Getting to the Truth – What Do Our Words Say?
In the realm of investigative work, words matter. They hold secrets, emotions, and hidden truths. Statement analysis is a magnifying glass, revealing the subtle cues that betray deception. When examining a statement, it should be dissected meticulously. Every word is a breadcrumb. Does the language feel genuine or rehearsed?
Unlike shaky eye movements or fidgety hands, statement analysis focuses on verifiable cues. Real-world scenarios should be studied where stakes matter—where truth and deception collide. Imagine a suspect facing detention or enduring white noise. Their words become currency. Will they confess or weave a web of lies? Statement Analysis allows us to examine the words people speak and write and provide clues and red flags of deception.
Some of these are discussed in this article:
Pronouns
The Singular “I”
“I” is our window into vulnerability. When someone says, “I didn’t,” we scrutinise. Is it a genuine denial or a calculated dodge? Also, watch out when someone changes from “I don’t…” to “you wouldn’t…” This is moving from specifically about what they would not do to what most people would not do.
The Plural “We”
When someone uses the pronoun, they refer to a connection between the parties concerned. A robbery where the alleged victim uses “we” to describe how events unfolded indicates closeness. “We went into the strong room” is a far cry from “he took me into the strong room”.
Ours or Mine?
Our children, or my children? My bed or our bed? What do these tell you about a relationship?
This or That?
This money is mine; that money is yours. See the difference? Ownership and agency.
The Distance Indicator
Think of the difference between “my car,” “the car,” and “a car.” Each provides a different meaning, with less ownership and closeness as we move through them.
The Nameless Pronouns
Sometimes, omission speaks louder. “Went to dinner at seven” leaves room for interpretation. Who went to dinner? What aren’t they saying? Was there a “we”?
Remember, in the dance of words, deception leaves footprints. As investigators, we follow the trail, guided by syntax and nuance.
Verb Tense
In the intricate dance of communication, verb tense acts as a silent informant. It whispers secrets about truth and deception, revealing hidden narratives.
Here’s why it matters:
Present Tense
When someone describes events in the present tense, they think in the here and now. If you have asked them to relate events that occurred in the past, then speaking in the present tense indicates that they may be creating their words in the present.
If you ask, “What happened when the attack took place?” and the answer is “, Three men are coming towards me. I’m trying to ignore them, but they are getting nearer and nearer,” this would indicate that they may be creating this account on the spot.
Future tense
When someone speaks in the future tense about prior actions, this is a red flag of deception. If asked, “Did you take the money from the safe?” and they respond, “I would never take money from the safe,” they are speaking of what they intend to do in the future, not what they did in the past.
Past Tense
Speaking in the past tense when asking about present actions is also an indicator of deception. You want to know about now, not before. A shift to the past tense can signal fabrication. Liars often distance themselves from their lies by placing them in the past.
“Is the economy safe in your hands?”
“My party has always had a strong reputation for fiscal responsibility.”
In each case, the verb tense is incongruous. It feels or sounds odd. Remember, if something seems right, there is a good chance it isn’t.
There are No Synonyms in the Statement Analysis
When it comes to investigative interviews, words matter. They contain clues about the truth and where the speaker may be deceiving us. Statement analysis allows us to identify those clues.
When examining a statement, we dissect it meticulously. Every word is a breadcrumb. Does the language feel genuine or rehearsed?
Unlike observing body language, statement analysis focuses on verifiable cues. We study real-world scenarios where stakes matter—where truth and deception collide. Words can reveal deception.
Q. When is a door not a door?
A. When it is an entrance.
The word someone chooses to use comes with baggage. My car is my car when it is still running, but it may become a vehicle should it break down. If we see a double change in the noun and pronoun, it is an even more giant flag. So, when “My gun” becomes “the weapon”, we are immediately alerted that something about that situation has changed. We know this is a crucial point in the events we are interested in.
If someone changes a word for a similar one, there must be a reason. Something has happened at the point they are relating. This is a point worth examining further.
Strong Denial or Weak Denial?
Strong Denial
A strong denial requires three elements.
1. It must contain the word “I”.
2. It must directly refer to the action or incident.
3. It must include “Did not” or “Didn’t”.
A denial that includes all three elements is robust and reliable. If one or more of these are absent, it will be weak.
“I did not steal the money.” – A firm denial that a truthful person would make.
Weak denials:
“I would never do that.” Perhaps not in the future, but what about the past?
“I swear to God/on my Mother’s/Children's life, no!” – Any such grandiose claim is suspect.
“I am innocent.” – Yes, so is everyone until proven guilty.
“I won’t even dignify that with an answer.” - Practically a confession that they did steal the money:
When looking for signs of deception, denial is an excellent way to identify who to pay attention to.
Statement analysis cannot directly identify a lie, and claims must be checked and verified. Still, it does help determine what needs further investigation or challenge and saves time and resources. As with any investigative tool, it is not a panacea but a reliable way of identifying deception.
Written by Dr. David Jefferies - Board Director for the Eastern Fraud Forum
