So how can you tell if someone’s lying to you? Body language expert and author Traci Brown says, “When the baseline shifts, that’s when deception may be at play.” What else should you look out for? According to the experts, here’s how to tell if someone’s lying.
- Pay attention to body language. Like if they’re closed-off like with crossed arms or legs or their movements don’t match their words.
- Note their facial expressions. Like if they smile while saying something serious or can’t hold eye contact with you… or they hold it for too long. If they fold their lips before speaking, it could be a sign they’re holding something back.
- Focus on their speech pattern. Like if their pace of talking or their tone shifts, like stuttering or becoming more pitchy.
- Look for inconsistencies. Like if they can’t keep their story straight, if something’s not adding up, or if they’re dodging questions.
- See if they use personal pronouns. Like if they avoid saying “I” or “we” or any names, it’s like they’re talking about someone else.
- Ask open-ended questions. If you think you’re being lied to, ask questions that they can’t simply answer with a “yes” or “no.” Ask for details, and see if they can give them.
Source: Seventeen