When I attended the Foundational Application of Social Engineering (FASE) course, I had no idea what I was in for, but it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, human behavior, and the subtle factors that drive people to think, feel, and act the way they do.
Over the course of four intensive days, I immersed myself in the art and science of elicitation, influence, nonverbal communication, and the power of building authentic rapport. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this experience would soon come full circle; within a short period of time I would return not as a student, but as one of the course instructors. In this reflection, I’d like to share both perspectives: what I learned as a student, and how my understanding deepened once I stepped into the instructor’s role.
Discovering the Power of Human Behavior in FASE
On the first day, each attendee completed a DISC assessment to identify and understand their unique communication style. Developed by Dr. William Marston, the DISC model evaluates four key aspects of communication, Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness, based on an individual’s communication preferences. By becoming aware of our own style, we can better adapt our approach to communicate more effectively with others. We learned that influence begins with self-awareness: how can we truly understand and connect with others if we don’t first understand ourselves? Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses as communicators allows us to be more flexible, empathetic, and intentional, in our interactions.
Learning to Influence and Connect as a Student
We also learned how to craft realistic pretexts, apply key principles of influence, and interpret body language to better understand others. In addition, we explored various elicitation techniques and methods for building genuine rapport. Some of the most valuable tips for effective rapport building included practicing ego suspension, validating others’ perspectives, using time constraints strategically, and demonstrating reciprocal altruism such as offering sincere compliments. Developing strong rapport-building skills is essential, to elicit information during a conversation that feels natural.
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone: Lessons from the Field
What I found the most challenging, and where I learned the most, was the homework. Every evening during the course we had to go out and elicit specific information from complete strangers. I am one of the most introverted people on the face of this earth and told myself “There’s no way I’ll be able to this.” However, I decided to trust the process and treat the homework as an experiment to see if these techniques actually work… and regardless of my personality, they did!
Before going out each evening, I would craft a simple pretext and create a persona that I would embody for the purpose of the exercise. Then I would pick out the principles of influence that I planned to use as I engaged my target. I was in shock as to how well these principles worked. I still apply these techniques not only in my professional life but also in my personal interactions with others.
From Student to Instructor: Guiding the Next Generation
It’s always exciting to meet the new students on the first day of the FASE course. Participants come not only from different parts of the country but from all around the world, bringing with them unique perspectives and experiences. At first, everyone tends to keep to themselves as they get acquainted with their peers. One of the things I really enjoy about teaching at FASE is the interaction between the students and instructors; I find it fascinating to hear how different people can highlight different aspects of the same information.
My favorite part of being an instructor in this course is listening to the stories students share during our morning debrief sessions. Each team recounts how they completed their elicitation assignments from the night before, some stories are hilariously funny, others deeply insightful, and a few even quite emotional. It’s truly rewarding to watch a group of complete strangers evolve into a close-knit team, developing a genuine sense of camaraderie while making remarkable progress in their skills and confidence. By the end of the course, the personal and professional transformation I witness is what makes teaching at FASE such a meaningful and fulfilling experience.
What FASE Taught Me About True Human Connection
In reflecting on my journey from student to instructor in the Foundational Application of Social Engineering course, I’ve come to appreciate how transformative this experience truly was. What began as a personal challenge to step outside my comfort zone turned into a profound lesson in empathy, adaptability, and human connection. As a student, I learned the value of awareness of my communication style and being aware of others as well, so that I can adapt to being a better communicator. I also learned that using the right tools, just about any information, can be elicited; yet the goal is never to belittle people but leave them feeling better for having met me.
As an instructor, I discovered the joy of guiding others through that same process of discovery and growth. Watching students overcome their fears, connect with others, and realize their potential, is both humbling and inspiring. Ultimately, FASE taught me that social engineering isn’t about manipulation, it’s about understanding, authenticity, and the power of genuine human interaction.
Why Every Professional Should Experience FASE
I encourage anyone seeking to strengthen their communication skills, expand their comfort zone, or simply understand people on a deeper level, to take the leap and experience this course for themselves. Whether you work in cybersecurity, sales, leadership, or communication, FASE will transform how you see and engage with people. You can learn more about upcoming sessions here.
Written by
Rosa Rowles
Human Risk Analyst, Social-Engineer, LLC
