I’m a former military federal agent and found your article to be spot on.
What I enjoyed most about your writing was that you acknowledge the gray area that is human communication. It reminded me that few things a black and white when it comes to communication and that generally being more open will help you find out people’s interests, intentions, and motivations in a way that is healthy and may serve your long term goals in the long run.
As a math teacher, I’ve found myself using these skills quite often. Not just to determine who did or did not study for a test, but also to find the best way to motivate students to achieve their highest potential in the classroom. It’s a useful skill that has already helped me form more meaningful relationships with my students.