Former Secret Service agent shares tips on how to read people

• Verbal Cues: They pay close attention to what is said and how it’s said. This includes:
  • Choice of words: Is someone using vague language or being overly specific?
  • Inconsistencies: Does their story line up or are there contradictions?
  • Emotional tone: Does their voice or word choice betray their nervousness or deception?
• Nonverbal Communication (Body Language): They become experts at interpreting nonverbal cues like:
  • Facial expressions: Micro-expressions, fleeting changes in facial expressions, can reveal hidden emotions.
  • Posture: A rigid posture might indicate tension, while crossed arms could be defensiveness.
  • Eye contact: Shifty eyes or avoiding eye contact entirely can raise suspicion.
  • Baseline behavior: They establish a baseline for the person’s usual behavior and watch for deviations.
• Behavioral Patterns: They look for patterns in behavior that might indicate nervousness or deception, such as:
  • Fidgeting: Excessive fidgeting can suggest anxiety or discomfort.
  • Baseline changes: Changes from their usual calm demeanor to fidgeting or sweating could be a red flag.
  • Incongruence: When nonverbal cues contradict spoken words, it can indicate deception.
• Asking Questions: They ask well-phrased questions to gather information and assess credibility. This might involve:
  • Open-ended questions: These encourage elaboration and reveal more details.
  • Calibrated questions: Tailored questions based on previous responses to identify inconsistencies.
• Situational Awareness: They are constantly aware of their surroundings and the people in them. This includes:
  • Noting details: They pick up on subtle cues in the environment that might be significant.
  • Understanding context: They consider the situation and the potential motivations of those involved.

Important to Remember:

• No single cue is a definitive giveaway. It’s the combination of these factors that helps former Secret Service agents develop a well-rounded picture of a person.
• This is a skill honed through years of training and experience. While you can learn these techniques, becoming an expert takes dedication and practice.
• It’s important to be ethical when using these skills. Reading people is about understanding, not manipulation.

Additional Resources:

You can find some former Secret Service agents sharing their people-reading tips online, for instance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAlgZ2yJdQE.