How to Detect Lies

 Is she lying?Watching facial expressions in order to determine whether a person is lying might just save you from being a victim of fraud, or it could help you figure out when somebody's being genuine. Jury analysts do this when assisting in jury selection. The police do this during an interrogation. You have to learn the little facial and body expressions that can help you distinguish a lie from the truth.



Steps

Observe Their Face1Look for microexpressions. Microexpressions are facial expressions that flash on a person's face for a fraction of a second and reveal the person's true emotion underneath their facade. Some people may be naturally sensitive to them, but almost anybody can easily train to be able to detect microexpressions. Typically, in a person who is lying, their microexpression will exhibit the emotion of distress, characterized by the eyebrows being drawn upwards towards the middle of the forehead. This sometimes causing short lines to appear across the forehead skin.

2Check for sweating. People tend to sweat more when they lie. [1] However, this is not always a reliable indication of lying. Some people may sweat a lot more just because of nervousness or shyness.3Notice the person's eye movements. You can usually tell if a person is remembering something or making something up based on their eye movements. When someone is remembering details, their eyes move to the right (your right). When someone is making something up, their eyes move to the left. It's usually reversed for lefties. People also tend to blink more rapidly as they're telling a lie.

Contrary to popular belief, a liar does not always avoid eye contact. Humans naturally break eye contact and look at non-moving objects to help them focus and remember. Liars may deliberately make eye contact to seem more sincere.4Watch their throat. A person may constantly be trying to lubricate their throat when they lie by swallowing or clearing their throat to relieve the tension built up.5Notice the behavior of other body parts. Watch their hands, arms and legs, which tend to be limited, stiff, and self-directed when the person is lying. Their hands may touch their face ear, or the back of the neck.

Keep in mind that these signals may be a sign of nervousness and not a sign of deceit. They might not necessarily be nervous because they're lying.

Notice Their Verbal Responses1Pay attention to their voice. A person's voice can also be a good lie indicator. They may suddenly start talking faster or slower than normal, or their tension may result in a higher-pitched speaking tone.2Mind exaggerated details. See if they are telling you too much. An example might be, "My mom is living in France, isn't it nice there? Don't you like the Eiffel tower? It's so clean there." Too many details may tip you off to their desperation to get you to believe them.1Be aware of their impulsive emotional responses. Timing and duration tends to be off when someone is lying. If you ask someone a question and they respond directly after the question, there is a chance that the person is lying. This can be because they have rehearsed the answer or they're already thinking about the answer just to get it over with.2Pay close attention to the person's reaction to your questions. A liar will often feel uncomfortable and turn their head or body away, or even subconsciously put an object between the two of you. Also, while an innocent person would go on the offensive (usually responding with anger, which will usually be revealed in a microexpression directly after you say you don't believe them), a guilty person will often go immediately on the defensive (usually by saying something to reassure their facts, such as deflections).

Listen for a subtle delay in responses to questions. An honest answer comes quickly from memory. Lies require a quick mental review of what they have told others to avoid inconsistency and to make up new details as needed. However, when people look up to remember things, it does not necessarily mean that they are lying.3Be conscious of their usage of words. Verbal expression can give many clues as to whether a person is lying, such as:





Using/repeating your own exact words when answering a questionAvoiding use of contractionsVocal pitch risingAvoiding direct statements or answers (deflections)Speaking excessively in an effort to convinceSpeaking in a monotonous tone, speaking with a jumpy tone, or allowing pitch to rise and fall unnaturallyLeaving out pronouns (he, she, it, etc.)Speaking in muddled sentencesUsing humor and sarcasm to avoid the subjectAllowing silence to enter the conversationPausing at an unusual time, such as in the middle of a sentence4Notice when the person repeats sentences. If the suspect uses almost the exact same words over and over, then it's probably a lie. When a person makes up a lie, he often tries to remember a certain phrase or sentence that sounds convincing. When asked to explain the situation again, the liar will use the very same 'convincing' sentence again.

Establish Methods to Detect Lying1Stare at them with a look of disbelief. If they're lying, they will become uncomfortable. If they're telling the truth, they will usually become angry or just frustrated (lips pressed together, brows down, upper eyelid tensed and pulled down to glare).2Establish a base line. A base line is what someone acts like when they are not lying. You have to get a base line before you proceed with anything. To establish a baseline, you need to see the person when they aren't lying. Try asking what their name is and what they do for a living.3Learn to recognize deflections. Usually, when people are lying, they will tell stories that are true, but are deliberately aimed at not answering the question you asked. If a person responds to the question "Did you ever hit your wife?" with an answer such as, "I love my wife, why would I do that?", the suspect is technically telling a truth, but they are avoiding answering your original question. This may indicate that they are lying or trying to conceal something from you.4Follow through. If you have the means, check the validity of what the liar is saying. A skilled liar might give some reason why you shouldn't talk to the person who could confirm or deny a story. These are probably lies themselves, so it might be worthwhile overcoming your reluctance and to check with the person you've been warned against.

Edit Video

Edit TipsThe more you get to know someone, the better you will become at recognizing their thinking style and the better you will become at knowing when they may be straying from the truth.

Some of the behaviors of a liar listed above also coincide with those of an extremely shy person, who might not be lying at all.

Some of the behaviors may also occur when somebody is very concentrated on speaking (for example, when the topic is sophisticated or the person is stressed).

Botox or other plastic surgery may also interfere with 'tells' and give false positives.

Some people may have reputations for lying; keep this in mind, but don't let it mask your opinions all the time. You have to take it on a case-by-case basis.

Some people are extremely experienced or even professional liars. He or she has told their made up story so many times that they are actually believable, getting all their days, dates and times down perfectly! Sometimes, you may need to simply accept that you can't catch every lie all the time.

Many of the signs that a person is lying are also signs that they are simply nervous. This can especially be the case if they are uncomfortable with the subject they are talking about.

If someone is being accused of lying, they may become defensive. This may seem like they are lying, but they are just shocked to be put at the center of attention unexpectedly.

Most people tell the truth most of the time and will cherish their reputation. Liars will "sail close to the wind" - they'll artificially bolster their reputation so that they seem more credible or desirable than they actually are.

A liar might use objects around them to help put detail into their lies. For example, there might be a pen on the table and then they will include a pen in their story. Make sure you watch for body gestures, eye movement and facial expressions. This can all give away hints that he or she could be lying.



Edit WarningsBe careful of how often you appraise others' truthfulness. If you are always looking for lies, people may avoid you. (See Cope With Having No Friends.)

Remember that eye contact is considered rude in some cultures, so this may explain why they are reluctant to look at you in the eye consistently.

Some people with developmental disabilities like Autism or Asperger's syndrome are very reluctant to make eye contact or do not make eye contact at all. This is a trait of the Autism spectrum and not a sign of dishonesty. Also, some people like to stare at you eye-to-eye.

Forcing a smile is often just an attempt to be polite; don't take this personally. If someone fakes a smile for you, it can also mean that they want to make a good impression on you because they value you as a person and are showing respect.

Someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing may need to watch your mouth instead of your eyes in order to lip read or better understand what you are saying.

How to Read Body Language

 

 

Noticing the signals that people send out with their body language is a very useful social skill. Some of us can read it naturally and some of us are notoriously oblivious. Fortunately, with a little extra attentiveness, you can learn to read body language, and with enough practice it'll become second nature.

Edit Steps

1. 1
   

   Pay attention to how close someone is to you.
   Pay attention to how close someone is to you. The closer they are, the warmer they are thinking of you. The farther away that someone is, the less they actually care of the situation or person. If you move slightly closer to them, do they move slightly further away? That means they don't want your interaction to be any more personal than it already is. If they don't move further away, then they are receptive. And if they respond by getting even closer to you, they probably really like you or are very comfortable around/by you.
   
   
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     It is worth noting that personal space is culturally fluid; keep in mind that what is considered close in one country is far away in another.
     It is worth noting that personal space is culturally fluid; keep in mind that what is considered close in one country is far away in another.
2. 2
   

   Watch their head position.
   Watch their head position.
   
   
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     Overly tilted heads are either a potential sign of sympathy, or if a person smiles while tilting their head, they are being playful and maybe even flirting.
     Overly tilted heads are either a potential sign of sympathy, or if a person smiles while tilting their head, they are being playful and maybe even flirting. (Note that people with vision problems such as amblyopia will also have a tilted head.)
   • 

     Lowered heads indicate a reason to hide something.
     Lowered heads indicate a reason to hide something. Take note if someone lowers their head. If it is when he is complimented, he may be shy, ashamed, timid, keeping distance from the other person, in disbelief, or thinking to himself or herself. If it is after an explanation, then he may be unsure if what he said was correct, or could be reflecting.
     • It should be noted that some cultures see this as a sign of respect.
   • 

     Cocked heads mean that they are confused or challenging you, depending on eye, eyebrow, and mouth gestures.
     Cocked heads mean that they are confused or challenging you, depending on eye, eyebrow, and mouth gestures. Think of how a dog slightly cocks its head when you make a funny noise.
   • 

     On the other hand when coupled with a smile, a tilted head will mean they genuinely like you and are engaged in playful conversation.
     On the other hand when coupled with a smile, a tilted head will mean they genuinely like you and are engaged in playful conversation.
3. 3
   

   Look into their eyes.
   Look into their eyes.
   
   
   • 

     People who look to the sides a lot are nervous, lying, or distracted.
     People who look to the sides a lot are nervous, lying, or distracted. However, if a person looks away from the speaker, it very well could be a comfort display or indicate submissiveness. Looking askance generally means the person is distrustful or unconvinced.
   • 

     If someone looks down at the floor a lot, they are probably shy or timid.
     If someone looks down at the floor a lot, they are probably shy or timid. People also tend to look down, when they are upset, or trying to hide something emotional. People are often thinking and feelings unpleasant emotions when they are in the process of staring at the ground.
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     Some cultures believe that looking at someone in the eyes is a sign of disrespect, so this could explain why someone is avoiding eye contact with you.
     Some cultures believe that looking at someone in the eyes is a sign of disrespect, so this could explain why someone is avoiding eye contact with you.
   • 

     Dilated pupils mean that the person is interested.
     Dilated pupils mean that the person is interested. Keep in mind, however, that many drugs cause pupils to dilate, including alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, LSD and others. Don't mistake having a few drinks for attraction. Also, some people have permanently dilated pupils (a condition known as mydriasis).
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     If their eyes seem far away, that usually indicates that a person is in deep thought or not listening.
     If their eyes seem far away, that usually indicates that a person is in deep thought or not listening. (Note: Unfocused eyes may also be a sign of binocular vision problems.)
4. 4
   

   See if they're mirroring you.
   See if they're mirroring you. Mirroring is another common gesture. If someone mirrors, or mimics your appearance, this is a very genuine sign that they are interested in you and trying to establish rapport with you. Try changing your body position here and there. If you find that they change theirs similarly, they are mirroring.
5. 5
   

   Check their arms.
   Check their arms.
   
   
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     People with crossed arms are closing themselves to social influence.
     People with crossed arms are closing themselves to social influence. Though some people just cross their arms as a habit, it may indicate that the person is (slightly) reserved, uncomfortable with their appearance (IE: self conscious and trying to cover it), or just trying to hide something on their shirt. If their arms are crossed while their feet are shoulder width or wider apart, this is a position of toughness or authority.
   • 

     If someone rests their arms behind their neck or head, they are open to what is being discussed or just laid back in general.
     If someone rests their arms behind their neck or head, they are open to what is being discussed or just laid back in general.
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     If their hands are on their hips, they might be waiting, impatient or just tired.
     If their hands are on their hips, they might be waiting, impatient or just tired.
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     If their hands are closed or clenched, they may be irritated, angry, or nervous.
     If their hands are closed or clenched, they may be irritated, angry, or nervous.
6. 6
   

   Be aware of nervous gestures:
   
   .
   Be aware of nervous gestures:
   
   
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     If someone brushes their hair back with their fingers, this may be preening, a common gesture if the person likes you, or their thoughts about something conflict with yours.
     If someone brushes their hair back with their fingers, this may be preening, a common gesture if the person likes you, or their thoughts about something conflict with yours. They might not voice this. If you see raised eyebrows during this time, you can be pretty sure that they disagree with you.
   • 

     If the person wears glasses, and is constantly pushing them up onto their nose again, with a slight frown, that may also indicate they disagree with what you are saying.
     If the person wears glasses, and is constantly pushing them up onto their nose again, with a slight frown, that may also indicate they disagree with what you are saying. Look to make sure they push up their glasses with an intent, not casually adjusting them. Look for pushing on the rim with two fingers, or an extra motion of wiggling the side of their glasses. The frown or raised eyebrows should tip you off. (Note: A frown may also indicate eyestrain.)
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     Lowered eyebrows and squinted eyes illustrate an attempt at understanding what is being said or going on.
     Lowered eyebrows and squinted eyes illustrate an attempt at understanding what is being said or going on. It's usually skeptical. This is presuming they are not trying to observe something that's far away. (Note: A squint is another possible sign of vision issues.)
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     If they are staring into space then they are most likely think deeply about the past or they could be thinking of you.
     If they are staring into space then they are most likely think deeply about the past or they could be thinking of you
7. 7
   

   Watch their feet:
   
   .
   Watch their feet:
   
   
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     A fast tapping, shifting of weight, laughing, or movement of the foot will most often mean that the person is impatient, excited, nervous, scared, or intimidated.
     A fast tapping, shifting of weight, laughing, or movement of the foot will most often mean that the person is impatient, excited, nervous, scared, or intimidated.
     • 

       Note though that some people with ADHD will constantly jiggle their legs.
       Note though that some people with ADHD will constantly jiggle their legs. It doesn't mean anything, it's entirely subconscious and, while eccentric, it can't be stopped. Some people also do it out of habit.
   • 

     If the person is sitting, feet crossed at the ankles means they're generally at ease.
     If the person is sitting, feet crossed at the ankles means they're generally at ease.
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     If while standing, a person seems to always keep their feet very close together, it probably means they are trying to be "proper" in some way.
     If while standing, a person seems to always keep their feet very close together, it probably means they are trying to be "proper" in some way. Sometimes feet together means that they are feeling more submissive or passive.
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     If they purposely touch their feet to yours, they are flirting!.
     If they purposely touch their feet to yours, they are flirting!
   • 

     Some people may point their feet to the direction of where they want to go or sometimes their interest.
     Some people may point their feet to the direction of where they want to go or sometimes their interest. So if it's pointing at you, he/she may be interested in you.

Edit Tips

• It's easy to spot a confident person: they will make prolonged eye contact and have a strong posture. They may also sit or stand very cricked. Long eye contact can also be found in lovers' or families eyes.
• If a person talks at a fast rate and mumbles or isn't clear on what they are saying they could be nervous or might be lying, trying to stall for time, or not telling the full truth (being vague). Be aware that some people do actually mumble.
• Watch the face - it will usually give off a quick involuntary and sometimes subconscious twitch when something happens that irritates, excites, or amuses them.
• Observing in context is key to understanding body language.
• Keep in mind that each person has their own unique body language called baseline behaviors.
• When observing others, be subtle about it.
• Pay special attention to changes in body language rather than the body language itself.
• If a person looks up at the sky, or to the sides they are usually thinking about you.
• Some people touch their face and/or play with their hair when they are flirting.
• When a person closes his/her eyes longer than the time it takes to blink, that usually means that he/she is feeling stress, alarm, or despair (although it could mean that their contacts are dry, this will sometimes be accompanied by rubbing of the eye).
• When a person licks their lips its a sign of liking you.

Edit Warnings

• Do not judge a person solely by their body language.
• Don't isolate yourself by constantly examining body language when interacting with people. Otherwise, there is no reason to gain a social upper hand anyway. This is paralysis by analysis.
• Do not spend too much time looking at and analyzing the other person's body language. Try to look at their face while you are talking to them.