Used by FBI Hostage Negotiators, Mirroring Exposes Clarity — or the Lack of It

Mirroring Someone Who Knows Their Stuff

Analyst: We’re seeing a steep drop in repeat purchases after week 4.

You: After week 4?

Analyst: Yeah, that’s when first-time buyers either churn or stop engaging — it correlates with email fatigue and ad oversaturation.

You: Email fatigue?

Analyst: Exactly. Open rates fall 40% after the third campaign. We’re hitting them too often without changing the creative.

You: Hitting them too often?

Analyst: Yes. We should test a holdout group with reduced frequency — same total impressions, but spaced better. I can model the expected lift.

Try Mirroring Someone Who Is Superficial

You will see the analyst fall apart on your first mirror.

Why It Works?

• Surface what’s missing without accusation

• Trigger real data (or the lack of it)

• Forces evidence without confrontation

• Makes people reflect instead of deflect

• Helps you protect decision quality at the source