We’ve all been lied to at some point or another. Whether it’s a small white lie or a whopper, it can be tough to tell if someone is lying. The good news is there are some telltale signs that can give liars away. So, the next time you suspect someone isn’t being truthful, take note of the following cues; they just might help you catch them in a lie.
1. Avoid Eye Contact
When someone is trying to avoid telling the truth, they will often avoid making eye contact. This is because they are afraid that if they make eye contact, you will be able to see the deceit in their eyes. If you notice that someone is not making eye contact with you, it may be a sign that they are lying to you.
2. Use Qualifiers
Qualifiers are words that modify or affect the meaning of other words in a sentence. They can be used to make a statement more definitive or less certain. Using qualifiers can also make a statement more emphatic.
Some common qualifiers include:
- Nearly
- Almost
- Just
- Simply
- Very
- Rather
- Too
- Quite
Statements that are qualified with these words are usually less definitive and may not be entirely true.
For example, if someone says that they “nearly always tell the truth,” this suggests that there are times when they do lie. If someone says they “just want to help,” this may suggest that there is an ulterior motive for their actions.
Pay attention to the use of qualifiers when someone is speaking to you, as it can give you clues about whether or not they are being truthful.
3. Touch Their Face
People tend to touch their faces when they lie. This is because they are trying to cover up their lies and block out the truth. They might also do this to relieve stress or anxiety. If you notice someone touching their face more than usual, it could be a sign that they are lying.
4. Shift Their Weight
When someone is lying, they will often shift their weight from one foot to the other. This is because they are feeling uneasy and nervous about telling a lie. They may also fidget with their hands or clothes as they try to avoid making eye contact.
5. Speak Fast
When someone is lying, they often speak faster than usual. This is because they are trying to get the lie out before they are caught. Pay attention to the person’s speech patterns and see if they are speaking faster than normal. If so, they may be lying.
6. Use Fewer Words
When someone is lying, they often use more words than necessary to try and make their story sound convincing. They may also speak faster than usual and use lots of hand gestures to emphasize their point.
If you suspect someone is lying, pay close attention to how many words they’re using and see if it’s more than what’s needed to explain the situation.
7. Repeat Themselves
If someone is lying, they may repeat themselves frequently. This is because they are trying to remember what they have said and make sure that their story is consistent. If you notice someone repeating themselves, pay close attention to see if their story changes at all.
8. Change the Subject
When someone is lying, they will often change the subject to avoid answering the question. If you ask them a direct question and they suddenly start talking about something else, it may be because they’re trying to avoid telling the truth.
9. Get Defensive
When people are lying, they often get defensive and try to justify their actions. If someone starts getting angry or aggressive when you confront them about something, it may be because they’re trying to cover up a lie.
10. Body Language Cues
There are some telltale body language cues that can indicate when someone is lying. For example, if someone is fidgeting or touching their face while they’re speaking, it may be because they’re feeling uncomfortable and hiding something.
Conclusion
If you think someone might be lying to you, there are some tell-tale signs you can look out for. Next time you’re in a conversation with someone, see if they exhibit any of these ten behaviors — it might give you a better idea of whether or not they’re telling the truth.
Also read: 3 Ways to Boost Your Empathic Abilities