Investigative Vs Ordinary Conversations
What are the Differences between Investigative vs Ordinary Conversations?
The key to successful investigations is knowing the differences between ordinary and investigative conversations. Here are three:
1. Goal focused vs Drifter conversations
Investigative conversations don't drift, they are goal focused.
Ordinary conversations drift, touching on a mix of topics casually. This relaxed style is great for a general exchange of thoughts but doesn't work when you need to get specific facts.
Investigative conversations stay on point, focusing on gathering exact information. They're organised in a way that each question leads to a clear fact, avoiding the usual wanderings of a normal chat.
2. Answers to questions vs Responses to questions
Investigators notice when people merely respond to their questions without answering them.
When asked a question, giving an answer means people offer clear information that satisfies the requirements of the question.
But sometimes, people respond without actually answering.
When digging for facts, it's important to NOTICE when someone is giving you the real answer or just talking around it. If you notice your question has not been answered, ask it again!
3. Lying vs Evasion
There's a fine line between lying and evasion.
Lying is dishonestly making a statement that does not correspond to the facts.
Evasion is telling a distorted narrative: it has elements of truth but it leaves out certain facts or distorts the time-line.
Evasion is more common than lying.
Evading the truth is when they're not direct, but they don't lie outright.
Both can be tricky in investigative talks. If someone isn't telling the truth, you can show them evidence that says otherwise.
But if they evade the truth, you might need to ask more pointed questions.
Summary
Recognising these distinctions is important for effective investigations.
- We must talk with a clear purpose.
- We must discover answers.
- We must stop evasions.
Definition: investigative conversation
An investigative conversation is a workplace investigation conversation style. It holds a clear goal, follows a planned line of fact finding questions, insists each reply gives a full answer, and keeps probing when it spots dodging or lies. If any part is missing, the talk slips into an ordinary chat.
Show CG4D Definition
- Driven by a stated investigative goal
- Uses planned fact finding questions
- Demands complete answers to each question
- Challenges and follows up on dodging or lies
Article Summary
An investigative conversation stays on purpose, seeks clear answers and probes until facts surface; unlike an ordinary chat it refuses drift, flags dodging replies and presses past evasion to reveal truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is an investigative conversation?
How do goal focused questions improve an investigative conversation?
How can I tell if someone is only responding, not answering?
Why is drift common in an ordinary conversation but risky in investigations?
What is the difference between lying and evading the truth?
How can I deal with evasion when gathering facts?
When should I repeat a question in an investigative talk?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
62% of UK employers in the 2024 CIPD Employee Relations Survey said poor first questioning adds about four extra weeks to a workplace investigation. A 2023 College of Policing field study found officers who used a planned interview spotted lies in 74% of talks, while those who used a normal chat style only hit 38%.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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