In this conversation, Dave Thompson, CFI and Natalie Gordon, Ph.D., explore the evolving landscape of jury consulting, particularly in the area of social science and the implications on the legal system. They discuss the role of jury consultants in understanding juror psychology, the myths surrounding jury duty, and the importance of effective storytelling in court. The conversation also delves into the emotional experiences of jurors and the insights gained from post-trial interviews, highlighting the growing significance of jury consulting in legal strategy. In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Natalie Gordon, Ph.D., explore the intricate dynamics of juror behavior, trial strategies, and the importance of effective communication in legal settings. They discuss how jurors' perceptions can shift during trials, the challenges of memory in lengthy cases, and the role of mock trials and focus groups in preparing for court. The conversation emphasizes the need for attorneys to understand juror psychology and the impact of group dynamics on decision-making, ultimately highlighting the value of research in shaping legal strategies.

Truths:

• Jury consultants help attorneys understand juror perspectives.
• Jurors often care about evidence more than perceived biases.
• The media shapes misconceptions about jury duty.
• Nonverbal cues are often misinterpreted in court.
• Jurors can be influenced by their personal experiences.
• Jury consulting is a growing field in legal strategy.
• Post-trial interviews provide valuable insights for attorneys.
• Jurors appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences.
• Building rapport with jurors is crucial for trial success.
• Jurors often reflect on their biases during deliberations.
• Memory challenges can affect jurors' recall in long trials.
• Shadow juries can provide insights into real jury dynamics.
• Mock trials help attorneys refine their case strategies.
• Effective communication is key in informing jurors.
• Group dynamics can significantly influence juror opinions.
• Research can reveal unexpected interpretations of evidence.
• Preparation and understanding juror psychology enhance trial outcomes.

In this episode, Dave Thompson and Mark Anderson discuss the evolution of interview and interrogation techniques, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth over mere confessions. They explore the pressures faced by investigators, the impact of recording interviews, and the biases that can affect forensic evidence. Mark shares personal experiences that highlight the need for strategic empathy and the importance of continuous learning in the field. In this conversation, Mark Anderson and Dave Thompson discuss the intricacies of effective interviewing, emphasizing the importance of behavior, trauma awareness, and the need for active listening. They explore how planning and preparation can enhance interview outcomes and the significance of building credibility and confidence in communication. The discussion highlights the transferable skills applicable across various fields, reinforcing the idea that effective communication is essential in all interactions.

Learn more about Mark here: Mark Anderson - Anderson Investigative

Truths:

• Changing the purpose of an interview from confession-seeking to truth-seeking is crucial.
• Pressure on investigators often comes from leadership that doesn't understand modern techniques.
• Recording interviews can provide valuable insights and reduce bias.
• Bias in forensic evidence can be mitigated by limiting information given to forensic experts.
• After-action reviews can improve performance across various fields, not just law enforcement.
• Strategic empathy is essential in interviews, especially in sensitive cases.
• Old habits in interviewing can be difficult to break, but it's necessary for progress.
• The importance of a team approach in reviewing investigations is often overlooked.
• Continuous learning and adapting to new research is vital for effective interviewing.
• Personal experiences can shape how investigators approach sensitive topics in interviews. We need to change where we are here.
• Trauma has a huge effect on memory recall.
• Planning is indispensable for effective interviews.
• Sincerity breeds credibility in communication.
• Interviewing is a professional skill set that requires practice.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, CFI interviews retired FBI agent Jerri Williams, who shares her extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly in communication and media relations. They discuss the importance of debunking myths about the FBI, the evolution of financial crimes, and the critical role of effective communication in interviews and crisis situations.

Jerri also reflects on her transition to media relations and the challenges of maintaining public safety while managing information dissemination. The conversation highlights the skills necessary for successful investigations and the nuances of portraying crime in fiction.

In this conversation, Jerri Williams shares her journey from being an FBI agent to becoming a successful author and podcaster. She discusses the challenges of writing fiction, the importance of balancing realism with entertainment, and the misconceptions surrounding the FBI in media. Jerri also highlights her experiences in podcasting, the evolution of her interview style, and her recent work as a consulting producer on a new TV show - Duster. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of effective communication in both personal and professional contexts.

Check out Jerri's podcast: FBI Retired Case File Review

Duster - Newly released Max Original Series

Thank you to Axis Communications for supporting this episode!

Truths:

• Myths about the FBI often stem from media portrayals.
• Building rapport can turn suspects into informants.
• Interviews should be conversations, not interrogations.
• Crisis communication requires balancing accuracy and urgency.
• Financial crimes evolve with technology and trends.
• Public perception is shaped by how information is presented.
• The role of a spokesperson is to represent the organization, not personal views.
• Misconceptions can lead to prejudicial statements in media.
• Fiction writing requires creativity and attention to detail.
• Writing can be a painful process, but rewarding.
• Realism in fiction is crucial for engaging storytelling.
• Consistency in character development is key.
• Podcasting can be a powerful platform for authors.
• Evolving interview techniques can enhance storytelling.
• FBI myths in media can mislead the public.
• Collaboration between agencies can lead to successful outcomes.
• Female agents are often misrepresented in media.
• Developing informants is a critical part of FBI work.
• Effective communication is about understanding the listener.