HOW TO SPOT A LIAR
HOW TO SPOT A LIAR
Salem, Marc (2004) “How to spot a lying politician” MSN.COM, 10/12
Look for the following non-verbal cues. Remember that communication is 70% body language.
Look for:
- Sharp pauses. Liars generally need time to get their stories together even if they told the same lie over and over.
- Excessive gesturing or its reverse, the lack of gesturing. If there is lots of gesturing, this is unrehearsed lies. The reverse means that the liar has been working on the presentation.
- Tight lips. Individuals may also lick their lips. Their mouth is dry.
- Blinking of the eyes. It is not a sign of lying, but of tension. The nervousness compliments the lie.
- Creation of barriers. The individual places objects between you and them. They can fold their arms or hold tightly to an object that blocks the two of you.
- Emotions don’t connect with subject. They discuss a tragedy without passionate discussion.
- Using half smiles and gesturing “no” to a yes statement. Or it happens in reverse fashion a yes gesture to a no statement.