I imagine you are thinking that you will never be in the position of having to take a lie detector test – or the polygraph – But you can’t be sure what the future holds. So, I recommend you stay around until the end.
It is becoming pretty common to see this type of test in big companies as a tool to decide whether or not to hire a person – usually for important positions – or to conduct internal investigations.
Also, it’s commonly used by police officers, military, security agencies, private investigators, and intelligence services. That’s why, just in case, we’re going to give you a few tips to help you be prepared. All within the law, of course.
Can You Beat a Lie Detector Test?
First, we must know that the lie detector cannot detect the lie itself; it only captures physiological changes that occur in the body when the person is lying. These changes include rapid pulse, sweating, unusual breathing, and high blood pressure.
The most sophisticated lie detectors can detect up to 50 different types of reactions coming from your body. However, the results are usually interpreted globally. Despite the accuracy of modern lie detectors, you can prepare – in advance – to take the test and pass it. Let’s get started.
5. Be Physically Prepared
As we mentioned, your body is a vital part of this type of test; therefore, you must be physically prepared.
To achieve this, you have to prepare your body the day before. Here are some tips.
- Sleep well the night before.
- Make sure you eat healthily and don’t skip meals or overeat.
- If you have any medical condition or are taking any medication, be sure to take it. Most importantly, mention it to the examiner.
- The more comfortable you are, the more positive the result will be. So wear comfortable clothes.
Fun fact: one of the most important things is that you feel good and comfortable. Therefore, in addition to the above, you should maintain your routine, and not make any drastic changes in the days prior to the test.
4. Don’t Hold Your Nerves
If you feel nervous about the test – which is normal – don’t hide it, it can work in your favor. This is because most of the time when we lie – I’m sure we’ve all done it – our body changes: we may sweat, our pulse and blood pressure speed up.
Fun fact: people who are nervous during the interview tend to give the right answers. So, let’s set our nerves free.
3. Don’t Lie About The Details
The more honest you are, the more accurate your results will be. So, don’t lie, especially when you talk about the little details and tell them as you remember them. Remember, most of the questions are simple and should not catch you by surprise.
Fun fact: you can request to read the questions before the test. This is called the pre-interview where you familiarize yourself with both the questions and the procedure. They don’t show this part in the movies.
2. Take Your Time
Do not rush to give an answer, as the questions may be repeated several times during the test. Take your time to listen, and understand the questions. Don’t joke or be over-friendly. Also, try to keep the answers simple; most of them can be yes or no answers. It is normal to feel the need to give a longer answer; it is best to resist. Self-control is a plus.
Fun fact: some examiners in the post-test – where they discuss results – may say they know you are lying to try you. Don’t fall for it.
1. Don’t Use Tricks
The internet is full of tricks or recommendations to intentionally modify your body’s reactions. If you know these tricks, so do the testers, and if they find out you are trying, the consequences will always be against you. So, don’t waste your time learning these tricks and instead focus on how to be prepared. I hope you are reading this article just for fun, and not because you have to take this test tomorrow.
