A quick summary of Forensic Linguistics:

 Summary

• Know what was said and why; what wasn’t said and why.
• All communications are preceded by thought. Everything (said or not said) is the result of a decision.
• Memories are physical-neuron connections (smells, sounds, sights, feelings, etc).
• Telling the truth is easier/less stressful than lying/creating.
• Calibrate to the individual: pace, rhythm, vocabulary, blinking rate, focus, mannerisms, hand movements, etc. An introductory session before the interview is critical to calibrate the individual.
• Partial truths - we learn at an early age (2 - 4 yrs.) to tell partial truths; convince ourselves partial truths = whole truths ≠ lie.
• If you tell me something, knowing it is misleading, is that telling the truth?
• Everything contaminates - even questions.
• A person can be truthful and not factual.
• Pronouns reveal. My daughter vs. My other daughter vs. My youngest daughter.
• Denials. “I deny … ≠ a denial; “I didn’t do it.” = a denial.
• Past tense, active voice = credible for a past event. Passive voice, present tense, and change in voice = possible deception.
• Communication Patterns are essential (calibrate); communication pattern changes reveal much information.
• Question structure is very important. Avoid wiggle words; use only mutually-understood words.