Statement Analysis

Whenever we communicate through language, we inevitably reveal much more than we consciously intend. Our words can provide significant insights into personality, emotional states, priorities, and shifts in commitment. Drawing on linguistic assessment techniques, I examine the words, phrases, and structure of spoken or written statements to identify information that may not be immediately apparent. When systematically analyzed, linguistic paterns can offer valuable insights into what a person accepts, avoids, minimises, emphasises, or distances themselves from, as well as where important information may be missing. My analyses can also help you understand whether a statement contains features more consistent with truthful or deceptive communication.

 How Does it Work?

Language processing is a rapid and complex cognitive function requiring synchronization across multiple areas of the brain, hence much of language production occurs automatically, outside conscious awareness. The choice of words, sentence structure, and content of a statement are shaped by emotional states. Verbal and written statements can be evaluated for inconsistencies, dysfluencies, omissions, or linguistic patterns, often beyond conscious control. For example, errors in speech, Freudian slips, along with the use of distancing or passive language, can reveal unconscious thoughts, desires, or conflicts, and the use of pronouns provides insight into the quality of relationships between people (Hancock, 2011; Pennebaker, 2011).

The most common use of Statement Analysis is in detecting deception and assessing truthfulness, particularly in forensic and investigative contexts. In deceptive statements, the effort to manage the target’s perception of information, coupled with suppressing memories of what truly happened, increases cognitive load. This increase in cognitive load may cause ‘leakage,’ making Statement Analysis an effective tool for uncovering hidden meanings in communication.

I analyze written or spoken statements in both English and Swedish. As a psychologist licensed by the National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden, I adhere to strict rules of confidentiality.

When can Statement Analysis be helpful?

Using the insights gained, I can offer strategic recommendations in areas such as:

• Forensic Investigations: I assist in evaluating witness testimonies, written statements, interviews, and threatening communications. A linguistic statement analysis can uncover critical information that might leverage the subject’s own words to guide interviews and may facilitate confessions.

• Workplace Investigations: Statement Analysis can complement other investigative techniques in internal inquiries into theft, fraud, or misconduct. It provides an additional layer of insight, helping to identify inconsistencies, stress markers, or omissions that may indicate deception or intent.

• Recruitment: By applying Statement Analysis in a recruitment processes, I can help identify a candidate’s priorities and intentions. Linguistic patterns in application materials, such as cover letters, can highlight ambiguities for further exploration during interviews. Alternatively, the analysis can provide an objective, 'blind' second opinion in the later stages of selection.

• Personal Matters: I support individuals in navigating family or personal situations where uncovering the truth is critical. For example, Statement Analysis can help evaluate the authenticity of an apology or assess a professional’s commitment to serving your best interests, e.g. when hiring professionals with significant, potentially life-changing responsibilities, such as lawyers, nannies, real estate agents, or doctors.

• Journalism: A Statement Analysis of a prior interview can save time by helping identify sensitive topics or areas of ambiguity to focus on in subsequent interviews.

  For collaborations or requests, please contact me.  Note that if you plan to transcribe a recording before sending it to me, the transcription has to be done following specific guidelines. Alternatively, I can arrange to have a statement transcribed for you, at an additional cost.