text: FM 2-22.3 _________________________________________________________________________________
  HUMINT collector must describe concrete actions that he will take in order
  to remove the source’s fear.
  8-41. Frequently the object of the fear is too traumatic for the source to face
  directly. While calming the source, the HUMINT collector may initially ask
  nonpertinent questions and avoid the subject that has caused the source's
  fear. This develops rapport and establishes communication. The HUMINT
  collector must remember that his goal is collecting information, not concern
  with the psychological well being of the source. He will be concerned with the
  latter only insofar as it helps him obtain the former. This approach technique
  may backfire if allowed to go too far. After convincing the source he has
  nothing to fear, the source may cease to be afraid and may feel secure enough
  to resist the HUMINT collector's pertinent question.
  Emotional-Pride and Ego-Up Approach
  8-42. (Interrogation and Other MSO) The emotional-pride and ego-up
  approach may be used in any MSO. It exploits a source's low self-esteem.
  Many HUMINT sources including EPWs and other detainees, retained
  persons, civilian internees, or refugees may suffer from low self-esteem and
  feelings of helplessness due to their immediate circumstances. Others, such
  as individuals or members of social or ethnic groups that have been
  discriminated against or low-ranking members of organizations (including
  the military), may also show low self-worth. In this technique, the source is
  flattered into providing certain information in order to gain credit and build
  his ego. The HUMINT collector must take care to use a flattering somewhat-
  in-awe tone of voice, and speak highly of the source throughout this approach
  while remaining believable. This should produce positive feelings on the
  source's part as he receives desired recognition. The source will eventually
  reveal pertinent information to solicit more favorable comments from the
  HUMINT collector.
  8-43. This technique can also be employed in another manner––by flattering
  the source into admitting certain information in order to gain credit. For
  example, while interrogating a suspected saboteur, the HUMINT collector
  states: "This was a smooth operation. I have seen many previous attempts
  fail. I bet you planned this. Who else but a clever person like you would have
  planned it? When did you first decide to do the job?"
  8-44. A variation of this approach can also be used on individuals with strong
  egos. It is based on the premise that everyone likes to talk about what they
  do best. The HUMINT collector shows interest in and asks the source to
  explain an aspect of his job. The questioning begins with nonpertinent
  aspects of the source’s job. The HUMINT collector displays interest and asks
  increasingly technical and pertinent questions. For example, if the source is
  an EPW who was a pilot, the HUMINT collector might begin by asking him
  what it is like to fly. As the source talks about this, the collector
  demonstrates interest and gradually uses questions to lead the conversation
  to capabilities of specific aircraft, specific missions that the pilot has flown,
  tactics, or whatever topic is a priority for collection.