How to Tell When Someone is Lying

When a person lies, they unconsciously do certain things which they would not do if they were being sincere. Here is a comprehensive list of the signs to look out for that the person you are talking to is lying.

Body Language & Facial Expressions

• If a person is telling the truth, when they smile it will involve the whole face, including the eyes. If a person is lying, when they smile it will only involve the mouth. Look at the eyes; they are always a give-away.
• A liar's physical expression will appear stiff and limited, with a lack hand and arm actions. Any limb movements will tend to be near their own body, so that they take up less space.
• Touching the throat, ear, nose, mouth, and also the face in general, are all signs of lying
• A liar will tend to avoid eye contact

Contradiction & Emotional Gestures

• Delay between verbal expressions and facial expressions. For example, if person receives a gift they didn't really want, they will say “I love it!” but there will be a pause before they smile.
• Verbal statements and gesture/expressions don't match. For example, if someone says “I love you” whilst frowning.

Reactions & Interactions

• If challenged, a guilty person will become defensive, whereas an innocent person will usually become offensive.
• Someone who is lying will find it difficult to face their accuser, so may turn away
• They may unconsciously place objects between themselves and you (e.g. tea cup, book, etc.).
• Using the same words as you to answer your question, for example, if asked, “Did you steal my pen?” they will respond with, “No, I did not steal your pen.”.
• Statements which contain contractions are more likely to be truthful, for example, “I didn't do it” as opposed to “I did not do it”
• A liar may imply things rather than make direct statements
• They may over-explain themselves, giving too many reasons and adding too many unnecessary details to try to convince you
• They may leave out pronouns and speak in a more monotonous tone of voice
• Sentences may be confused, garbled and spoken quietly, with poor grammar and syntax

Other Signs of Lying:

• If you suspect someone is being untruthful, then alter topic of a discussion swiftly. A liar will follow along gladly and become more relaxed. A guilty person will want the subject to be changed, whereas an innocent person may become confused by the change of topic.
• Avoidance of the subject by means of humour or sarcasm