What conversation technique is used to discreetly gather information that is not readily available?

Elicitation is a conversation technique specifically designed to discreetly gather information that would not typically be offered voluntarily. This method relies on subtle communication strategies, such as building rapport and asking open-ended questions, allowing the individual to reveal sensitive or pertinent information without feeling pressured or suspecting that they are being interrogated.

Elicitation takes advantage of natural interactions and employs techniques to encourage dialogue, making the subject more comfortable and likelier to share information. This approach is particularly useful in intelligence gathering and security contexts, where obtaining insights about vulnerabilities or adversarial activities is crucial.

In contrast, interrogation is often more confrontational and direct, typically used by law enforcement or military personnel under formal circumstances. Interviewing might imply a structured format where questions are more straightforward, and debriefing refers to the process following an event to gather information systematically, often in a formal setting. These methods do not align with the discreet nature of elicitation, which is aimed at gathering intelligence while minimizing suspicion.