Whether you’re new to investigative interviews or a seasoned pro, when the person across the table throws you a curveball, it can knock you off your game.
Why Preparing Questions Pre-Meeting Isn’t Enough.
You’ve already spent hours meticulously reviewing all the case materials.
You have a game plan that includes a list of thoughtfully prepared questions to ask the person sitting across the table. And, you have calculated that you will have enough time to ask all those questions within the next two hours.
You know that because you have booked the meeting room for two hours so that’s all the time you have because you know someone has it booked right after this meeting. And, there is nothing more nerve wracking than someone knocking on the door and pointing to their watch letting you know they are waiting to take over the room – TIMES UP!
And, then it happens. You’re almost through your list of questions. You still have 30 more minutes before having to surrender the room. Life is good. Until….
The interviewee throws you a curveball. Just when you think you know how he’ll respond to your next question, he unexpectedly shifts the investigation in a completely different direction.
How dare he disrupt your carefully planned strategy. And, where the heck do you go from here?
What Happens When We’re Caught Off Guard.
You weren’t prepared for this curve ball. And, you start to feel like the interview is completely getting away from you.
How are you supposed to think up new questions, covering all the essential points, get his responses and manage to complete this interview in the next 30 minutes when it already took you hours to prepare the questions you have in front of you.
And that’s when it all starts to come undone. You’ve been caught off guard and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to remain calm and focused.
That’s when one of three responses usually occurs.
- Fight – You are skilled in investigative interviewing and actually get excited when the curveball occurs.
- Flight – You brush over the curve ball response – pretending it’s not important because it wasn’t on your list of questions so you can’t possibly go down that road. Nope. Just ignore.
- Freeze -You feel completely overwhelmed by the need to come up with new questions on the spot, unprepared and pressured by the tight deadline to cover all the essential points. This causes you to stumble and stammer, helplessly watching as the interview spirals out of control, like a plane nose diving into the Atlantic.
This is how my first 10 years of investigative interviews played out.
I always had a prepared list of questions and a well-thought-out interview strategy set in place beforehand. For most statements, everything went smoothly. But then there were those moments when I was thrown a curveball.
Before receiving my training in the Cognitive Interview Technique, I would go into full panic mode, as thinking on my feet wasn’t my strong suit.
Not yet.
How to Embrace the Curve Ball: Transform Panic Into Curiosity
The Cognitive Interview technique taught me how to deal with the “curve ball”.
It taught me how to lean into the “curve ball” and replace panic with curiosity. It’s like a new twist when reading a great mystery novel. You can’t wait to turn the page and see what’s coming next.
One of the concepts I teach emphasizes how clarifying questions help ensure you fully understand what’s being communicated.
And what are those four words that I’ve used over and over again throughout my years of investigative interviews? “Tell me more about ( insert the curve ball statement)…”
Seriously, that’s it. That one little clarifying question can be a treasure trove of information.
And, it can buy you some time. Some much needed time to get your head around the new path this interview is now on.
Mastering the Art of the Investigative Interview
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered the Curve Ball many times—a statement that begins in one direction but quickly veers off course.
A successful investigative interview requires structure and flow; it doesn’t just happen by chance. Some people are more challenging to interview than others, but a skilled interviewer can always draw out the most from the person across the table.
So, in your next investigative interview, whether you’re thrown a curve ball or just seeking more detail, use those four powerful words: “Tell me more about….”
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of investigative interviewing is all about adaptability and maintaining your composure in the face of unexpected challenges.
- Stay Calm: A curveball doesn’t have to disrupt your strategy or shake your confidence.
- Embrace the Moment: Use it as an opportunity to delve deeper into the conversation.
- Ask Insightful Questions: Utilize the four simple words – “Tell me more about” – to turn uncertainty into valuable insights.
- Practice Makes Perfect: With consistent practice and a positive mindset, you can easily navigate curveballs and improve your overall interviewing skills.
So, take a deep breath, trust your abilities, and start your next interview with the confidence that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
No panic required.
And to get every meeting started on a positive note, I’ve created a cheat sheet.
Inside, you’ll find essential do’s and don’ts to kickstart the conversation smoothly and quickly build rapport with the person across the table.
It’s a practical easy to read guide to help you feel more confident and prepared ensuring every interview get’s off to the right start.
Have you encountered curveballs in interviews? Share your experience in the comments below!
And remember – It’s not about asking the correct questions. It’s about asking questions in the correct way!
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