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Non-verbal signs of lying
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Is it Pinocchio? Find out why that er's and ah's suggest that you're dealing with a potential, um, liar...
Article: Meagan Karstens from women24
Image: Getty Images
When my mother has a hunch about something or someone I better believe her. She seems to know E – VER – RY – THING!

Like the time I very confidently told her what I'd be doing that afternoon:

"We’re going to the movies at Canal Walk," I said, "to watch Armageddon." With narrowing eyes and a tone to match she sent me to my room. Somehow she could tell that I was lying. "Your body language gives it away," she grunted.

No blueprint
And so, I learnt, that while there's no written law to follow when attempting to out a phony, there are a couple of telltale signs which make lying for your partner a little harder to conceal.

The aggressive liar:

  • Are you left with a hassling 'but-that-can't-be-all' feeling? It could be a sign that you're not being told a) the truth; or b) everything. Offering shorter, clipped responses with little or no explanation might suggest that all is not being said.

  • In attack-mode? This faker gets angry and even irritated when questioned.

  • Is rebellious. This I-don't-care-what-you-think attitude is blatant, uncontrollable and without humility.

  • Looks you straight in the eye. The aggressive liar is confident in his/her approach.

  • Is boisterous, giving a somewhat exaggerated account or explanation.

    The evasive liar:

  • Rambling on and on without having an actual point? That's because he/she is probably lying. Talking in circles could mean they're feeling the heat and perhaps a bit anxious too.

  • Blinking a lot? Your subject could be suffering a nervous twitch!

  • Can't tell their story without shuffling or fidgeting? Another sign of nervousness.

  • Avoids eye-contact. Now here's one we're all familiar with. This fraudster is probably ashamed of his/her lie and therefore lacks the confidence to look you head-on.

  • Broken speech and stammering. These er's, um's and ah's are probably the oldest telltale signs in the book.

    Can you think of more 'telltale' signs? Do you believe that reading someone's body language is accurate enough? Share your comments and ideas in the box below.


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    Over the years, I've (almost) mastered the art of sniffing out a liar from miles away. Another sign (where it comes to body language) is to look out for when the liar keeps his/her hand over his/her mouth when speaking - strange, but true (unless, of course, they have bad breath!). Pathological liars (these are the worse kind of liars there is!) tend to add a lot of detail to their stories - that's why so many people believe them. They are under the impression that, the more detail they're story consist of, the more believable it gets.
    Melody on 07 Oct at 11:43

     
    Yep, Melody has hit the nail on the head; listen carefully and you'll hear made-up "facts" intended to bolster the liar's argument. Another facet to consider is that the liar has a massive inferiority complex and is compelled to boost their own ego by appearing to be all-knowing. Of course, lies come naturally when they attempt to cover their tracks, too.
    Navarac on 08 Oct at 07:43

     
    so if you look the person in the eye you are lying, and if you don't look them in the eye you are lying? if the person is short with explanations they are lying and if the person explains they he or she is also lying? these tell tale signs is stupid
    turbo_superboss on 08 Oct at 08:10

     
    Another telltale sign of lying is scratching one's head when asked a question. Thats done mostly by men.
    Zodwa on 08 Oct at 09:23

     
    To turbo: I think what is meant is that an aggressive liar is so suave, he can look you straight in the eye. I think this liar is harder to pinpoint because he's good at it.
    oranges and lemons on 08 Oct at 12:17

     
    My ex used to look me straight in the eyes and lie until the grass turned yellow. Only one problem, he used to get this slightly different look on his face that gave him away every time. I even told him about it but some people just never learn ...
    Belinda on 08 Oct at 14:38

     
    The push u around also a sign. The personal attack on how bad you are not trusig him. Ignoring your questions. Bad mouthing when the lies are to close to home.yep he goes round the corner I do not trust no more.....
    I c him I trust on 09 Oct at 13:27

     
    Scratching the nose is a sure sign of an amateur liar. THe more professional one can be gaffed by watching their eyes. If they are recalling a true incident, their eyes will look up to the right- if they are searching for imaginary facts, their eyes go up to the left.
    KP on 10 Oct at 09:42

     
    I think I had the worst ever. I had a boyfriend who was both a liar and a leech, he even lied to get money or whatever from me. When I broke up with him after I realised what kind of person he was, he harassed me, stalked me and even threatened to kill me.
    GS on 17 Nov at 10:29

     

     
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