Leanne Brinke

Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and director of the Truth and Trust Lab. Her research examines deception, trust, and dark personality traits, and she is the author of Poisonous People.

Lie Detection Improves When Questions Test Verifiable Detail

Psychologist Leanne Ten Brinke argues that there is no reliable visual “tell” for lying or for identifying dark personality traits. Drawing on deception research, she recommends testing consequential claims with open-ended questions, requests for detail and checks on what can be verified, rather than relying on eye contact, fidgeting or first impressions. For dealings with manipulative people, her focus is on patterns over time and on reducing their leverage through clear boundaries, records and outside perspective.

The Diary of a CEOSep 7, 202619 min read