Like many of you, I had a polygraph coming up and I read up and did my due diligence.



I found this site and discovered all of the baloney and voodoo science that goes into the polygraph. Then, I downloaded the pdf "The Lie Behind The Lie Detector" and read the chapters on countermeasures a few times.



I practiced the recommended breathing pattern, it's not hard since it is considered the "norm" for breathing.



Then, the fateful day came. I got almost no sleep due to nervousness but made sure I had a decent breakfast. Arriving early, as the book recommended, I tried to put on a good impression. I also wore professional clothing to complete the look.



Reading about how guilt-free people are confident and sure of themselves, which I naturally am, I made doubly sure to smile and give a firm handshake. First impressions are last impressions, after all.



I read a pre-printed list of questions, answered appropriately as was needed. The examiner tried to get me to confess to a few things, but I held my ground - make no additional admissions! Then, I was strapped into the chair.



For the love of God, I couldn't believe how uncomfortable that chair is! I think it is purposefully designed to hurt your back and cause you to tense up. What a piece of garbage.



Anyways, I didn't employ countermeasures in the traditional sense as I wasn't sure what questions were control. However, I did recognize the relevant questions and controlled my breathing very carefully. Breathe in for three seconds, breath out for three seconds. No deviation.



Also, I barely paid attention to the questions. I vaguely heard them but as soon as I answered I controlled my breathing and thought about the drive home, or what I was going to do later, or just daydream. Anything to avoid getting nervous and raising my heart rate.



After it was all said and done, the examiner reported that I passed with no problem. I left walking an inch taller, fully knowing the lie detector is just a machine, and any cool-headed person can beat it.



I do think that it is the innocent persons who are at a disadvantage. I've been around the block. From drugs to violence, I've been there. Since have been in those situations where tensions are high and adrenaline is flowing, the polygraph just isn't in the same league as getting into an altercation, for example.



An "innocent" person, however, is less likely to have been into a bunch of fights, to have been arrested and lied to the cops about their involvement ("I didn't see nothing, officer!"). They don't have the experience of lying under pressure, essentially, and it is those persons who are most likely to react under the pressure of certain disqualifying questions.



I hope my experience helps someone. If there is one thing to take away from this, it is that knowledge is power, and you CAN beat the machine.