When it comes to conducting effective interviews, the stakes are often high, especially in investigative scenarios. Few understand it better than retired FBI and IRS Special Agent, Michael ‘Mike’ McCall, who is the founder of MPM Consulting LLC, a forensic accounting firm. His career has been built around the art of eliciting information—whether from cooperative witnesses, reluctant subjects, or even co-conspirators. Mike’s extensive experience investigating white-collar crimes, coupled with his current work running MPM Consulting, has positioned him as an authority on the techniques and strategies that make an interviewer truly exceptional. In fact, Mike was a certified FBI instructor on effective interviewing and interrogation techniques, making him an expert on this topic. Throughout his career, Mike has learned that effective interviewing goes beyond simply asking questions. It’s about creating an environment of trust, ensuring that the person on the other side of the table feels comfortable enough to speak openly and honestly, and ultimately extracting truth without coercion or intimidation. In his words, “Interviewing is a conversation with a purpose.” According to Mike, “Consent is not just a legal requirement in many scenarios—it’s also a psychological foundation for building trust,” Mike explains. This principle holds true, whether it’s law enforcement or the private sector, where establishing mutual respect is key to obtaining valuable information. Imagine a scenario where an employee is suspected of violating company policies. Rather than jumping straight into accusations or demanding answers, a skilled interviewer will first gather all available evidence prior to sitting down with the employee and informing them of the nature of the interview and seeking their cooperation. “The first step is to make it clear why you want to talk to them, what the consequences of non-compliance are, and that you’re not there to trap them,” the forensic accountant shares. One technique Mike uses is to start with open-ended questions, such as ‘Can you tell me in chronological order what happened on the day of the incident?’ and then gradually narrow down to more specific ones. “This approach allows the interviewee to set the stage. As they talk, you can follow up with targeted questions that probe deeper into the details without making them feel like they’re under attack,” he shares. In some interviews, particularly those involving compliance or internal investigations, it’s crucial to make the interviewee aware of the potential consequences of non-cooperation. For instance, in a corporate setting, this expert forensic accountant might say: “You’re not obligated to tell me anything, but if you choose not to cooperate, I’ll have to report this to your supervisor, which could lead to disciplinary action. It’s entirely your choice.” The goal is to communicate the stakes in a way that respects the interviewee’s autonomy while highlighting the potential outcomes of their decisions—such as job suspension or termination— with extreme consequences for the employee who was not even involved in the activity. Mike suggests starting with neutral topics to put the person at ease. “Ask about their day, their interests; anything that makes them feel seen as a person, not just as a source of information.” Mike recalls a time when he was investigating a complex financial fraud case and had to interview a key witness who was initially very closed off. “You have to find a common ground or connection, whether that connection is genuine or not. Establishing this type of rapport will give the interviewer a distinct advantage in getting to the truth. There have been many instances where I have had to interview a criminal in prison, but had to establish a connection.” Silence can be a powerful tool in an interviewer’s arsenal. Mike shares, “When you’re quiet, people tend to fill the space. They might reveal something they hadn’t intended to say, simply because they feel the need to keep the conversation going.” Active listening—nodding, making small verbal acknowledgments, and maintaining eye contact—also signals to the person that you’re fully engaged in what they’re saying. “People open up more when they feel heard,” Mike emphasizes. Mike recalls a case where he had to investigate a suspicious package. “If I ask, ‘Can I look in your bag?’ and they say no, I can’t force them unless I have a warrant or subpoena. Instead, I would explain the situation, build rapport, and get them to understand why it’s in their best interest to comply. You don’t threaten; you inform.” Mike further asserts that body language can either make or break the interview. “Your non-verbal cues should communicate that you’re there to listen, not to interrogate,” he says. For instance, maintaining relaxed shoulders and avoiding crossing your arms shows that you are approachable. Once you have established inconsistencies in their statement, an interviewer can lean in close and encroach on their personal space. This allows an interviewer to change the tone of the interview and turns the interview into an interrogation – an admission-seeking interview,” Mike adds. The expert even emphasizes the importance of being mindful of facial expressions during an interview. An empathetic smile or a nod at the right moment can encourage a witness to open up, while a furrowed brow or pursed lips can shut them down. “People pick up on facial expressions faster than words. If you appear judgmental, they’ll instantly become guarded,” Mike warns. Even in tense situations, he advises maintaining a neutral yet approachable demeanor. “You want to reflect understanding, not agreement or disagreement. That way, the person knows they’re being heard without feeling like they’re being judged.” Mike’s experience has taught him that the way a question is framed can make a world of difference. “The key is to be both direct and friendly,” he says. “If you’re too vague, the person might feel like you’re trying to trick them. If you’re too blunt, they’ll get defensive.” One of the biggest mistakes an interviewer can make is to get emotionally involved. “No matter what the person says, you have to remain professional and neutral,” Mike advises. “Getting angry or defensive will only make them shut down.” Finally, at the end of the interview, it’s important to leave the person feeling respected, regardless of how cooperative they were. “Always thank them for their time and present them with your business card to let them know they can reach out if they have more to add,” Mike suggests. “This way, even if they weren’t very open in this session, they might feel more comfortable reaching out later.” McCall can’t emphasize enough the importance of documenting and memorializing the interview in a timely fashion. Ultimately, conducting a successful interview is about building trust, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor, and using strategic questioning to get to the truth. Whether one is investigating a major corporate scandal or conducting a routine audit, the principles remain the same: be direct, be professional, and always strive to build rapport and establish a connection. The post How to Conduct an Excellent Interview: Expert Tips From Former FBI Agent Michael McCall appeared first on LA Weekly.