Why is silence a valuable tool during an interview?

Silence is a valuable tool during an interview primarily because it encourages elaboration from the interviewee. When an interviewer remains silent after a question, it creates a space that may prompt the suspect to fill that silence with additional information. This can lead to more detailed responses and help uncover inconsistencies or deeper insights into the person's story. The natural human tendency to fill silence often results in the interviewee becoming more engaged and willing to provide more than the minimal responses they might otherwise give.

Utilizing silence effectively can enhance communication, making it a strategic approach in investigative interviews, as it helps to create a more open dialogue and gives the suspect an opportunity to express themselves freely.