How Do You Know If Someone Is Lying?

Certain body language may indicate that you are lying.

Lying begins in early childhood, a natural response to stay out of trouble. If a child does not curb the behavior at a young age, he may grow into a person that does not show emotion when telling a lie. During conversations or asking a specific question, you can view embellishments or outright lies. When famous people lie to the public, you can tell, according to Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, jury consultant and author of "Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior---Anytime, Anyplace."

Instructions

1. Look into the person's eyes. Ask her a direct question. If she shifts her eyes back and forth or looks down while speaking, it could be a sign of lying. Use this technique with the other steps as the person may commonly have a shifting eye movement.

2. Watch for a change in the person's speech patterns. If the person normally speaks without pause and then suddenly he introduces "Ums" and long silences into the conversation, he may be lying.

3. Note body movements. He may fold his arms, shuffle his feet or appear uncomfortable. Typically, he may become nervous and seem to change his normal mannerisms.

4. Changes in facial expressions are another form of falsehood. After asking a question or during a conversation, study her facial expressions. Watch for an eyebrow raise, obsessively blinking or smiling and frowning at unsuitable times through the conversation.

5. Look for uncontrollable physical signs. When he begins to develop his lie, physical attributions take over. Sweating, breathing heavily, heart pounding or a racing pulse may indicate a lie. Listen closely while he explains, and look closely as well; notice his face for flushing or becoming bright red, which may signify a faster pulse.

6. Notice repeated behavior. Some liars try to think of a story on the spot. She may repeat the question, go over words in her answer or duplicate full sentences such as "I'm being honest" or "Would I lie to you?"

Tips & Warnings

• Some techniques to catch a lie are subtle. At times, you may need to look closely at all the signs together.

• The steps will not work on everyone. Pathological liars and psychopaths usually lie without any signs. These people do not have the "Emotional Response" that most people have, according to Robert Galatzer-Levy, MD.

References

• ABC Good Morning America: How to Tell if Someone is Lying?
• MedicineNet.com: Born to Lie?
• MSNBC: How to Tell if Someone is Lying to You