Explains nine practical signs that can help identify when someone is lying.
Inconsistencies in Their Story
It’s hard to keep a story straight when you’re making it up and that’s why one of the biggest red flags is when someone’s story keeps changing. If you ask them the same question at different times & the answers seem to change, there’s a good chance they’re not being honest. They can’t keep their story straight because it’s all fake.
Avoiding Eye Contact
The idea that “the eyes are the windows to the soul” is actually true. Many fibbers can’t look you in the eye when they’re telling a fib.
Look out especially If it is out of character for them. That is, if they usually don’t look elsewhere when talking, it’s a giveaway. Also, if they stare directly in your eyes too much, they could be overcompensating.
Too Much Detail
When people lie, they tend to throw in a lot of unnecessary details in the hopes that it’ll make their story more believable. It actually does the opposite.
Someone who gives you more information than you asked for could be trying too hard to convince you, especially if it sounds like a scripted monologue.
Contradictory Facial Expressions
Don’t forget to pay attention to their facial expressions because when people’s words don’t match their faces, they’re probably not telling the truth.
A smile that looks more like a grimace can be a dead giveaway that someone’s words don’t fit with their true feelings.
Changes in Voice Pitch
If someone is nervous, their voice can change.
You should pay particular attention to their voice during the most important part of the conversation. Any drastic changes in pitch, up or down, could indicate that everything’s not as it seems.
Delayed Responses
You should also notice how long it takes them to answer you.
If they seem like they are stalling or taking very long to answer simple questions, they may be trying to make up a story.
Also, if the answer comes out too quick and sounds rehearsed, it likely is.
Fidgeting or Uncomfortable Body Language
Liars are often uncomfortable & they’ll look like they’re trying to dance out of their skin.
Keep an eye out for nervous behaviors like foot tapping or finger drumming because it’s a subconscious way to deal with the stress of lying.
Even excessive hair-twirling may be a red flag that they’re telling you fibs.
Covering Mouth or Face
Similarly, you might’ve seen someone cover their mouth while they speak or rub their nose a lot during a difficult topic.
It’s almost like they’re trying to physically hold back the fibs. This kind of behavior often shows up when people are saying one thing but they want to take their words back because they know they’re not true.
Sudden Breathing Changes
Look out if their breathing quickens or sounds like they are trying to catch their breath without any physical exertion.
They could be nervous about the lie they’re trying to sell you. Just think of it as their body keeping up with the stress of their fibbing—and it shows up in their breath.
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