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The  Behavioral  Table  of  Elements  

Field Guide Vol. I /Edition 1.4
US Government Edition

Chase Hughes
 The Behavioral Table of Elements Field Guide Chase Hughes

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The Behavioral Table of Elements

Field Guide

©Chase Hughes 2012 -2014 All Rights Reserved

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©Chase Hughes 2012.2014 All Rights Reserved
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This guide is intended for use by agencies and departments within the US and state Government
systems as a training and analysis tool, and by private clients of chasehughes.com.
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For inquiries and updates, email [email protected].
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US Registration Number: 2210974887K
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 The Behavioral Table of Elements Field Guide Chase Hughes

Table of Contents
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1. Welcome Aboard!
2. A Broad Sketch of the BToE
3. The Analysis Process
4. Influencing Factors
5. The Breakdown
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 The Behavioral Table of Elements Field Guide Chase Hughes

Welcome Aboard!
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The Behavioral Table of Elements was designed to have multiple applications across unlimited
platforms and to work in any environment and in any country. As an organic document, the table
will continue to evolve and progress in its complexity, accuracy and applicability. Your agency or
company will have access to this document as it grows for a period of two years from your
purchase.
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As a training tool, the table is an absolutely invaluable piece of hardware that enables, fast,
accurate and measurable training results that can be replicated with ease across a broad spectrum
of employees.
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As an analysis tool, for the first time in world history, an interaction can be mathematically
broken down into accurate and universally understood gestures, behaviors, deception and vocal
indicators.
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As you make your way through the book, the graphs and tables may seem a bit over-done, but it
will be tied up quite nicely as you near the finish. Whether you are reading this as a student,
analyst or an instructor, the tables will gradually form a more clear understanding that the
Behavioral Table of Elements is actually quite a simple system that exemplifies the closest
possible attempt our species has ever made to scientifically understand and categorize human
behavior and interaction in a way that can be shared and understood by anyone or presented in
court. The rating system was developed to account for variables, numerically and behaviorally
break down an entire interaction and automatically change numeric values in response to organic
events within interrogation and conversation.
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Every time the table is used for any reason, the user begins to develop a more intimate
understanding of behavior, the cell abbreviations and their important position within the table.
After a three-week period of periodic use, most clients in the test group experienced significant
results and were able to recall over 95% of the cell data and the relationship of behaviors. Field
agents will be able to use this table on a daily basis and it will eventually become a subconscious
competence that is developed that will very likely save hundreds of lives in Law Enforcement.
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An ‘instinctive’ ability to use the table in real-world environments to profile behavior usually
takes about nine to eleven weeks of exposure. The tri-fold wallet cards that accompany the
advanced training package are absolutely indispensable for field agents. You’ll find that it will be
easy and enjoyable to take the table home and use it to watch the news, TV shows and even
interact with your children. Employees will absolutely take this table into their personal lives and
use it in myriad ways that will vastly speed up the process of their familiarization and
development of their ‘unconscious competence.’

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For simplicity in understanding, the term ‘gesture’ is used in all cases and will be shown on all
cells to represent both gestures and behaviors. To avoid confusion, the academic semantics of
‘gesture vs. behavior’ are omitted from the table as the distinction between the two is irrelevant
in the actual process of using the table to obtain behavioral results and evidence.
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The terms interrogator and interviewer are used interchangeably throughout the book and are
done so in specific areas to enhance learning through fractionation.
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Although the term ‘he’ is used frequently in the text, no attempt has been made to affront any
particular group or culture.
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Chapter 1
A Broad Sketch of the BToE
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The BTOE is laid out in a way that makes it easy to find a gesture based on two axes: The
vertical axis represents the region of the body wherein the head is on the top and the feet are at
the bottom. The two sections at the far-bottom are behaviors that take place outside the body; the
top being how we interact with objects in our surroundings and the bottommost being our verbal
expression methods and syntax.
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The left-to-right axis represents the lowest stress and deception likelihood on the left and
gradually increases to the right to end at the most stress and deception related behaviors and
gestures.
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The numbering system in the upper left hand corner of each cell is simply there to give reference
to its position within the table, while the other datum within each cell is representative of the
qualities associated with the behavior therein.
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The table can be used in pretty much any scenario. This field guide, while serving as the
reference text for the table, is also intended for use by the analyst who will perform a systematic
analysis of interviews and interrogation.
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The Key
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Just like what’s on a map, the key enables the user to identify the specific datum contained in
each cell.
Each cell contains 14 individual data points that provide reference and identifying data about
each behavior:
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1. Reference Number
2. Symbol
3. Name
4. Confirming Gestures
5. Amplifying Gestures
6. Microphysiological Amplifiers
7. Variable Factors
8. Cultural Prevalence
9. Sexual Propensity
10. Gesture Type
11. Conflicting Behaviors
12. Body Region
13. Deception Rating
14. Deception Timeframe
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1. Reference Number
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 Each Cell contains a number in the upper-left corner. This number is used to
identify the behavior/gesture’s location on the table, not the gesture itself. As the
table will continue to evolve on a monthly basis, the numbers will remain constant
in presentation and location within the table. The reference number can be used
only to identify a location within the table, not a specific behavior. As the table
evolves, and new cells are added or removed, the numerical system of numbering
of the cells will remain the same.
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2. Symbol
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Each cell contains an abbreviation of the name of each behavior. These
abbreviations are used to identify behaviors. For instance, to refer to an arm cross
on a report, the letters, ‘Acc’ would be used to annotate it on the interview
timeline provided in appendix 1. When referring verbally to the gesture, the same
abbreviation will be used. Every effort was made during development to ensure
each symbol within the cells are easy to memorize and intuitive in their written
and spoken forms. In training scenarios, symbols should be used as a stand-alone
object and presented to trainees without the whole cell as often as possible to
facilitate rapid absorption of the symbols and their associated behaviors.
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3. Name
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The name is given under the symbol in each cell. In some cases, for lack of cell-
real estate, an abbreviated form of the actual name is listed. The data file
associated with the BToE contains full names of each gesture/behavior.
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4. Confirming Gestures
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The Confirming Gestures area provides the most closely related behaviors/
gestures that will confirm the translation or meaning of the behavior. For instance,
Foot Withdrawal (Fw) has confirming gestures of Chair Legs (Cl) and Jewelry
Play (Jp). Both of these confirming gestures amplify and resonate with the
original intended meaning of foot withdrawal. Any gesture in the ‘Confirming
Gestures’ data point will confirm a ‘diagnosis’ of that particular behavior as
indicating the intended message set forth in the table.
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5. Amplifying Gestures
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This area shows other behaviors within the table that can also confirm the
intended meaning as above, but can also add more meaning or relevance to the
behavior. For example, Lip Compression (Lc) is confirmed by Jaw Clenching (Jc)
and Digital Flexion (Df). However, this behavior is amplified by Chin Thrusting
(Ct) and Self-Hugging (Shg). The second two elements give us a sharper picture
of what is going on and allow the observer to infer more data than would have
otherwise been available seeing the gesture alone.
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6. Microphysiological Amplifiers
This section contains smaller, and more subtle cues to look for to either confirm a
gesture or measure the intensity of it during interactions. Some
Microphysiological references may refer to a different gesture on the table, and
some may simply contain a small bit of data. Sometimes, as in the example of
Arm Crossing (Acc), capillary quality (which will be covered in depth later) is the
microphysiological reference. Anything in this field is something that can be
easily missed, but plays an important part in measuring the meaning and/or
intensity of a gesture in question.
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7. Variable Factors
This section refers to the number of different ways this gesture can present itself
in human interaction and the variations can sometimes convey very different
behavioral messages. In the example of the Arm-Cross earlier, the Variable
Factors rating is 4. A person can cross their arms in what we have determined to
be 4 common ways. Each arm-cross can produce a different result, so the data
table must be referenced to determine which variable was seen.
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8. Cultural Prevalence
The Cultural Prevalence sections will indicate whether a certain country or region
of the world identifies this gesture with a different meaning than the one intended
within the table. For example, some countries do not usually shake their heads
horizontally to indicate they are saying, ‘no’. This occurs in Bosnia and Croatia –
it’s common in Balkan, Turkey and Greece as well. Where any cell has a
particular country listed in the Cultural Prevalence section, the data table will
provide more information and the cited research for each datum. The ‘U’ most
commonly seen in this section means that most all countries with few exceptions
perform this gesture or behavior for the same reasons.
 9. Sexual Propensity
In this field, data is displayed to indicate whether the gesture is more common in
women or men.
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10. Gesture Type
Within this body of research, the behaviors are all divided into four types of
gestures:
1. Open
2. Closed
3. Unsure
4. Aggressive
More will be covered on these in Chapters 3 and 4.
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11. Conflicting Behaviors
The Conflicting Behaviors field contains behaviors that would be indicative of
results other than what is described within the table. For example, in Digital
Flexion (Df), we assume this is a stress and anxiety behavior. Humans do this in
conversation when confronted with troubling, accusatory, stressful or otherwise
anxiety-producing information. However, the conflicting behavior listed is Anger
(Ag). Digital flexion with an anger facial expression is not in line with the
meaning of digital flexion according to the table. The flexion, in this case, is
caused by the anger, not stress.
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12. Body Region
This field shows the region of the body the behavior usually takes place in.
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13. Deception Rating
This field is a representation of each behavior’s individual deception level
according to the table. Using the deception scale (discussed later), and factoring
variables and influencing factors, the numbers in the deception rating fields of
each cell can be added to form a total deception rating for each response to a
question, or statement.
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14. Deception Timeframe
Within an interaction, there are basically three times to look for deceptive
behaviors:
1. Before a person answers a particular question or makes a statement
a. This includes the time from when a question is being asked to the time
they begin to answer.
2. During a person’s response or statement
3. After they have made the response or statement
 Using these three times as guideposts, each deceptive cell has a rating of B., D., or
A., respectively and is making the assumption of the best time to observe the
person for the deceptive behavior contained in each cell.
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*Anywhere within the table a minus
(-) symbol shows up, this field
indicates the lack of the associated
behavior or gesture.

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Chapter 2
The Analysis Process
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Using the table, whether for training, interview analysis, interrogation, political debates or even
in a pub; is much easier than it appears at first glance. As you progress through this chapter, it
will become clearer how the table can easily be applied (unambiguously) to almost any
environment you choose to use it in.
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Earlier, the form and shape of the table was explained. The key and the contents of each cell
were then described with their characteristics and variations. Here, we will build a fundamental
understanding of how to purposefully apply this to the real world.
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The most important thing to remember when performing analysis is that an observed behavior is
only as valuable as the stimulus that causes it. For example, a chronology statement, wherein an
interview subject describes a course of events in a seemingly memorized and rehearsed fashion
in perfect chronological order, is rated a 4.0 on the DRS. If the interviewer pointedly asks a
course of events to be specifically described in the order in which they occurred, the chronology
statement would then have no weight in the analysis of deception.
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Firstly, we will use an example of a post-interrogation analysis using the BToE.
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Scenario:
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For scenario purposes, the scenario events that will take place will appear in grey boxes like the
one seen below. First, a single question and response will be documented and analyzed for
deception.
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You are a Senior Interrogator and have been informed that your staff has finished
interrogating a suspect for child-molestation. The video of the interrogation is
available and you sit at your desk with the BToE to perform an analysis of the
interaction.
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For analysis, the table provides the most useful method of obtaining and scientifically collecting
data about any interaction. The table has variables (discussed in the next chapter) that shift the
contents a bit, but the concept comes first.

The video is ready to watch and you begin observing the behavior of the suspect.
You’ve entered the variable factors into your initial notes on the BToE ‘quick notes
page’.

As behavior is observed, it becomes apparent that it takes place in focused areas where verbal
exchanges are made. A person may make three or four small gestures/behaviors when giving one
statement. These are called groups. A group is a series or collection of several gestures and
behaviors that are performed within a very small timeframe and usually in response to a single
stimulus.

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Conversational behavior, though most people only observe singular gestures, is very often
groups of gestures that contain several unobserved movements in the face, fingers, feet and body.

As the interrogation begins, your suspect is seated. After the interrogator introduces
himself and establishes the purpose for the suspect’s having to be there, the
interrogator asks him the following question: “Mr. Phillips, tell me what happened
when you were with Kyle Williams in your car last week.”

As observations are made using the table, the observations should be recorded in these groups.
Any time a question is asked, the clock starts when the first word leaves the mouth of the
interrogator or interviewer. During the question and before the answer is considered ‘Before’ on
the Deception Timeframe. During the answering of the question is considered ‘During’ on the
Deception Timeframe. The moments following their answer, until someone has spoken again are
considered ‘After’ on the Deception Timeframe.
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You notice as the question is asked that you see Digital Flexion (Df). One of the
confirming gestures of Df is Knee-Clasping (Kc). His hands are on his knees as he
listens to the question and you have both gestures to start formulating the group before
he has even spoken a word to the interrogator.

Before During After 1  Group

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82 1 90 1

Df Kc
U U

U U
Digit Flex Knee Clasp
Pdn,La Closed Thc,Fw Unsure
Kc,Sw Ag Pt,Ca None
None Hands Capill Hands
2.0 2.5
B.D.A. A
 The initial notes can begin in the observation area of the interrogator’s notebook.

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114 1

Res
U

U
Resume'
Bg,Pe
Now the suspect
Fr,Sh begins
None his response:
- Verbal
“I am a well-respected member of this community.
4.0
My entire neighborhood knows
who I am and I’m an usher at the Presbyterian Church.D He and I did not do anything
while he was in my car.”
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As you observed the suspect’s reaction and behavior, you noticed when he said, ‘…he
was in my car.’, that his right shoulder raised as he shook his head ‘no’ and exposed
his palm while answering.
(In all likelihood, the suspect would have displayed associated facial expressions,
changes in posture, blink-rate changes, rising vocal pitch and several other behaviors
while giving his ‘innocent’ response to your junior interrogator’s questions. For

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Let’s break down the above scenario:
The first statement he makes is a résumé statement. Résumé statements are fully covered in
chapter 5.

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The cell for this behavior (seen above) is rated as a 4.0 on the Deception Scale. Looking at the
lower right corner, the letter ‘D’ is present; indicating this behavior most commonly takes place
during an answer, response or statement. Confirming this gesture using Confirming, Amplifying
and Conflicting Gestures techniques should be saved for post-interview analysis.
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Following Mr. Phillips’ résumé statement, he makes a non-contracting rejection of any
wrongdoing. This means he used two words to deny his actions instead of simplifying language
with a contraction. In this case, ‘…did not…’ is used in place of ‘…didn’t…’

! 115 1
! N-C
U

! Non-Contract
U

! Bg,Cg
! Ag None

! - Verbal

! 4.0
D
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This behavior is listed as 4.0 on the Deception Scale as well. It is marked as such in your notes
and it matches the Deception Timeframe with a ‘D’ (During), as well.
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In this block, also notice that there is only one variation of this behavior. This means that there is
no other way to interpret this behavior. Now to observe the other behaviors contained in his
response to your interrogator.
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The next behavior Mr. Phillips exhibits is a Single-Sided Shoulder Shrug (Ss).
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38 1

! Ss
U

! Single Shrug
U

! Sw,Fz Unsure

! Hl,Ot Pe

! None Shoulder
4.0
! D

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This behavior is listed as a 4.0 on the deception scale. While by itself, it may be completely
innocuous, when combined with other high-rated deceptive behaviors, deception becomes
glaringly more apparent.
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The next behavior exhibited by Mr. Phillips is the horizontal shaking of his head, or the ‘No’
gesture.
45 1

! No
U

! No
90.00

! Br Open

! Df Lc

! None
1.0
Head

! DNL

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This behavior is rated 1.0 on the deception scale and is noted as ‘No’ in the notebook.
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Palm exposure comes next, when Mr. Phillips is denying his involvement in anything corrupt or
immoral. Humans frequently expose palms when they want to appear non-threatening,
trustworthy or friendly.
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40 1
! Pe
U

! Palm Exp
Univ

! De,Bg Open
! Sh,Ge Co

! None
1.0
Hands

! DNL

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This gesture has a 1.0 Deception Scale rating and also has a ‘DNL’ tag for ‘Deception Not
Likely’. This also goes into the interrogator’s notebook.
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All of these gestures would be grouped as one in the notebook. Let’s tally up the results and see
if Mr. Phillips is a monster or not:
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 82 1 90 1 114 1 115 1 38 1 40 1

Pe
U

Kc Res N-C Ss
U U U

Df
U U

U U U U U Univ
Digit Flex Knee Clasp Resume' Non-Contract Single Shrug Palm Exp
Pdn,La Closed Thc,Fw Unsure Bg,Pe Bg,Cg Sw,Fz Unsure De,Bg Open
Kc,Sw Ag Pt,Ca None Fr,Sh None Ag None Hl,Ot Pe Sh,Ge Co
None Hands Capill Hands - Verbal None Shoulder None Hands
- Verbal
2.0 2.5 4.0 4.0 1.0
4.0
B.D.A. A D D D DNL

2 2.5 4.0 4.0 4.0 1.0

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Total score: 17.5
With a score of 12 being extremely deceptive, 17.5 is almost a sure bet. For the example above,
we are only identifying a few of Mr. Phillips’ behaviors. In reality, you’d identify many more
behaviors. For instance, in the final sentence of his statement to your interrogator, Mr. Phillips
also engages in Psychological Distancing (Psd), a deceptive behavior that would add 4 points to
his overall score. This will be covered later, but it is quite evident here that we are in the
company of a dishonest man.
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As you can see above, within a single question, there are several behaviors that will occur. Often
times, some of the behaviors are innocuous and will not yield results.
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As an interviewer continues through an interview, each question and statement are recorded and
analyzed separately. The interaction as a whole can have a total deception ‘sum’, but this type of
calculation would usually be reserved to a news interview or political debate.
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Base-Lining Behavior
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Much attention is paid in the behavioral analysis community to the base-lining of human
behavior. Base-lining is the careful analysis of a person’s behavior while they are comfortable
and thought to be truthful about safe and easy conversational topics, such as the exchange of
facts, or a discussion about one’s employment activities. This behavior is then used later in the
interview to compare it to behaviors exhibited by the subject during questioning and statements
surrounding his guilt or innocence, when he is most likely to be deceptive.
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Many experts believe that base-lining does not produce accurate results for a few reasons:
1. A subject may anticipate the efforts of the interviewer and deliberately display conflicting
of dishonest gestures in response to truthful questions.
2. During the initial process of an interview, the intimidation, stress or anxiety felt by a
subject in the interrogation room will likely produce behaviors that appear deceptive.
3. The base-lining phase of the interview isn’t measurable and therefore isn’t a viable source
of information to the interviewer.
4. Getting a false-read while base-lining a subject will produce faulty results and create
confusion both in the interviewer and the subject. The interviewer’s behavior in response
to the subject may create false red flags in a subject’s behavior during the interview.
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For the Behavioral Table of the Elements interview process, we will base-line all subjects (when
possible).
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Establishing a behavioral baseline is critical. Even if the subject knows a baseline is being
developed on them, the information they non-verbally provide to the interviewer is still very
valuable. Despite the beliefs and opinions of what I’m sure are thousands of psychologists,
nothing related to human psychology and behavior is absolutely quantifiable. Any possible time
we can gather information about a subject’s behavior during an interview process before the
high-stress questions come up should be absolutely utilized to collect data to the furthest degree
possible.
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If a subject is deliberately being deceptive during the baseline, the deceptive behaviors alone will
show his intent. The conflicting gestures (listed in each cell) will start to raise red flags across the
board when a gesture or behavior is deliberately ‘faked’.
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As any interview progresses, the collection of information about idiosyncratic behavioral
mannerisms should never stop.
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Chapter 4
Influencing Factors
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Several factors can have a tremendous influence over the behaviors of subjects. These factors
will always affect the results obtained using the table whether the interviewer is a parent of a teen
who might be using drugs or a seasoned government interrogator. From the temperature in a
room, to a subject’s opinions about the race or sex of an interviewer, influencing factors will
always be a part of the interview. The structure of the behavioral notebook and the general
formulae provided herein are designed to serve as both a mitigating and amplifying element.
Knowing what factors are influencing the interview will allow the analyst to shift the numerical
value of cells, make more accurate determinations of behavior inclusion or exclusion and provide
a clearer picture of the meaning of the observed behavior.
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Influencing Factors are broken down into two groups:
1. Observation-Influencing
2. Non-Measurable Effect
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Observation-influencing factors are things that can be taken into account when performing
analysis. Non-measurable effects are factors that cannot be accurately measured or taken into
account due to their ambiguous, social, unknown and sometimes-unconscious effects.
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Observation-Influencing Factors
These factors are events and circumstances within an interaction that can be factored into the
table and will have an effect on the end-result of deception likelihood and stress analysis. There
are 6 observation-influencing factors that can be somewhat accounted for in the behavioral
interview.
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1. Temperature
2. Interviewer Behavior
3. Emotional State of Subject
4. Proxemics
5. Handicap or Missing Limbs
6. Presence of others
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Temperature
The temperature in a room or in the air will always play a part in the interaction. Looking at the
table, you will find some of the cells with blue lettering. These cells are behaviors that will
automatically increase as the temperature decreases. For every 10° increment below 69, closed-
type gestures will automatically lose 1 point on the Deception Rating Scale.
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The level of gesticulations

In this lower range, we see an increase
in this temperature range is
in protecting, closed, barrier and
normal and warrants their 50° self-hugging
full Deception Rating Scale
behavior due to
scores.
30° temperature.

4 1

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Interviewer Behavior
The behavior, demeanor, attitude, projections and opinions of the interviewer can and usually
will become a factor that will influence the outcome and results of the analysis. This becomes a
judgment call on the part of the analyst, but the guidelines that follow will serve to assist in the
decision to exclude or include the factors of Interviewer Behavior to the overall score or an
individual behavior response score.
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Interviewer Intimidating Behavior

Subject Resistance
Stress Behaviors

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Above, a chart depicting a timeline is shown. It is visible here that if an interviewer begins an
interview with any type of behavior that induces stress, it will automatically increase both the
resistance of the subject and his non-verbal and verbal stress indicators. At this point in the
interview, there is no way to tell whether or not the behaviors that seem deceptive are a result of
induced stress or deceptive stress.
Also, the graph above shows that even when an interviewer corrects his behavior or modifies his
approach, the resistance remains constant, even though stress behaviors begin to decline.
An interrogator can quite easily destroy an interview that would have otherwise produced
significant fruit. Every effort must be made to ensure the behaviors that are observed and
recorded are a result of the subject’s emotions and not the subject’s emotional response to the
interrogator.
While it may be necessary in the process of an interview to become confrontational or
accusatory, this shift must be accounted for if the observations are to be kept honest.
For each confrontational and/or accusatory behavior exhibited by the interviewer, subtract 2
points from every 4.0-rated behavior and subtract 1 point from every 3/3.5-rated behavior.
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! 92 1

! Fns
U

U For  example,  if  a  stress-­‐inducing  behavior  is  

! Finger-Nose witnessed  during  the  interview,  and  the  
! Hu,Cg
Gm,Fw
Unsure
None
2.0 subject  touched  his  nose  while  responding,  2  
! None Hands points  would  automatically  be  subtracted  
! 4.0 from  the  4.0  rating  of  the  Fns  cell  Rating.
! BD

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Emotional State of the Subject
The emotional state of the subject will always play a role in the interview. The following tables
are presented to show the relationship to what have been identified as the four basic emotional
states that can alter the presentation of behavior during an interview:
1. Fear
2. Aggression
3. Defensiveness
4. Unresponsiveness
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Fear
This reaction is by far the most common in government and law enforcement interviewing. Even
with innocent, non-offending citizens. The anxiety produced by simply being in the interview
room or sitting down with an interrogator can cause complex emotional reactions that are hard to
account for. An apprehensive, tense or fearful subject will produce more fear-related gestures as
a result. These gestures must be accounted for and their value should be adjusted to increase
analysis accuracy. It is ultimately the judgment of the analyst or interviewer to determine
whether the stress reactions are due to an emotional factor or deception and make the appropriate
annotations in the notebook sheet.
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 Aggression
This emotional state could be caused by so many factors that there is almost no way to discern its
origin. Innocent people experience aggression as often as guilty ones in interview rooms.
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Defensiveness
The overall behavior of subjects undergoing interrogation will almost always cross into
defensive territory. A seasoned interrogator can almost always immediately discern the difference
between guilty/feigned defensiveness and the defensive attitudes of the innocent. They have a
very different ‘feel’. The table below will help to discern for analysis. While this is not a text on
interrogation, note that innocent people, when questioned, will be defensive and absolutely
vehement about denial. The focus is usually on the denial and not on the reasons why they
wouldn’t have committed the act in question.
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Unresponsiveness
This is probably the hardest emotional element to ‘defeat’. An unresponsive subject can appear
to have no emotional reaction to the information and questions presented to him. Every effort
must be made to emotionally involve the subject to the furthest extent. This emotional behavior
is the physical equivalent to a response of ‘I don’t remember’ from a subject. There’s no way to
refute the claim and it’s the hardest statement to counter as an interrogator. The behaviors in the
table below associated with unresponsiveness will also indicate when an emotional nerve has
been struck if the behaviors take place any time in an exaggerated manner.
!
The following is a table of which gestures become more prevalent with each emotional state.
!
Fear Fr Sh Shg Cg Pr Gpr
Aggression Ag Ct Jc Ts Ge Co
Defensiveness Gpr Ot Acc No La Cl
Unresponsiveness Pt Bc Jc Co -Ot Ct

!
!
!
!
!
 !
!
Proxemics
Proxemics is a subcategory of nonverbal communication that studies the way human beings use
their space; from personal space, to the way a city is designed. Our use of space in the interview
room can sometimes help the subject become more truthful, or cause the subject to become
closed and defensive. The personal space of the average person is 1.5 feet, according to Edward
T. Hall, an anthropologist and cultural researcher. This area is considered to be a personal space
that we only allow our close friends and family inside of. According to the Lewis Model of
Cultural Types, different cultures will have varying personal distances within which they
normally conduct conversations, but the average is 1.5 feet.
As an unfamiliar interviewer occupies the space, the subject’s reactions will immediately dictate
what outcome can be expected. In the table below, the proxemics ranges show what behaviors
will likely come up as the space is invaded if the subject is closing off or becoming defensive.
!
Social Space (1.5 ft.-4ft.) Df Lc Cg
Personal Space (0-1.5 Df Br Fw Sh Hd
ft.)

!
Cultures differ in their personal space with Asian cultures being the most distant and Arab and
sub-Sahara African cultures having the closest face-to-face inter-personal ‘comfort zones’. Use
caution when deliberately crossing the personal space barrier.
!
Handicap or Missing Limbs
Fifth on the list of Observation-Influencing Factors is the subjects who have missing limbs or a
handicap which prevents them from making gestures in the same way an average person would.
Any cell listed as a specific body part that is affected by a handicap should be completely
dismissed and not used-annotated or otherwise analyzed.
!
Presence of Others
The presence of other people during the interview will impact the behavior of the subject in
many ways we cannot measure. However, there are observations we can make in order to
determine the possible affect that the presence of a person has on the subject. Every effort should
be made (in interrogation) to separate a subject from other sources of stimuli; human or
otherwise. The Phoenix Seven System ™ utilizes techniques contrary to this for human behavior
engineering, but the influencing factors are deliberately placed in order to influence the subject’s
behavior and make them more compliant. This is not discussed in this text.
!
Whether a child is being interviewed in the presence of abusive parents, or a subject is being
shown photos (that remain face-up) of an abusive partner, the behaviors associated with this kind
of social influence are almost always predictable and easy-to-spot.
!
The presence of other people, assuming it has a negative effect on the subject, will become
apparent with the following behaviors. 1
!
!
Cg Jc Df Fw Gp Lc Sh Wt Jp
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1 Assumptions in this regard must be made in order to adequately record the elements in the notebook. However, the influences
recorded will still not have a great deal of influence over the complete picture (score) of the interview.
Chapter 6
The Behavioral Table of Elements
Cell-Reference
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!
This section contains a full description of each cell. Each cell will have its own page in order to
make bookmarking and training easier. If you’ve ordered the BToE flashcards, this will be an
invaluable guide.
The Behavioral Table of Elements was intended to have limitless use. There is no need to make
notes when using it for people watching or reading the body language in a video. The elements
described below will help you to understand the meaning of the behaviors within each cell and
the variations thereof.
Throughout the cell reference chapter, cell numbers will frequently be shown before a behavior
symbol to provide you with a quicker way of reading and referencing a printed copy of the
BToE.
 !

The Arm Cross

The arm cross gesture is used universally and has 4 basic variations important to the interviewer.
This gesture is frequently seen in magazines, detective shows and books. All of these sources say
the same thing: “Crossing your arms is defensive.”
While there is a hint at the truth in this ‘translation’, the actual meaning reveals much more.
When making an observation of the performance of this behavior, note the closeness of the
palms to the body, the direction the thumbs are pointing, the tightness of the cross, the flexion of
the fingers and the distance from the humerus (upper-arm) to the torso.
These variations all broadcast small, but significant details about the gesture’s true meaning.
Crossing the arms is something we do when we need assurance, warmth or when we feel
threatened.
Here are a few generalized rules to follow when making observations about arm-crossing
behavior:
• The tighter the grip, the stronger the need for reassurance.
• Palms go toward the body in such a way that we hug ourselves when needing
reassurance.
• When thumbs protrude upward, this is an almost certain sign of confidence, despite the
crossed-arms.
• Digital flexion increases in synch with the level of anger experienced.
• Crossing arms, when grouped with posture and facial expression, can be a sure sign of
pride.
• Hands wrapped around upper arms and the associated display of Ag or Co is an
intimidation attempt.
• When women do this during socially stressful situations, it is almost always accompanied
by Sh.
• When the fingers wrap around the arms and pull toward the sternum, look for Ag. This is
a warning sign. If you see this with Wd, your subject is about to become violent.
• The dominant hand is almost always the one on top, while the dominant arm is on the
bottom.
• The four variable factors to be annotated in the notebook are as follows:
1. Arm cross with palms touching body: Acc1
2. Arm cross with hands wrapped around arms: Acc2
3. Arm cross with palms touching body and thumbs pointing upward: Acc3
4. Arm cross with clenched fists with or without amplifying digital flexion: Acc4
!
!
! 1 1

Ht
U

! U

! Head&Tilt
! Sq.Ye
Ip
Open
Jc.Tp
! None Head

! 1
DNL
!
!
!
!
Head Tilt
!
The head tilt is an open and vulnerable gesture. We tilt our heads when we are curious, flirtatious
or attempting to appear innocent. This is why this gesture is listed with Sq, Ye and Ip. You’ll see
Pe appear when someone is explaining a point they want communicated very clearly in a friendly
environment.
!
The first conflicting behavior listed is Jc. This behavior could indicate that the gesture was a sign
of anger, aggression or a challenge. Males (and sometimes females) will expose vital parts of the
body in order to appear fearless to their adversary.
!
The second conflicting behavior is Tp, as the head-tilt is sometimes associated with boredom.
Feigned boredom is far more likely to present with a head tilt than actual boredom is.
!
Some research, including that of Desmond Morris details the possible or observed differences
between the leftward and rightward tilt of the head. Thus far, no significant study has been
conducted to validate these observations and the direction of tilt in the BToE is irrelevant.
!
!
!
!
!
!
 !
!
!
Chin Thrust
!
The chin thrust is a gesture that has cultural implications in the Middle East and some southern
Asian countries such as the southern Ukraine and the Slavic Republic. In the exceptional regions,
the chin thrust is communicated very regularly in conversation to indicate agreement and to point
directions in lieu of an extended finger and arm in America.
!
In the BToE there are two variations. One is used as a deliberate movement while in
conversation and the other is a seemingly involuntary and short-lived micro-gesture of sorts.
!
In the first variable, the majority to communicate anger, dissatisfaction or a challenge between
competing humans uses the chin thrust. The chin thrust is usually a challenge in the USA and is
so due to the deliberate exposure of the vital organs to another person.
!
The second variable is actually a ventilating gesture used mostly by men. This type of chin thrust
is a way for men to adjust the collar of a collared shirt without having to use their hands to do so.
!
You’ll notice that the sexual propensity field contains ‘1U/2M’, meaning that variable 1 is
universal and variable 2 is performed by mostly men.
!
!
!
!
!
!

!
!
Eyebrow Flash
!
The eyebrow flash is common among almost every developed culture. When performing this
gesture, subjects will quickly raise and lower their eyebrows, usually upon greeting another
person. Anger makes the face crumple and lowers the eyebrows significantly. This gesture raises
the eyebrows and is used to convey friendliness, trustworthiness and vulnerability.
!
Constantly-raised eyebrows can indicate anger and fear and is used frequently to communicate
an extremely important point with emphasis. Parents frequently will do this when scolding
children.
!
This is divided into two separate gesture variations:
1. The Eyebrow flash: Ef1
2. The constant raised eyebrows expression: Ef2
!
Note: When people see someone give them an eyebrow flash, an unconscious phenomenon takes
place that causes the majority of people to return the eyebrow flash gesture unconsciously and
most people aren’t aware they have even made that expression after they’ve done it.

!

Head Downcast
!
The downcast head has multiple meanings given contextual reference, but the majority of these
gestures are used when a subject is experiencing shame, guilt, submissiveness and personal
anger.
!
The ~ symbol before the U in the sexual propensity field indicates that both sexes perform this
action and it is sometimes used more often by women, especially during early stages of flirtation
and courtship.
!
Gpr is indicated here to show that this behavior will display contraindications of typical
downward head behavior. This is seen regularly in abused spouses, sexually abused children and
children who are frequently bullied in school.
!
!
!
!
5 1

Lc
U

U
Lip Compress
Jc,Df Cl
Ct,Shg Ot
Ff Face
2.0
! B

Lip Compression
!
There are several gestures that involve lip compression, but this expression is one that is almost
universally indicative of someone suppressing opinions. This action creates a barrier that
prevents them from speaking and you’ll see this in conversations on a daily basis. While lip
compression is usually performed when someone is holding back information, it doesn’t mean
deception is likely at all. Social rules and norms, peer pressure and societal influences cause us to
hold our tongues regularly in conversation. The only time it will be extremely significant is if
you are observing a subject listening to a hypothetical reenactment of a crime or being provided
possible reasons the crime committed is an understandable and somewhat acceptable offense
given the circumstances. This will sound alarms and should increase the Lc deception likelihood
number to a 3.0. The above scenario is simply an example and should not hinder an analyst from
making a judgment call on a behavior involving Lc that seems deceptive in context.

!
6 2

Ts
U

U/M
Teeth Suck
Lc,Df Agg
Ct Sw
Ag Face
2.0
! B

Teeth Sucking
This behavior is universally anti-social in conversation and thus becomes an aggressive behavior
when deliberately performed in the conversational presence of others.
!
Variables
1. Sucking teeth as a deliberate anti-social act: Ts1
2. Sucking teeth as a hygienic gesture: Ts2

 !
7 1

Tu
U

U
Turtling
Sh,Fz Uns
Ec,Cl Bn
Fr Head
2.5
! BDA

Turtling
Turtling behavior is seen when the shoulders draw upward and the head is lowered downward
simultaneously. This behavior protects the neck and other vital organs and is a fear-based
gesture. Children who have been abused will frequently display this in interviews and when
approached by unknown strangers. (Darwin, 1872) These children will also reflexively turtle
their bodies in response to sudden movements by a nearby abusive parent. (Schutz, 1958)
The gesture occurs in adults when fear is present and should be contextually relevant to arouse
any suspicion of deception in interview scenarios.
This is a temperature-affected behavior and is more common in colder temperatures.

!
8 1

Oi
U

U
Object Insert
Jc Uns
Lr, Bn Ps
Ip Face
2.5
! B

Foreign Object Insertion

The insertion of any object into the mouth by a subject is not likely to be a deceptive behavior.
This behavior is performed mostly out of a need for reassurance or due to uncertainty. Men and
women do this equally.2
!
This cell also includes the biting of the lip wherein the lip actually passes into the mouth.
!
A simple ‘lip’ can be annotated in the comments section of the accompanying gesture block in
the interrogator’s notebook.
!
!

2 (Caro, 2003)(Bryan, 1971) (Navarro, 2011)

!
9 1

Jc
U

U
Jaw Clench
Df,Wd Agg
Lc,Cr Bn-
Cap Face
2.5
! BA

Jaw-Clenching
This nonverbal cue is seen in the jaw muscles and the temple area. It suggests a subject is
withholding aggressive action or feelings most of the time and can also signify latent hostility or
anger at what is being done or discussed.

!
!
10 1

Wd
U

U
Wing Dilation
Pd,St Agg
Cg, Ha
Df Face
3.0
! BDA

Nostril Wing Dilation

All mammals require oxygen to survive. As our hearts beat faster in response to stressors, our
body sends a signal that more oxygen is required to meet the needs of the impending adrenaline
rush. In conversation and social settings, instead of taking a giant breath, you will see the slight
flaring of nostrils when this occurs. This is a way for us to increase blood oxygenation by taking
in a larger volume of air.
!
Situations that create physical or emotional arousal produce some of the same neurochemicals as
stress. Likewise, you will observe wing dilation (the nonverbal term for this) in emotionally
aroused subjects engaged in conversation. You’ll see more wing dilation in attraction and arousal
scenarios while a subject is listening to someone speak that they are attracted to or aroused by. 

!
11 1

Cg
U

U
Conf. Glance
Pe,Ss Uns
Hu,Fns Jc
Ip Face
4.0
! BDA

Confirmation Glance
!
During the course of an interview or conversation, subjects will tend to look at people or a group
of people to confirm that a statement has been understood and sometimes to confirm they are
being believed. Following a statement, a cursory glance at another party in the room to verify
that their ‘story’ is working on the group is called a confirmation glance.
!
While this behavior occurs before, during and after a statement; it is more likely to occur just
after a statement, answer or denial of guilt in an interview setting.
!
In social settings, you’ll see confirmation glances will always tend towards the most socially
influential or powerful person in the group while people are engaged in conversation.
!
!
!
12 1

Yn
U

U
Yawn
Bh,Hu Open
Pt,Fc Ot-
(m) 186 Face
1.0
! DNL

Yawn
!
While yawning is most commonly associated with boredom and tiredness, it is a very likely sign
of anxiety and sometimes deception. The letters symbol in this cell is colored red, meaning that
once it is mixed with another 4.0-rated deceptive behavior, the yawn observed will also be a 4.0.
When no deception is present and no other signs of deception are observed in the current phase
of the interview, the yawn is likely nothing more than a sign of boredom.
Yawns that originate directly from boredom or tiredness tend to last almost twice as long as a
yawn caused by anxiety.
In some cases, a false yawn is produced prior to questioning and it has not been proven yet, but
guilty people almost exclusively exhibit this behavior. (Navarro, 2011)
!
!
!
13 0.0000

Ha
U

U
Happiness
Sq, Ye Open
Ip Jc, Tp
None Head
1.0
! DNL

Happiness
!
This facial expression and its associated microexpression cause the upper parts of the face to
draw upward, causing wrinkling of skin in the outer corners of the eyes and causing the eyelids
to draw closer together.
!
A fake (or social) smile is mostly done using only the lower face and can appear to have unequal
muscular contraction on both sides of the face. 

!
14 1

Fl
U

U
Flushing
Sw,Hd Open
Ha,Lc Wd
Ears Face
1.5
! DNL

Flushing
!
Flushing is a natural reaction in all humans as a result of an adrenaline spike. The adrenaline
produced during an embarrassing moment causes vasodilation and opens up blood vessels in
order to receive more oxygen.
(Darwin, 1872) (Ekman P. , Facial expression of emotion: new findings, new questions, 1992)
(Vrij, 2001)
!
In an interview setting, the appearance of blushing may be due to embarrassment, guilt or fear.
The other gestures observed within a group will tell you which meaning the subject is
communicating.
!
Other causes of blushing or flushing to be aware of are alcohol, sexual arousal and the
consumption of certain 'party drugs’.
!
!
15 2

Hb
U

U
Head Back
Ct, Hr Open
Hl,Lp Sw
Br Head
1.5
! DNL

Head Back
!
Tilting the head back can have multiple nonverbal translations when the context is taken into
account.
!
First, many people unconsciously tilt the head backwards while looking upwards to retrieve
information. When in conversation and asked to recall a set of data about a remembered event,
subjects will tilt their head back while attempting to retrieve information, whether it’s true or
false.
!
Tilting the head backwards also exposes the vital part of our neck. Males will typically perform
this movement while challenging another person physically or while preparing for a fight.
Exposing vital parts of the body to an adversary in the animal kingdom shows that one has no
fear of being harmed by the other.
!
Variations
3. Head back to recall data: Hb1
4. Head back to expose neck: Hb2
!
!
 !
16 1

Lr
U

U
Lip Retract
Oi,Bn Uns
Hr,Hl Sq
Br Face
2.0
! DA

Lip Retraction
!
Lip retraction closely resembles lip compression, but the two have very different implications.
When the lips go into the mouth, as mentioned in Oi earlier, there is a need for reassurance or an
uncertainty about what is being discussed or what the subject is being questioned about.
!
This occurs equally in men and women alike.
!
!
!
17 2

Ot
U

U
Orbit Tension
Co,Fr Uns
Fz,Ag Ha
Fc Eyes
2.5
! BD

Ocular Orbital Tension

This behavior refers to the muscular tension around the human eye. When we experience things
like curiosity, focus and intense conversational emotions; the muscles around the eye contract
and appear to make the ocular opening smaller. Squinting developed in humans in order to
temporarily allow the eye to see things with slightly clearer focus by slightly modifying the
shape of the eye and reducing the amount of light taken in by the pupils.
!
1. Orbital tension classical: O21
2. Orbital tension associated with disgust: Ot2

 !
18 2

Bn
U

U
Brow Narrow
Lc,Hl Uns
Hr,Eo Hd
Df Eyes
2.5
! BD

Eyebrow Narrowing
The narrowing of the brow is typically associated with anger in westernized culture and is almost
universally recognized as being connected to deep levels of concentration as well. This usually
presents itself before and during the question/answer phase and, depending on context, indicates
an angered emotional response to the current subject or an emotionally related thought during the
question phase of interview.
!
1. Narrowing brow associated with anger: Bn1
2. Narrowing brow associated with contemplation: Bn2
!
!
!
19 1

Vh
U

U
Ventillation
Vc,Bon Uns
Sw,Fr Sp
Breathing Neck
3.0
! BDA

Ventilation
As the heat builds up in the body due to increased stress, anxiety and the adrenaline spikes
commonly associated with deception and stress, subjects will perform various behaviors intended
to lower body temperature. Sweating is common among the guilty and innocent, but the need to
ventilate physically is far more common to appear in deceptive and high-stress subjects.
!
Using clothing and other objects, ventilation behavior can appear in several forms:
1. Pulling or tugging a shirt collar to force air into the shirt and allow heat to escape. (most
commonly seen in male subjects)
2. Pulling the front of a shirt to ventilate heat
3. Moving long hair away from the back of the neck in order to allow airflow
4. Adjustments wherein a subject lifts their bottom from a chair for an unusually long
period.
!
Regardless of the type of ventilation behavior exhibited, all are intended to pacify the same need.
All ventilation behavior is thus grouped into one single category without variable fluctuations in
the upper right corner of the cell.
!
!
!
!
!

Adam’s Apple Raise

The sudden rise of the Adam’s apple can indicate disagreement and stress.
Conflicting
The gesture that conflicts with the above meaning is the facial expression of fear. The Adam’s
apple, in this instance is directly associated with the Reticular Activation System, a precursor to
the ‘fight or flight’ response.
!
1. Adam’s apple jump associated with swallowing: Aa1
2. Adam’s apple jump without an immediate swallow: Aa2 (emotional reactive)

 !
21 3

Gg
U

U
Guiding
Pe,Hd Open
De,Ff None
None Arm
1.0
! DNL

Guiding
The guiding gesture is used when telling or showing someone where something is or where to
go. When someone points to an object or direction or emits any form of nonverbal
communication with the intent of guiding the gaze or direction of travel of another person is
considered a guiding gesture.
!
1. Guiding with hands: Gg1
2. Guiding with head motion: Gg2
3. Guiding using removal of self from path: Gg3

 !
22 4

Bg
U

~U/m
Baton
Jc,Grs Agg
Ia,Ot Df
Fl Arm
1.5
! DNL

Baton Gestures 3
The gestures made while speaking that are used to accentuate syllabic emotional punctuation are
all baton gestures. These hand motions seem to keep time with spoken rhythm. Important things
to take away from the observation of baton gestures are intensity, capillary presence and whether
or not the baton gesture is in synchronous rhythm with the spoken words.
!
An asynchronous baton gesture can indicate a rift between what is being felt and said. Subjects
will very often gesticulate and express a statement that coincides with it. When there is a timing
gap, the emotion is almost NEVER genuine.
!
82Df is listed as the conflicting gesture here, not because it implies different meaning, but
because it implies a different emotional state. The 82Df will serve as a gauge that indicated
anger, stress, anxiety or negativity associated with the 22Bg.
!

3 (Morris, Manwatching: A Field-Guide to Human Behavior, 1979)(Morris, The Naked Ape, 1970)
!
23 1

Ye
U

U
Vrt. Shake
Pe Open
Cg Br
(m) 162 Head
1.0
! DNL

Vertical Headshake
The vertical head shaking motion we all use to indicate ‘yes’ in the United States and most other
countries.
!
The conflicting gesture here is protective and barrier behaviors. These include covering the body,
closing the legs and protecting genitals. Look for these only to occur almost simultaneously and
to be associated with 5-Lc and an increase in 26-Br.

!
!
24 2

Hs
U

U
Head Sup.
Tp,St Uns.
Ip, Cl Ot
Capill Head
1.0
! DNL

Head Support
While this behavior is performed by way of an arm and hand movement, the head is listed due to
its body-region priority. The support gesture involving the hand resting has two basic identifiable
variables:
3. The chin rests on the hand.
4. The head is tilted to rest on a hand near the ear.
The amount of surface contact in variable 1 above can often indicate the level of boredom or the
intensity of fatigue in subjects. When boredom is feigned, it is far more likely to see a more
upward gaze and slightly less than usual hand to face contact.
!
Variable 2 involves a 1Ht and tilts the head to expose the side of the neck. The associated
meanings conveyed with 1Ht are also conveyed here; the subject is likely feeling trusting,
curious or might be attempting to show defiance if it’s performed in the course of an
interviewer’s questioning or remarks.
!
!

Surprise (Facial Expression)

The most authentic facial expressions of surprise will cause the eyebrows to rise, exposing the
sclera (white part of the eye) above the iris. The lower jaw will also drop in response to genuine
surprise. Even when surprise is being suppressed, a small, but noticeable drop of the lower jaw
can be seen in a subject’s face.4 It would take countless hours of training and/or practice to
successfully conceal surprise on the face.


4(Beattie, 2003)(Hess)(Ekman P. , Strong Evidence for Universals in Facial Expressions: a reply to Russell's mistaken critique,
1994)(Ekman P. , Facial Expressions of Emotion, 1993)
!

Eye Blink Rate

The blink-rate (the number of times a subject blinks per minute) varies with exposure to
emotional and physical stimulus. Being a variable cell, the Br factor is given a 1-5 rating found
below in the table.
!
When humans are captivated, interested or otherwise curious about something in their field of
view, the blink rate will slow and gradually decline as the interest piques. Conversely, an
increasing or rapid blink rate is indicative of high-stress and associated with low levels of
concentration and interest. Watching a great movie causes blink rate to decline, and taking the
SAT causes a marked increase in blinking.5 During courtship, increases in blinking can be
attributed to attraction. A rapid blinking during conversation can also be interpreted as a feeling
of superiority and contempt.

2Ct is listed as a conflicting gesture due to the deliberate decrease in 26Bl due to anger or
physical threat/challenge.
!
• 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5

1-12 bpm 12-24 bpm 24-36 bpm 36-48 bpm 48-60 bpm
!
A blink rate would be recorded with the numerical value immediately after the gesture name in
the interrogator’s notebook: i.e. “Bl3”


5 (Pease, 2006)
!
27 1

Pd
U

U
Pupil Dil
Sw,Jp Open
Wp,Lr Wd,Ot
Sp Eyes
1.5
! DNL

Pupil Dilation
The pupils have only one physiological function: to control the amount of light passing into the
eye. However, when humans experience emotional fluctuations, the pupils can respond by
signaling the emotional response to a subject, person or photograph that is present.
!
In response to pleasurable emotional or visual stimuli, the pupils expand and dilate. Babies
looking at their mothers will do this. Prospective mates will show pupil dilation and even
exposure to photos of baby animals can cause the pupils to dilate significantly. 6
!
Exposure to disgusting, repulsive, ugly or traumatic images and subjects causes pupils to
constrict and, given a consistent light source, this is rather easy to spot.
!
The documentation of pupillary constriction is annotated as –Pd. As with all cells in the BToE,
the preface with the minus symbol indicated a lack of, or the opposite of what follows.
!
Pupil Dilation: Pd
Pupil Constriction: -Pd
!
!
!
!
!

6 (Hess)(Vrij, 2001)(Pease, 2006)

!
28 1

Sq
U

U
Squint
Ot,Hs O/U
Lc Co
Br Eyes
1.0
! DNL

Eye Squint
Squinting the eyes has so many Hollywood connotations, but they are rarely seen in real life. The
squint is primarily a response to stress, disagreement or anxiety. 7
!
It is important to note the difference between orbital tension (17Ot) and the squint 28Sq: The
squint involves a more pronounced rising of the cheek muscles (levator labii superioris and
zygomaticus). The checks will seemingly lift when a squint is performed, and the small degree of
muscular tension in the ocular/orbital muscles rarely raises the cheeks in such a way.


7 (Navarro, Joe)
!
29 1

Sh
U

U
Shrug
Pe Open
Wp Hl,Hr
Fr Neck
1.0
! DNL

Shoulder Shrugging
The shoulder shrug has been documented since Darwin first wrote about it in his journal musings
in the late 1800’s. Today, the shrug is widely accepted for meaning one of about four things,
given contextual detail:
1. Uncertainty – Amplified by 1Ht
2. Surrender – Amplified by 3Ef
3. Fear – Amplified by 32Fr
4. Denial of guilt – Amplified by 45No
While some books and research articles cite this behavior as being possibly deceptive, it has been
observed by Axon as mostly fear-based. The single-sided shoulder shrug, however, is much more
likely to be associated with deception in an interview scenario.8 


8 (Navarro, 2011)(Morris, Manwatching: A Field-Guide to Human Behavior, 1979)

!
30 1

Sa
U

U
Sadness
Sa Open
Sa Jc
(m) 124 Face
1.0
! DNL

Sadness (Facial Expression)

The sadness facial expression is nothing more than a pronounced effect of gravity on the face
and a full relaxation of the facial and ocular muscles. The listed conflicting element here is jaw
clenching (9Jc) due to its likelihood to immediately precede anger or violence.

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31 1

Dg
U

U
Disgust
Dg Open
Dg Wd
(m) 128 Face
1.0
! DNL

Disgust (Facial Expression)

This facial expression is seen when someone is experiencing emotional or physical disgust. If
you were to imagine putting your nose into the mouth of a jug full of rotting milk, this
expression will show on your face; all of the parts of the face can be seen almost drawing
towards the middle of the face. When this facial expression is seen in social and interview
settings, the subject being discussed is usually responsible for the expression. Subjects almost
never feign this expression and it is highly reliable for observation.
!
The conflicting gesture listed here is nostril wing dilation (10Wd). This nostril dilation may
indicate a need for air more than disgust.

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32 1

Fr
U

U
Fear
Fr Open
Fr Bb,Ia
(m) 134 Face
1.5
! B,D

Fear (Facial Expression)

The fear facial expression causes the eyes to widen and exposes the sclera around the top and
bottom of the iris. The lips stretch horizontally backwards and the eyebrows rise outwardly.
!
Conflicting gestures listed here are ‘arms behind back’ (51Bb) and ‘arms in air’ (57Ia). These
two behaviors could indicate that the facial expression could result from pride-smiling (in the
case of 51Bb), and intense excitement (in the case of 57Ia).9


9(Mcneil)(Lyle, 1989)(Ekman P. n., 1975)(Ekman P. , Facial Expressions of Emotion, 1993)(Ekman P. , Facial expression of
emotion: new findings, new questions, 1992)(Ekman P. , Strong Evidence for Universals in Facial Expressions: a reply to
Russell's mistaken critique, 1994)
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33 1

Co
U

U
Contempt
Ot,Jc Open
Ts Wp
(m) 135 Face
1.0
! DNL

Contempt (Facial Expression)

The contempt facial expression is the only genuine facial expression that shows stronger on one
side of the face. Contempt is best described as a self-assured feeling of moral or social
superiority.
!
Note: This expression became popular in recent television shows such as ‘Lie to Me’ and
‘Criminal Minds’. Though it is a recognized human expression,10 our recent societal influences
and shifts have made it a gesture that is now commonly seen in flirtatious and courting behavior. 


10(Ekman P. , Strong Evidence for Universals in Facial Expressions: a reply to Russell's mistaken critique, 1994)(Ekman P. ,
Facial expression of emotion: new findings, new questions, 1992)
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34 1

Ag
U

U
Anger
Df,Bon Agg
Jc,Wd Pe
Pc Face
1.0
! DNL

Anger (Facial Expression)

This facial expression forces the eyebrows down and compresses the lips together. 40Pe is listed
as a conflicting behavior not due to its negation of the emotion of anger, but its implication that
the anger is due to innocence and a result of innocent protest to an interviewer.

!
35 1

Pr
U

U
Protecting
Sw, Hd Closed
Df,Shg Jc
Eyebrow Arms
2.5
! BDA

Protecting Gestures
Protective gestures involve one or more of the limbs crossing over the body to cover a vital area
or piece of property. This is associated very closely with anxiety, insecurity and uncertainty with
a person or subject. It is, however, a closed gesture in that it allows limited access to the body.
When a protecting gesture is observed with 9Jc, it is usually a masked anger behavior and
directly conflicts with the meaning of the given 35Pr.11


11 (Schutz, 1958)(Weisfeld)(Wolfe, 1948)

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36 78.96

Sw
U

U
Swallow
Hd,Pr Closed
Ttc,Ec Ts
Aa Neck
2.5
! BD

Swallowing
When associated with deception detection research, swallowing behavior is inconclusive at best.
We do know that excess saliva is produced during Reticular Activation System activation and the
spike in adrenaline that immediately follows. There is no way to determine whether a swallow is
due to stress, anxiety deception, etc. The reason it is given a red color code is that if we start to
see several other 4.0-rated behaviors exhibited in the same behavior group, we can assume it is
associated with the deceptive mindset. Exceptions to this of course, would be excessively thirsty
or dehydrated subjects, and subjects who swallow regularly (in the baseline).
!
!
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37 1

Ec
U

U
Elbow Close
Ip,Df Closed
Fw,Gpr Fr
None Arms
3.5
! BD

Elbow Closure
This behavior can only be observed in a seated subject. It involves the inward drawing of the
elbows as they sit on the table. This drawing together instinct has its origins in the same place as
protective gestures (35Pr). It is designed to bring non-vital body parts in front of vital ones. This
is especially common in deception with police interrogations studied in the United States.
!
This behavior is also affected by temperature, as seen above in the color scheme. 

!
38 1

Ss
U

U
Single Shrug
Sw,Fz Unsure
Hl,Ot Pe
None Shoulder
4.0
! D

Single Shoulder Shrug

The single-sided shoulder shrug is a gesture that is almost exclusively tied to doubt and disbelief.
The deception timeframe specifically states that this will be almost exclusively seen during a
verbal expression vice any other time. Alone, of course, this is not enough to throw a flag yet,
and other high-rated deceptive behaviors must accompany it.
!
Anytime a subject shrugs a single shoulder, it indicates a disbelief in what the subject is saying
or what is being discussed at the moment it occurs.
!
!
! 39 1

! De
U

Univ
! Digit Ext
! Pe,Eo Open

! Ps,Ff
Capill
Gpr
Hands

! 1.0

! DNL

!
!
!
Digital Extension
This behavior refers to the action of the extension of the fingers. It reflects a relatively low level
of stress and anxiety and is not associated with deception. This can occur at any time and in any
position, seated or standing.
!
The extension of fingers and opening of the hands signifies openness and relaxation. In some
cases, this behavior is also used when fearful, as seen above with 73Gpr (Genital Protection).
!
!
!
! 40 1

Pe
U

! Palm Exp
Univ

! De,Bg Open

! Sh,Ge Co

! None
1.0
Hands

! DNL

!
!
!
Palm Exposure
The exposure of palms and wrists are both in this behavioral cell. This behavior is done anytime
a subject desires to appear trustworthy, nonthreatening or honest.12 This is frequently seen when
witnessing denials and excusals from teens and adolescents, but human beings do not grow out
of this behavior. It is just as common to see this in a murder investigation as it is in a missing
candy quest with children.
!
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!
!
!
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12 (Szas, 1978)(Pease, 2006)

 41 1
! Cs
U

! M

! Chin Stroke
HL,Ot Open
! Nodding Co

! None Hands

! 1.0
DNL
!
!
!
!
Chin Stroke Behavior
This behavior, wherein a subject strokes or rubs the chin is mostly contemplative and indicates
curiosity, thought and internal processing. When associated with 33Co (Contempt), the behavior
indicates contemplative ownership or deviant thought about the subject’s audience.

!
!
!
!
42 1

Pc
U

U
Pupil Const
Jc,Dg Closed
Tch,Cc Fi
None Eyes
1.0
! DNL

Pupil Constriction
The constriction of pupils is a relative measurement in the interview process. Regardless of their
initial size, any decrease in pupil size will qualify to be registered as a 42Pc.
!
The pupils normally constrict to restrict the amount of light coming into the eye, but they also
respond to emotional stimulus. Seeing or hearing something we have a serious aversion to will
cause the pupils to constrict. Some subjects will experience much more drastic contractions than
others, and there is no way to measure this or identify how a subject will respond before an
interview begins.
!
It is especially difficult noting the size change in pupils in subjects with dark colored irises. This
should be noted if desired in the notebook.

!
!
43 3

Eo
U

Univ
Elbow Out
Ge,Ps Open
Gg,St Jc
None Arms
V-1.0
! NA

!
Elbows Out
This cell refers to three types of variable behaviors related to the outward motion of the elbows.
This is an opening gesture.
1. Elbows moving outward less than shoulder width apart: Eo1
2. A single elbow shooting outwards during interview: Eo2
3. Elbows moving outward further than shoulder-width: Eo3
!
!
 !
!

Posture
Being so variable, the posture, like other behaviors, should only be recorded if a shift occurs
within interview scope and the behavior is observable as such.
!
1. Posture becoming vertical: Ps1
2. Posture becoming convex: Ps2
!
!
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!

No
!
This behavior is simply the horizontal shaking of the head to indicate ‘no’ in 90% of our planet.
However, its relevance here is that it can occur during a statement when the subject is affirming a
statement or attempting to confirm something. While saying that something is true, their head
shaking reveals the truth of what they are actually thinking.

!
!
46 2

Lf
U

U
Lock Finger
Df,Ec C/O
Bi,Pt St
Capill Hands
1.0
! DNL

Locked Fingers
This behavior is not indicative of stress or anxiety in itself without confirming
microphysiological indicators and making a determination as to which gesture is being seen in
the interview. Variable 2 is likely indicative of stress and anxiety and, if associated with other
high-scoring behaviors, should be moved to 2.0.
!
1. Locked fingers loosely and restfully ‘laced’ together: Lf1
2. Locked fingers with visible signs of capillary/muscular tension: Lf2

 !
!
47 3

St
U

U/m
Steeple
Ct,Hb Open
Hl,Ot Cr
Capill Hands
1.5
! DNL

Steepling
Seen when a subject is seated and the palms of the hands are facing each other, the tips of the
fingers will touch. The steepled finger gesture is a sign of internal confidence in a social setting
or particular subject matter. The three variations of the steeple are listed below. A person holding
the steeple high is far less likely to listen and absorb as a subject holding the steeple close to the
surface of a table or at near-waist level. 13
!
1. Steeple at head height: St1
2. Steeple at chest height: St2
3. Steeple at waist height or lower: St3
!

13 (Ellyson, 1985)(Collett, The Book of Tells, 2003)(Caro, 2003)(Pease, 2006)

!
!

Behind Head
This behavior exhibits a usually false confidence and is very closely associated with feelings of
contempt and insecurity. This is a deliberate dominance gesture intended to make the subject
appear less concerned with the situation around him. The hands clasped behind the head also
indicate the presence of a feeling of ownership over a group or person with whom the subject is
socially engaged.

!

Arms on Hips
Placing the arms on the hips is indicative of more than one meaning given contextual variations.
The thumbs going backward can indicate a desire to appear ‘in charge’ in a male and a desire to
present the body to a mate for a female. The context will play the largest role in determining
meaning for this behavior. The thumbs will also show a variation in meaning: The thumbs
pointing forward indicate an emotional tendency toward curiosity and interest.
!
1. Arms on hips with thumbs facing backward: Ah1
2. Arms on hips with thumbs facing forward: Ah2
!
 !

!
!
Self Hug
This differs with the 0Acc in that this involves both arms actively embracing the subject’s body
and the palms facing the body with thumbs NOT pointing upward. This is a closed and uncertain
gesture used to self-soothe and gives the subject reassurance when stress or anxiety is high. This
self-hugging behavior is slightly more common in women.
!
!
!

Arms Behind Back

The placing of the arms behind the back indicates one of two basic categories of associated
thoughts:
!
1. The subject holds hands behind back: Bb1
a. Indicates confidence and sometimes, superiority.
2. The subject holds a wrist or part of the arm with the opposing hand: Bb2
a. This is indicative of self-restraint in times of anger and the higher the grip on the
opposing arm, the higher the level of anger.
!
!
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!
!
Constantly Raised Shoulders
This can happen for a few different reasons depending on contextual influences, but almost
always will be a sign of social fear or self-consciousness. The raising of the shoulders is a vital-
organ protection mechanism that occurs automatically when a subject experiences fear of any
kind.
!
 !

The Single-Arm Wrap

Mostly performed by women, this behavior is a self-conscious signal and involves the crossing
of a single arm across the midsection of the body.
!
!
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Freeze
When the cognitive system in a subject becomes loaded with scenario management and behavior
regulation during deception, the movement of the body will sometimes come almost to a
complete stop. The amount of mental energy exerted to manage their deception leaves little room
for ‘authentic gesture management’. The exception here is 32Fr (Fear), wherein the Reticular
Activation System in the brain overrides movement in order to focus on more important things
like threats to safety.14


14 (Vrij, 2001)(Keating, 1985)(Beattie, 2003)

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Facial Touching
Perhaps no other gesture has gained so much notoriety for being deceptive as the facial touch.
Touching the face, as noted in over 90 behavioral studies15, has shown to be the most common
behavior displayed in study subjects during deliberate deception. As with all elements, the facial
touch is no more important than others. In study settings, the gesture may only become more
prevalent due to a lack of interviewer, decreased stress levels causing no leakage elsewhere on
the body and the overall ‘safety’ of knowing that a study is being conducted, causing participants
to relax more than if they were lying about a more important matter.
!
!

15 (Vrij, 2001)(Morris, Manwatching: A Field-Guide to Human Behavior, 1979)(Navarro, 2011)

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Throat Clasping
Clasping of the throat is almost identical to 55Ft (Facial Touching), with the small difference that
this gesture is associated with fear and grave consequences.

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Arms in Air
The visible comfort displayed when the arms rise during a Sunday football touchdown is a great
example of this behavior. Comfortable subjects have no problem exposing underarms and
moving their arms where they feel comfortable with fluidity. 

!
!

Figure Four Leg Cross

This seemingly Americana body movement is associated with comfort, relaxation and trust. The
crossing of one ankle over the other knee is frequently seen around the world as the socio-
gestural tolerance spreads in the world. Due to the exposure of the sole of the foot, this is not
acceptable in many countries throughout the Arab world and most of Asia.
!
90Kc is listed here as a conflicting gesture in that it can communicate apprehensiveness and a
desire to end the conversation, whether in a figure four position, or traditionally crossed.

!

The Pelvic Tilt

This variable movement is visible almost immediately when observing a subject. It is often
overlooked, and can provide crucial information to the smart observer. This is primarily an
observation that should be made while the subject is standing, but can be made in a seated
position as well if it is visible.
!
The pelvis can tilt forward and backward. The forward motion of the pelvis arches the lower
back and pushes the groin to the rear. The backward motion of the pelvis brings the groin
forward and rounds the lower back.
!
The forward rotated or positioned pelvis is seen in confident subjects and when they experience
situational emotional confidence.
!
The backward rotated or positioned pelvis indicates a lack of confidence and the associated
emotions.
!
!

Pelvic Facing
Even when the upper body isn’t facing the direction where a subject is paying the most attention,
when standing, the pelvis will often follow the subject’s object of mental focus.
!
Variations:
1. Facing away from interviewer: Ff1
2. Facing interviewer: Ff2
!
 !
!

Hands in Pockets
Seeing the hands being placed into the pockets or noticing a subject in this position can give vital
clues to their internal thoughts in the moment. There are three variations in the 61Po behavior
set:
Variations:
1. Hands in pockets with thumbs inside pockets: Po1
a. Indicating lack of confidence, uncertainty and willingness to show deference.
2. Hands in pockets with thumbs protruding or thumbs in pockets with fingers out: Po2
a. Indicating situational confidence and (contextually) sexual availability.
3. Hands in pockets with only fingertips inserted into opening: Po3
a. Showing readiness and/or reservation (contextually)

 !

Chest Touching
The touching of the chest is a behavior commonly seen in movies by women while they receive
bad information from a sheriff. This is an unsure and nervous gesture performed in response to
stressful or anxiety-producing stimuli.
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Double Leg Cross

The double leg cross is quite different in meaning from a cross as a Figure 4 or a traditional cross
at the knees. The double cross is when the legs are crossed in the traditional over-the-knee
manner and the foot crosses once more around the lowest leg. This is a very distinct gesture that
indicates withholding and probable concealment.

!

Tapping
Tapping fingers on a table can have multiple meanings. It is contextually dependent and can
indicate boredom, inner thought, nervousness, and tension release.
!
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Fidgeting
While this gesture can be performed by subjects with or without an object, it typically involves
the seemingly non-productive and not intended to accomplish a specific task.
!
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Two-Handed Grasping
This is the behavior wherein a subject grasps an object with both hands. It can be a thigh, leg,
object, clothing or any other object. This is a closed gesture, but can be displayed during anxiety
and indicate a need for reassurance and control. Women who are untrusting or overly cautious
about their environment will do this to their purses (more on this in the Phoenix Seven people
reading system).
!
!
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Hands on Back of the Neck

The hands will draw rearward to the back of the neck on occasions that present the subject with
an opportunity for stress, anxiety or deep contemplative thinking. 

!
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Lint-Picking
This is a self-conscious behavior that manifests itself in the form of picking lint (real or
imaginary) from clothing or nearby objects.

!
!

Wrist to Forehead
This behavior is similar in all regards to the ventilation gestures, in that it communicates a
pacifying of stress or a need to reduce internal conflict or anxiety.

!
!

Barrier Gesture
This behavior is somewhat difficult to pin down in a social context. The arms will move in
various directions throughout a conversation, but the barrier gesture is a behavior that
specifically involves an arm coming in direct line between the interviewer and the subject. This
is a subtle and mostly unconscious gesture that occurs in sometimes fragmentally significant
increments.

!

Barrier Cross
This differs from the figure 4 and the traditional crossing of the legs in that the legs here are
mostly pointed towards the interviewer and are crossed at the calf placed over the knee. This is a
closed gesture and where other leg-crossing gestures indicate comfort and relaxation, the barrier
cross is indicative of withholding and concealment. This can also be nervous tension associated
with the appearance of the interviewer or being interviewed.
!
!
!

Palms Down
This occurs for various reasons and indicates lack of willingness to be transparent, honest and
forthcoming in an interview. It is a lack of a subject’s willingness to ‘show their hand’, so to
speak.

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!
!

Genital Protecting Behavior

This behavior is unconscious and indicates the subjects immediate need to protect themselves
when a verbal, physical or psychological threat is presented to them.
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Hushing
Barbara and Allan Pease coined this behavior term. When a subject brings their hand to their face
and does any behavior that covers the mouth, this is considered a hushing gesture for the BToE.
Three normal variations exist for this behavior:
!
1. Hushing via covering mouth to cough: Hu1
2. Hushing via covering of lips with fingers: Hu2
3. Hushing via scratching of the nose: Hu3
!
!

Groin Exposure
Any time a subject opens the legs or parts them in the direction of the interviewer, it shows trust,
vulnerability, honesty and a willingness to communicate the truth.
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Leg-Crossing
This behavior is seen when the legs cross in the traditional way; where one knee is crossed over
the other and the legs remain mostly together. This is indicative of trust and comfort. Subjects
will also typically cross their legs toward the people they trust in a social scene when first sitting
down. 16
!
While this gesture is important to note while in an interview, it’s opposite is of even more value.
The uncrossing of the legs indicates the opposite of the meaning above.
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16 (Scheflen, 1976)(Pease, 2006)
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Toes Up
This is an anti-gravity gesture that is frequently seen with 57Ia (Arms in Air) and is usually a
relief, celebratory and exclamatory gesture. This indicates elatedness and happiness.
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Torso Twist
The variable behavior of torso-facing movements is like the others; it shows where attention
flows and provides the observer with an in-the-moment gauge of the subject’s reaction to
information and stimulus. The best place to observe this is in the shoulders. Subjects will turn
towards a positive and away from a negative influence.
!
1. Torso twisting towards interviewer: TwT
2. Torso twisting away from interviewer: TwA
!
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Torso-Facing
While this sounds much like the previous behavior of Twisting Torso, it is specifically referring
to the direct frontal or away facing of the torso. For instance, the torso is pointed slightly away
from the interviewer at the beginning of a question group and the question causes the subject to
immediately face his full body toward the interviewer while either answering or listening to the
question. Conversely, the complete opposite is the second variable of this, where the torso would
be completely turned away from the interviewer.
!
1. Facing torso at interviewer: FcT
2. Facing torso away from interviewer: FcA

 !

Postural Tilt
Within any social encounter, especially one involving only two parties, the tilt of the torsos
toward and away from one another is a constant and revealing behavior from both people about
their thoughts. Leaning towards another person shows an interest in that person. When two
people lean in towards each other, they are communicating mutual interest. When one leans in
and the other leans back, the person leaning back is showing their lack of interest, comfort,
higher status or trust.
!
1. Posture leaning towards: PtT
2. Posture leaning away: PtA
!
!
 !

Knee-Hugging
This is a rare occurrence in the interview, but this is where a subject, in a seated position, wraps
both arms around legs that are pulled up to the chest. This has been hypothesized as being a stand
in person and that a subject will hug their legs when a person is unavailable to pacify anxiety or
stress. 17
!
!

17 (Morris, The Naked Ape, 1970)(Morris, PhD, 1998)(Morris, Manwatching: A Field-Guide to Human Behavior, 1979)
!
!

Digital Flexion
The flexion (drawing in) of the fingers toward the palm is a fantastic in-the-moment barometer
of the anxiety of the subject in that specific moment. Noticing a small movement of the fingers in
an interview can produce a lot of information when paired with the associated verbal and
emotional content within the interview question group. 

!
!

Binding Legs
This occurs when the legs come together and show no relaxation. This behavior also frequently
brings the feet together to touch. This is associated with secretiveness, fear, anxiety, worry and
mistrust.

!
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The Locked Ankle

This occurs when the ankles are locked and usually under a chair. Subjects who are unwilling to
provide a lot of information, are withholding or concealing something will do this. It is best to
deliberately modify this behavior by asking them to stand or move in a way that causes their
ankles to unlock.

!
!

Grooming Gestures
Any behavior conducted with the intention on improving physical appearance or visual
presentation is a grooming behavior.
!
These behaviors exhibit themselves in various forms and are relevant to a degree when
connected to the stimulus that caused it. Several variations of upbringing can increase or
decrease the frequency of these gestures. Noting this in your notebook (or mental notebook)
should be an easy observation in conversation, regardless of the environment.
!
!
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Clasping the Thighs

While this is more prevalent in women, men can also display this. This auto-contact behavior is
commonly displayed during physical attraction and sexual arousal. Women will do this in a
similar way to a pacifying behavior, in that the hands are taking the place of another person and
instead of soothing them, they are caressing them.

!

Wrist Touching
This is another form of auto-contact behavior. It involves the touching of wrists. It is listed as a
closed gesture due to its barrier-creating properties and its meaning in social context. This
behavior is used as a barrier and comforting movement; It gives subjects a sense of protection
and security when experiencing social pressure, nervousness or anxiety. This is often seen in men
when in public in the form of reaching across and using one hand to adjust the wristwatch or
shirt cuff of the other hand. Performing this same behavior to pop knuckles, rub hands, adjust a
sleeve or any other similar action is all considered. 87Wt. The second variable here is when a
subject reaches across and physically grasps the wrist of the opposite hand. This is an anger-
related and self-restraint behavior that sends a completely different signal (hence the red
lettering).
!
!
!
1. “Adjusting”: Wt1
!
2. Grabbing: Wt2
!
!
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Toes Pointing Inward

This happens very slightly more in women than men and indicates self-consciousness and when
paired with barrier-behaviors, can indicate concealment, mistrust or withholding.

!

Eyelid Rubbing
This is another hand-to-face gesture that shows signs of concern in addition to the stress
immediately identified by the hand-to-face gesture.
!
!
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Knee Clasp
The knee clasp behavior is indicative of a need to leave or end a conversation. This takes place
only in the seated position.
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!
!

Foot Withdrawal
This is the sudden withdrawal of the feet during conversation while seated. The feet draw
rearward underneath a chair.18 This behavior indicates the sudden and immediate need for
withholding and can also indicate loss of trust in the interviewer, self-consciousness and
concealment.
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!

18 (Navarro, Joe)(Navarro, 2011)

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Finger to Nose
This is a variation of a hushing gesture with the added meaning of concealing the instinct to
cover the mouth. This is a high-rated behavior in that it is one of the most deceptive in all of
nonverbal deception research. 19 While this behavior alone might not score high enough on the
scale to be qualified as deceptive, when it is seen in interviews, it is almost always accompanied
by a similarly rated gesture.
!

19 (Wolfe, 1948)(Vrij, 2001)(Pease, 2006)(Navarro, 2011)(Morris, Manwatching: A Field-Guide to Human Behavior, 1979)
!
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Interaction With Other’s Property

A subject’s willingness to physically interact with property belonging to people who aren’t
familiar with them can indicate their comfort level and sometimes contempt for those around
them. Typically, subjects will handle another person’s property in the same manner they feel
towards the person. If they are careless with their property, the assumption can safely be made
that they are not fond of them. For the BToE observations, we simply note the presence or
unwillingness to interact with such property.
!
1. Voluntary interaction with belongings: Opi
2. Unwilling to interact, even when presented opportunity to do so: -Opi

 !
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Object Interaction
The way a subject interacts with objects in the room and furniture around them can be a highly
accurate indicator of their comfort and confidence levels. A subject’s willingness to touch objects
and move chairs to suit their comfort level shows how willing they are to take charge of their
environment and can be revealing. A subject wishing to put on the best deception show of their
lives will likely do everything possible not to disturb the environment. This in itself is not
deceptive, because the guilty and innocent will always show different baselines of confidence
and comfort. 

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Shoe Removal
The willingness or display of the removal, partial removal or unconscious fidgeting with
footwear shows signs of comfort, confidence and trust. This can occur in numerous ways and if
seen, should be interpreted as a sign of subject comfort and trust.

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Belonging Carelessness
This behavior refers to the subject’s carelessness with his or her own property. Whether
conscious or unconscious, a display of carelessness will communicate a careless attitude and an
aloof nature that is not conducive to a good interview. Examples of this are throwing phone, keys
and objects onto table, tossing purse onto seat, yanking chair out to sit and throwing jacket onto
chair back.

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Watch Checking
This behavior is commonly understood and easily spotted by a novice interviewer. Pay particular
attention to whether the checking of the watch involves two hands and if the opposing hand
places an unusual amount of tension while ‘holding’ the watch to view it. 

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Jacket Buttoning
This is more common in males simply due to the type of clothing worn regularly by men. The
buttoning of a jacket usually indicates a stopping point in trust, withholding and anxiety.

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Clothing Covering
This refers to the pulling or adjusting of clothing in a way that increases its amount of coverage
on the body. This can be seen in women pulling a shirt down to cover themselves, lifting a sleeve
to decrease breast exposure and puling sleeves to cover more wrist area.
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Object Barrier
This involves the covering of the body with any object. Girls walking to school holding books
across their chest, holding a drink at a bar in front of the body, using a book or clipboard as a
barrier on a table by lifting it and putting objects (even cups) in between the subject and
interviewer are all examples of this behavior. 

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Chair Arms
This involves the wrapping of the hands around the arms of a chair. This can be a sign of self-
restraint and could indicate the withholding of information. Make note of the pressure with
which the subject grasps the arms of the chair and if one hand is tighter, showing more capillary
response than the other.

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Groin Shield
This is a barrier gesture but it differs from 100Ob (Object Barrier) in that the same behaviors are
made to cover the genital areas.

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Personal Belonging Security Check

This occurs when a subject visually or physically interacts with an object belonging to them for
the purpose of checking its safety, presence or exact location. This is a strong indicator of
mistrust and shows signs of nervousness and insecurity. This is commonly seen in interviews
when a female subject unconsciously grabs her purse or pulls it closer to her without looking.
Another common example of this is men reaching back to check for the presence of their wallets,
pulling a phone on the table closer to them and patting a shirt pocket to ensure something is still
there. 

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Fists On Table
This is a highly aggressive behavior, but is almost equally shown in deceptive and genuine
people. 

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Object Concealment
This behavior is seen when subjects conceal something from view or attempt to do so. When you
approach a subject and they tilt the screen of their phone away, close the opening of a purse or
unconsciously draw their hand over a phone screen. This is also seen when holding a phone at
the side of the body. The angle of the phone is unconsciously adjusted away from the
interviewer. 

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Jewelry Play
The jewelry most people wear is closely associated with identity and self-image.20 Playing or
fiddling with jewelry can be a way subjects pacify themselves during social stress or anxiety.
This is frequently seen in women playing with or reaching up to grasp a necklace or bracelet.
!

20 (Vrij, 2001)(Pease, 2006)

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Feet Around Chair Legs

When a subject wraps the ankles around the legs of a chair as if to stay put when someone is
pulling them upward is marked as Cl. This behavior is a self-restraint gesture and almost always
indicates the withholding of information and unwillingness to openly participate in conversation.
This is an under-researched behavior, but has been seen more commonly in young adults during
interview scenarios. 

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Vocal Hesitancy
The hesitancy seen before the answer begins to come to an answer is usually a time gap that
allows a subject to process their story in their mind and ensure its success before vocalizing and
answer out loud. This occurs in only one way, wherein the subject displays a distinct pause prior
to answering a question or making a statement. 

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Psychological Distancing
This occurs when a subject euphemizes the crime or offense in question and replaces it with a
less-severe word. Examples include using ‘hurt’ instead of ‘kill’, ‘take’ instead of ‘steal’,
‘relations’ instead of ‘sex’ and ‘touch’ instead of ‘molest’. This is a very common deception
tactic employed by the subconscious to lessen the guilt experienced in the presence of
interviewers. It is a psychological way of reducing the amount of nonverbal stress that shows in
the body during interviews as well.
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Rising Vocal Pitch

The stress of deceiving an interviewer and the anxiety caused by fear of failure with high stakes
causes the muscles in the vocal production area to tighten and raise the natural pitch of the voice
during testimony and conversation. This is measured only as a deviation. If this is a baseline
element, it must not be recorded as a 4.0-coded behavior.

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Increase in Vocal Speed

This observation requires the interviewer or analyst to establish a vocal baseline, noting the
cadence with which a subject speaks. In an attempt to quickly ‘get it over with’, subjects will
frequently speed up the rate of speech in order to lessen the amount of psychological stress
experienced, and exude less nonverbal signs of deception during the deceptive statement.
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Non-Answer Statement
This occurs when a subject replies to a question with a lengthy response that does not answer the
question. Any reply to a question that doesn’t answer the question is considered a non-answer
statement. For example, if an interviewer asks, “Did you go to the liquor store last night?” and
the subject responds by saying, “I don’t even drink.”
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Pronoun Absence
Deceptive statements will sometimes lack pronouns because of the load placed on the cognitive
faculties during deception. An example of this is a subject, after being asked to recount events,
saying the following: “Well, woke up around two, went to the ATM at the gas station, left the bar
around two AM and got back to the house around two thirty.” You will see the absence of
pronouns come up more regularly in conversation when you begin to listen more to regular daily
conversations you have with others.
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Résumé Statements
This verbal expression is commonly used as an answer to an allegation or a question involving
the suspicion of wrongdoing. Subjects may express themselves to the interviewer by giving all
the reasons that they aren’t capable of the act, the volunteer work they do, where they went to
school or their position within a community. After being questioned about a theft, a subject may
reply, “ I am a well-respected member of this community and I volunteer at the church. My wife
and I both give our time to help the homeless and our neighbors will tell you the same thing.”
This statement hasn’t answered the question, and the subject is attempting to manage the way the
interviewer sees them by listing good qualities and civic involvement. 

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Non-Contracting Statement
When a subject denies or rejects an accusation, in order to make the statement easier to believe,
they may remove the contraction of two words, such as ‘did not’ instead of ‘didn’t’ and ‘could
not’ instead of couldn’t’. This is a way the subject can feel like they are more clearly
communicating to the interviewer and is done on a subconscious level. The subject’s
subconscious mind is doing its best to remove ambiguous communication here in order to make
the statement sound more matter-of-fact.
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Question Reversal
This is an aggressive reversal of questioning by the subject. When asked a question, the subject
will respond with a question that implies guilt in the interviewer or designed to question the
motives of the interviewer for asking the question.
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Ambiguity Statements
This occurs when a subject answers a question and provides vague statements about the incident
or their recount of the events therein. 

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Politeness
This behavior specifically involved the shift in politeness level within the conversation. If a
subject frequently answers questions with ‘yeah’, ‘yep’ and ‘mmhm’, then follows another
question with a sudden ‘yes sir’ or ‘so sir, I didn’t’ this is a shift in the level of politeness from
the subject’s typical behavior. The presence of politeness alone does not warrant the rating of
118Pol in analysis.

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Over-Apologizing
When a subject continually apologizes for things that occur during the interview, like not being
able to provide more information, having inadequate detail or not having what they think the
interviewer is looking for, this is a subconscious apology for other things that needs to be
uncovered. The sudden presence of apology in conversation is very much a red flag, regardless
of its associated reason.
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Mini Confession
This takes place in the form of a confession that isn’t the event for which they are being
questioned. In the subject’s mind, if they can confess to a few small things, they will appear to be
more open and honest and the interviewer will eventually either forget to ask them the bigger
questions, or trust them. The mini confessions take place during the interview and seem to be
genuine, honest confessions of small and insignificant wrongdoing.
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Exclusions
Words that seem to answer the question, but deliberately exclude an unknown item are
exclusions. It is a polite way of withholding information from an interviewer. Examples include
the following.
1. “…as far as I know…”
2. “…to the best of my knowledge…”
3. “…basically…”
4. “…probably…”
5. “…I suppose…”
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Direct Chronology
This behavior is difficult to spot because the interviewer has the potential to inadvertently trigger
it and therefore make it void and unrecordable. When a subject recounts a story or chain of
events in perfect chronological order, this is a 122Chr. Emotional stories will often be jumbled
and the subject will almost always start with the most traumatic part of the story. However, if the
interviewer directly asks the subject to recount events in the order they occurred, the chronology
of their statement is basically irrelevant.
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