How to Spot a Liar

Photo by Florencio Rojas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wooden-pinocchio-toy-6172029/

While there are no sure-fire ways to tell if you are being lied to, here are red flags to watch out for.

Looking away before speaking.

A glance to the side, or just not meeting you with direct eye contact, may indicate someone searching their mind quickly for an untruth.

Vagueness and lack of details.

Lack of specific information may simply indicate a lack of knowledge–but it may also mean you are being fooled.

Playing with, grooming, or touching their hair while talking.

Such nervous actions are often outward expressions of anxiety of some sort–perhaps over lying. Touching lips and/or face while talking is also a similar sign.

Uncertainty in vocal tone as well as awkward pauses and filler language such as “um.”

Watch for voice cracks, uncertain inflections (ending on “up” notes rather than “down” notes), and hesitation.

Weakness in posture.

A bored and expressionless face or stance may indicate hidden untruths.

Thinking too hard—or the appearance of thinking hard.

This may be them trying to remember, or may actually indicate making something up.