In this episode, host Dave Thompson interviews Gil Zamora, a police sketch artist and former law enforcement officer. Gil shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming a sketch artist and discusses the training process for forensic artists. He also introduces the concept of the Mindful Interview Method and highlights the fallibility of human memory in eyewitness interviews. In this conversation, Gil Zamora discusses his experience as a forensic artist and the unique challenges he faced in creating sketches based on eyewitness descriptions. He shares the process of conducting interviews and sketching suspects, highlighting the importance of building rapport with the eyewitnesses. Zamora also discusses the impact of his work, including the emotional response it evoked in both the eyewitnesses and viewers. He emphasizes the need to avoid suggesting information during interviews and the danger of shaping evidence to conform to preconceived notions. Gil discusses his involvement with the viral Dove Real Beauty Sketches project, where Gil sketched women based on their own descriptions and compared them to sketches based on others' descriptions.  Zamora concludes by encouraging investigators to be mindful of the complexities of memory recall and to collect evidence without bias.

Truths:

• Forensic artists receive training in both drawing and interviewing techniques, a unique combination.

In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Bruce Pitt-Payne, a former major crime investigator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), about the evolution of interviewing techniques. They discuss the shift from confession seeking to information gathering, the benefits of recording interviews, and the challenges of implementing change in the field. They also explore the Mr. Big technique used in undercover operations and the importance of rapport and vulnerability in interviews. The conversation highlights the phased interview model and the PEACE model as effective frameworks for conducting interviews. In this conversation, Bruce Pitt-Payne and Dave Thompson discuss various aspects of interviewing and communication strategies. They explore the different behaviors of interviewees and how to navigate them effectively. They also emphasize the importance of following scientific principles in communication and avoiding biases and prejudices.

Truths:

• The shift in interviewing techniques from confession seeking to information gathering has led to more effective and ethical interviews.

In this episode, host Dave Thompson interviews Joumana Kidd, discussing her diverse career in media and sports journalism. They also discuss the pressure and urgency in sports reporting, the impact of negative media attention, and the challenges of living in the public eye. Joumana shares insights into interviewing athletes and entertainers, overcoming resistance in interviews, and the importance of context in interviews. They also touch on the positive side of sports reporting and the challenges of public scrutiny.

Truths

• Empathy and understanding can help to create a more comfortable environment

In this episode, Hayley Cleary, PhD discusses the unique developmental period of adolescence and its impact on conversations and interviews with youth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between juvenile, youth, adolescent, and teenager, and the extended period of adolescence that lasts beyond the teen years. Cleary highlights the vulnerability of youth in conversations and the impact of life experiences on their decision-making. She also explores the role of empathy and rapport in building effective communication with youth.

Truths:

• Adolescence is a unique developmental period that extends beyond the teen years and is marked by ongoing neurological and psychosocial maturation.

In this episode, Dave Zulawski, CFI, CFE and co-founder of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, shares insights and experiences from his career in interviewing and interrogation. He discusses the lack of training in these areas and the importance of effective communication skills. He emphasizes the need for flexibility in interviewing methods and the power of silence and active listening. Dave also highlights the value of recording interviews and how these skills can be applied in HR and hiring processes. He concludes by encouraging continual learning and self-evaluation in order to improve as an interviewer.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, we explore the importance of effective communication and how it can be improved. We discuss the role of active listening and empathy in communication, as well as the impact of non-verbal communication. We also address common communication barriers and how to overcome them. Finally, we touch on the topic of cultural differences in communication.

Truths:

• Effective communication is crucial in all aspects of life, including interviewing and interrogation.

The Truth Be Told podcast explores the secrets to strategic communication. The host, Dave Thompson, introduces the podcast and its focus on unlocking the secrets to effective communication. The podcast covers five main themes: strategy and preparation, understanding rapport, asking the right questions, evaluating performance, and bringing science into practice. Each theme is explored through conversations with experts from various fields, including investigative interviewing, negotiation, psychology, and law enforcement. The goal is to provide listeners with tools and information to become better communicators in their everyday lives.

5 Truths

• Effective communication requires strategy and preparation.