Detecting Deception through Body Language

Every interaction—whether with employees, customers, or external partners—carries signals that can either reinforce trust or reveal risk. The challenge for organizations is not just communication, but interpretation: knowing when something is misaligned, misleading, or potentially threatening.

This four-hour seminar provides leaders and frontline decision-makers with a structured approach to recognizing deception and behavioral risk indicators. Led by a seasoned homicide detective, the session translates investigative techniques into practical, business-focused applications.

Participants will explore the three primary channels of communication—body language, handwriting, and verbal statements—and learn how to interpret inconsistencies that may signal deception, intent, or escalation risk. The focus is not on turning attendees into investigators, but on strengthening awareness, improving judgment, and supporting safer, more informed decision-making.

The outcome: a more perceptive organization that can identify risk earlier, respond appropriately, and maintain a secure environment that protects both people and brand integrity.

Course Learning Objective:

By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize Behavioral Indicators of Deception
    Identify patterns in body language, speech, and writing that may signal misalignment or risk.

  • Improve Situational Awareness
    Develop a more disciplined approach to observing and interpreting human behavior in professional settings.

  • Differentiate Between Normal and Concerning Behavior
    Establish behavioral baselines and detect meaningful deviations.

  • Support Early Risk Identification
    Identify potential issues before they escalate into workplace conflict, fraud, or safety incidents.

Mike Ruggiero, Instructor

Detective Sergeant Mike Ruggiero has over 35 years of experience in law enforcement. Much of his career was spent with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida. His primary areas of expertise included investigating major cases such as narcotics, sex crimes, internal investigations, robbery, and homicide. During that time, Mike developed a unique skillset to help him determine when and how people were being forthcoming, were omitting, or were fabricating information. He now uses those skills and experience to provide training on Detecting Deception and Interview and Interrogation across the U.S. to police detectives, private investigators, and Human Resource professionals.

In addition to his decades of experience, Mike also has a BA in Criminal Justice. He is the founder of The Police Training Institute and author of “Uncover the Truth-Unlocking the Skills of Body Language and Statement Analysis.” Mike is an in-demand speaker, adjunct instructor for the Public Agency Training Council and instructs sworn and corporate investigators across the US.

Mike resides in Orlando, Florida.

Client Testimonials

  • "The Executive Protection class taught by Gene Page was invaluable, offering real-world insight from someone who has lived the EP lifestyle and worked in the field firsthand. Unlike most classes that focus on what to do once things go wrong, this course emphasized how to prevent failure altogether—because if you're in the headlines, your plan already failed. It was a rare opportunity to learn proactive strategies from lived experience. "

    James Atchley, course participant

  • "Gene Page is the consummate professional and has brought his extensive experience and expertise to this Executive Protection Course. He provides critical information regarding planning, preparation, execution, and tactical requirements involved with executive protection details. As a way to reinforce the learning process Gene conducts an excellent practical application with a hands-on approach for the attendees."

    Gary Plank, course participant