On the other hand, some people fidget or shift when they’re lying and feel uncomfortable. The different behaviors are likely both due to the person’s “fight or flight” response prompting them to hold their ground (“fight”) or act nervous (“flight”).
For example, if someone is lying to you, you may note that they cock their head to one side for a few seconds, then tilt it up to look at the ceiling, then jerk their head to one side before leaning it down towards the ground.
This behavior is an intrinsic response to a person’s reluctance to lie. Think of it like this: they’re covering their mouth to shut off communication and avoid telling the entire truth.
If you’re walking with someone who you suspect of being dishonest, stop and stand still while you’re talking. This will force them to do the same and allow you to watch their feet.
If the person you’re speaking to becomes agitated, starts to shout, or seems to be considering physical violence, it’s best to break off the conversation.
Culture: Eye contact is disrespectful in some Eastern cultures. Thus, people may avoid it in ordinary conversation. Disability: People with certain disabilities, such as autism and ADHD, may fidget and avoid eye contact in normal conversations. Autistics may stare into space when paying attention to you. This may come across as dishonesty or inattention, when they’re actually just doing what makes them comfortable. Discomfort: Cold weather, light that’s too bright, something caught in the eye, uncomfortable clothing, and other situations may affect someone’s body language at the moment as they try to get comfortable.
The liar may not be physically gasping for breath. But, for example, you may notice that they pause to catch their breath 2-3 times during a short conversation.
For example, say you’re talking to a student who cheated on an exam. Instead of saying, “I was worried that I’d lose my scholarship if I failed the test,” they may say, “My parents said I had to pass the test, and my friend Mike told me my scholarship could be at risk if I didn’t. ”
For example, say that your neighbor rear-ended your parked car but doesn’t want to admit it. When confronted, they may say, “Like I told you before, I didn’t get home until noon today, which was after somebody hit your car, like I already told you. ”
For example, say that some teenagers’ baseball shattered your window. When you confront them, a lying teen would say, “No, I swear, our ball sailed clear over your house, I’d say by at least 10 feet—in fact, I bet it’s in your backyard right now, I think I heard it hit your roof also!” In the same situation, an honest teen would simply say, “No, my baseball didn’t go near your window. ”
A slower rate of speech Speech that’s harder to understand Drinking large amounts of water
Since a liar’s story will be untrue, they’ll take extra steps to convince you that they’re telling the truth. Holding eye contact for a strangely long time is 1 way a liar will attempt to prove their veracity.
For example, if someone is telling you a partially dishonest narrative, you may notice that their eyes twitch every 5-10 seconds or that they lick their lips whenever they repeat a dishonest detail.
For example, say that you’re speaking with your neighbor about the weather, and note that they blink about 1 time every 10 seconds. If you shift the topic of conversation to the large dent in the rear of your car and the start blinking every 2 seconds, you have reason to suspect that they’re lying.
