commentary from the testimony of individuals (I won't spoil who) that are either proven or suspected to be deceiving the questioner.
If it strikes your fancy, it's definitely worth the read.