Although it is hard to accept, even our closest friends and coworkers lie to us on a regular basis. This statement opens another article by Travis Bradberry, the expert on emotional intelligence, on LinkedIn Pulse.
People even lie in ordinary conversations in order to look nicer and more competent. Often, moreover, they do not even realize they are lying. How can you find out whether somebody is lying?
Travis Bradberry highlights research by psychologist Leanne ten Brinke from the Haas School of Business at the University of California Berkeley which revealed the following telltell signs associated with lying.
Of course, these indications of lying can't be taken as absolute guidance on how to recognize a liar, because the behavior of each individual must always be considered with respect to his or her normal standards of behavior.
Hyperactive people, for example, often play with different things when talking to you, but that does not mean they are lying. Psychopaths, on the other hand, show no signs of lying because lying does not make them nervous. However, the following signals should alert you to the possibility that someone is lying to you.
Repetition and aggression
Liars try to speak as long as possible and avoid silence. That is why they provide much more information than is required and often repeat themselves. Moreover, they may become aggressive without any relevant reason.
Lying with words
Lying using words is much easier than controlling your body language. Therefore, if one's words and body language don't match, be careful. A typical example is a person telling a sad story while smiling and using enthusiastic gestures.
Covering mouth or belly
When someone is lying, he often unconsciously covers his mouth or touches his lips. Liars also instinctively cover their heads, necks or abdomens. It's a subconscious reaction to an expected attack on vulnerable parts of their bodies.
Preparing for escape
A liar's body instinctively prepares to flee. Muscles gain tense, the posture straightens and the whole body rotates and moves towards the door.
Change in breathing
When we begin to lie, our heart beats faster and breath shortens. At the same time, our mouths turn dry which, combined with the rapid breathing, can cause troubles with speaking.
Changes in eye movement
When a person begins to lie, he turns his glance in another direction. It may be down but also sideways or upwards - just in a different direction. Liars often start looking to the door. They may also begin to stare at us in an effort to exhibit more confidence.
Nervousness
When someone starts playing with things at hand or, for example, with his clothes or hair, it indicates nervousness. Another signals include shuffling feet or tapping fingers. Again, these are signals of a subconscious effort of the body to escape.
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