Micro-expressions
Introduction to brief facial movements and the recognition framework taught by Paul Ekman Group. Study timing, expression families, and the limits of drawing conclusions about emotion or intent.
IST Behavioral Intelligence & Threat Awareness
Human Behavior & Interviewing
Micro-expressions, body language, deception, and avoidance.
Observe carefully, ask purposeful questions, and distinguish what you see from what you can establish.
01 / Subject overview
What this subject covers
This subject brings behavioral observation into the interviewing process. IST instruction connects facial movement, body language, listening, and questioning with context and verification. The focus is understanding an encounter, not assigning a label from a single reaction.
Discuss behavioral instructionCore topics
Body language
Examine posture, movement, gestures, and their relationship to the conversation. Consider the setting, individual differences, stress, and other possible explanations before interpreting a change.
Deception and avoidance
Explore unclear answers, missing information, and avoidance within an account. Keep hypotheses open and use follow-up questions and corroborating facts rather than treating a gesture as proof of a lie.
Investigative interviewing
Develop clear questions, attentive listening, and accurate notes. Airport and checkpoint examples illustrate how to separate an observation, a possible interpretation, and the information actually established.
IST approach
Recognition is not a verdict.
A facial expression or gesture does not establish deception, guilt, or harmful intent. IST teaches observation as part of a wider process that considers context, alternative explanations, corroborating information, and the responsibilities of the interviewer.
Articles & further study
Explore the subject in depth
This series will explore micro-expressions, the difference between fear and surprise, nervousness during questioning, and moving from an observation to a better question.
No articles in this subject are published yet. Reviewed and approved articles will be listed here.
Instruction & seminars
Discuss your learning objectives
Tell IST about your audience, professional responsibilities, topic of interest, and preferred format. We can then discuss the appropriate scope for a lecture, seminar, or instruction.
Contact IST about this subject