There may be some occasions when you may be subjected to a lie detector test. These tests can cause a lot of anxiety, even in people who have nothing to hide, and not without reason. Lie detector tests are interrogations, and it's not uncommon for innocent people to fail the test, facing false crime charges and having their reputations tarnished. Fortunately, they are easy machines to fool, so follow these steps to be in control of your interrogation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare for the previous night
Step 1. Learn about polygraphs
If your career or legal case depends on that car, you should get to know them in detail. Learn how they work and what kind of machines they are. The most important thing to know is that polygraphs are not exact machines. In fact, even considering they are machines based on exact science, their technology is approximate, and often produces erroneous results.
Step 2. Find out what is trying to know who will interrogate you
A lie detector test is used to discover specific information, such as whether you are a spy or have used drugs. If your test is triggered by a specific incident, you probably know what information the examiner is looking for. For tests performed in connection with a job interview, research the policies of the company running them to determine what you will be allowed to admit.
Step 3. Practice your countermeasures early
Practicing first will give you almost certainty that you will pass the test, but only if you do it correctly. When you have read what these measures consist of, make sure you practice before taking the test, to be better prepared.
Step 4. Take the whole "polygraph day" as a test
Think of the lie detector test as an extreme job interview. Dress traditionally and appropriately, and try to make a good impression before the test. Make sure you arrive on time and, unless there is a case of force majeure, try not to delay the exam and not to postpone it.
Be aware that your every move will be watched from the moment you show up at the test site. There may be hidden cameras in the waiting room and bathrooms, and there will almost certainly be a two-way camera or mirror in the polygraph room. The test starts long before you are connected to the machine and will only end when you have left the test site
Step 5. Get an antiperspirant stick and put it all over your fingers and palms the night before
Do it again the next morning. This will limit your sweating (increased sweating is often considered an indicator of a lie). You can also use deodorant on the forehead, nose and underarms.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare Right Before the Test
Step 1. Remember that he will question you he is not your friend
He may convince you that he is on your side and that he will help you if you tell the truth. It's a deception, don't fall for it.
Step 2. Pay attention to the tricks before the test
Those who question you will often try to scare you or convince you of the accuracy of the machine. The theory behind this attitude is that the more you fear being discovered, the more intense your physiological reactions will be when you lie. Don't be fooled. The examiner may also try to provoke fear reactions. For example, he may ask you to wash your hands so that the machine can carefully evaluate your sweating. A hidden camera in the bathroom may reveal to the examiner if you will go to the bathroom and not wash your hands.
Step 3. Identify the type of questions you will be asked
There are three types of questions you will be asked: relevant, irrelevant, and controlling. Irrelevant questions are the obvious ones, like "What's your name?" or "Have you ever eaten pasta?". The relevant questions are the important ones, like "Did you tip the press?", "Did you ever steal money from a company you worked for?" or "Have you ever dealt drugs?". Control questions are those whose reactions will be compared with those of the relevant questions. These are questions to which everyone will answer "yes", but will do it with embarrassment. Some examples: "Have you ever cheated in a game?", Or "Have you ever stolen anything?"
You will only have to prepare yourself if you are not summoned for a pretest during which you will be informed about the relevant questions that will be asked a few days during the actual test
Step 4. Hide your knowledge about polygraphs
The examiner may ask you if you did any research before the test or if you know how they work. Don't say you've done extensive research. Act like you don't know much about lie detector tests, and like you believe polygraphy is a science and polygraphs are reliable. The examiner may try to catch you out by mentioning some technical terms or acronyms such as "Your text is NDI result." Even if you know that "NDI" means "no deception indicated", you will have to behave as if you have no idea what that means. Knowing too much about the tests will make the examiner suspicious, who will think you have something to hide.
Method 3 of 3: Trick the Polygraph
Step 1. Say only what is necessary
You will only be able to answer "Yes" or "No" for most of the test. Resist the urge to explain your answers or go into detail, even if the examiner pushes you to do so. Be courteous and cooperative, but don't offer more information than necessary.
Step 2. Don't admit anything relevant
As much as the lines on the graphs may indicate a lie, nothing is worse than a confession. The examiner may try to convince you that he can "see" a lie thanks to the polygraph, even if he has not noticed anything unusual in the values. Don't be fooled. But try to appear honest, so remember to answer yes to the control questions. Make sure you don't admit to something that might prompt further questions or that could be considered relevant.
Remember that an examiner's job is to get a confession. In many cases, the whole test is just a complex farce to fool you into admitting guilt
Step 3. Answer the questions firmly, seriously and without hesitation
This is no time to be brilliant or to make jokes. You will need to appear zealous, cooperative and resolute.
Step 4. Breathe normally
Except for follow-up questions, you should try to maintain a rhythm of 15-30 breaths per minute. Don't breathe too deeply.
Step 5. Alter your breathing during control questions
The examiner will compare your physiological reactions to control questions with those to relevant questions. If the deviation from base during the control questions exceeds that during the relevant questions, you will pass the test. If you react more intensely to the relevant questions than the control questions, the examiner will believe that you are lying to one of the relevant questions, and you will likely fail the test.
Change the rhythm of your breathing when asked for a control question. You can speed it up or slow it down, hold your breath for a few seconds after an exhalation, or breathe more shallowly. Do this for 5-15 seconds and return to normal breathing before the next question
Step 6. Do the math
Count down mentally as fast as possible or do long divisions. This will change your blood pressure and heart rate.
Step 7. Take the interview after the test
When you are disconnected from the machine, the examiner may leave you in a room for some time and then return. The examiner may claim that they "know" that you are lying about something. It's a trick. Keep calm and repeat your denial firmly and politely. Don't change your answers or process them, and refuse to take long interviews after the test if possible.
Advice
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The easiest way to avoid failing a test is to avoid doing it. If the test is part of a job interview, it almost certainly means that you will not be hired. It is still a possible option, especially if you are opposed to using these machines.
Even if a refusal will prevent you from being hired, it does not mean that you will be fired. Also, if your test is part of a forensic investigation, you have the right to refuse. Your refusal will not be considered evidence in the trial, and in many cases not even your test results
- There are many small variations to polygraph tests. Make sure you do thorough research to be prepared for anything.
- Don't look nervous.
Warnings
- In some circumstances, if you are caught using countermeasures, your job application will not be considered. If you are on probation and have to take a mandatory test, and you are found to be using countermeasures, your freedom will likely be revoked and you will go back to prison.
- Just perform a countermeasure to alter the heartbeat or pressure, or you could make your intentions known.
- Remember that you may not pass the test even using these methods.
- Biting your tongue is a very effective method, but you won't be able to if you have to speak for a long time. Use this mode only if you can give a quick "yes" or "no" answer.
