Communication apprehension and vocal stress as indices of deception

This study focused on the relationship between communication apprehension and vocal stress during deceptive and truthful responses generated in simulated job interviews. Vocal stress levels were determined by the Mark II Voice Analyzer. The design of the experiment produced prepared, spontaneous, and delayed deceptive responses. Results indicated that individuals who experience a high degree of communication apprehension evidence higher vocal stress levels during prepared lies. Significant elevated stress levels were not observed for the other types of lies. Low communication appre‐hensives did not demonstrate significantly higher vocal stress levels during any of the deceptive responses. These results provide support for earlier theories of anticipatory responses to communication interaction. Implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are noted.