In this week’s WZ / IAI interview and interrogation training tip, Dave Thompson, CFI discusses a strategy when conducting interviews over the phone. Studies have shown that the spatial distance between two people could alter the perception of trust and level of comfort between them.
In a face-to-face interview, generally an interviewer will start approximately 3-4 feet apart from the subject. As the interview progresses through the conversation, they would make themselves appear smaller by leaning in, lowering their voice and sometimes scooting their chair forward. When on a phone interview, this same dynamic can be accomplished by the interview conducting the conversation while on speakerphone. As the interviewer progresses through the conversation they can pick up the handset, and give the appearance that they have “moved closer” in the conversation.
Every loss prevention investigator should continuously strive to enhance their investigative interviewing skills as part of an ongoing commitment to best-in-class interviewing performance. This includes holding ourselves to an elite standard of interview and interrogation training that is ethical, moral and legal while demanding excellence in the pursuit of the truth. The International Association of Interviewers (IAI) and Wicklander-Zulawski (WZ) provide interview and interrogation training programs and additional guidance to investigators when dealing with dishonest employees, employee theft, sexual harassment, policy violations, building rapport, pre-employment interviewing, lying, denials and obtaining a statement.
By focusing on the latest information and research from experts in the field as well as academia, legal and psychological resources, these video tips provide interview and interrogation training techniques that can enhance the skill sets of professionals with backgrounds in Law Enforcement, Loss Prevention, Security, Asset Protection, Human Resources, Auditors or anyone looking to obtain the truth.
To learn more about interview and interrogation training and how you can further develop your professional skill sets, please visit www.w-z.com or www.certifiedinterviewer.com for additional information.