Wise As A Serpent; Gentle As a Dove: Dealing With Deception

by Peter Hyatt

Statement Analysis is the scientific process by which deception is detected through the words used. Analytical Interviewing is a legally sound, non-intrusive, non-interpretive method of gaining information from the interviewee based upon the subject's own language. These techniques are invaluable to corporations, businesses, families, law enforcement, teachers, lawyers, therapists, investigators, doctors, sales and anyone in need of protection from deception. Law enforcement separates the innocent from the guilty, businesses can screen out deceptive applicants before they become employees who file fraudulent claims, including unemployment, disability and various fraudulent suits.
The author uses examples from murders, missing persons, theft, sexual assault and even child molestation to show how words will reveal the truth from deception, and that trained listening is a skill that, once acquired, will put the trainee at a strong advantage over the deceptive.

Genres: Nonfiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2014

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into statement analysis. Discerning deception only by the words written/spoken. Hyatt is clearly an expert in his field. A compelling look at the mind of the liar and how language gives them away, if you know how to spot it. A very convincing skill, hopefully taken seriously by law enforcement everywhere. Excellent content.

The only fault with this book is the presentation and the dire need of a proof-read. Which lets it down quite a bit. Honestly, it reads as if the author bashed it out once and never looked back, and doesn't believe in spellchecker. It's rather funny considering how much attention statement analysis gives to each and every word used.

[Kenneth Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic

This is an interesting topic and Peter Hyatt is recognized as an expert in the field. However, the book is badly in need of an editor. It is filled with grammatical and spelling errors.

[Suzanne Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

This book is fantastic! I appreciated the insight and knowledge on active listening and observing for “leakage”. I loved that it has stories and examples.

The only con I have is the editing. Very poor job and whoever exited or converted to Kindle missed the mark.

[Matthew B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very few tips, but lots of examples helps make the material more applicable to real life.

[felicia˚❀⋆｡˚ ⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, filled with knowledge. Peter Hyatt was truly the best in his field. This is staying on my bookshelf.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lots of typos in the Amazon Kindle version but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. A great complement to the LSI SCAN course with Mr. Sapir.

[Peter Cribbett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great book but worth the read. I think I learnt stuff.

Although I believe the methods he describes have merit, and are a useful tool for investigators, I suspect he exagerates their accuracy.