8 verbal cues that suggest someone is withholding information from you
There’s a fine line between being discreet and downright deceptive.
The difference lies in the details. When someone is trying to withhold information from you, they’re not being upfront about their thoughts or feelings.
Reading verbal cues, on the other hand, can help you discern what’s left unsaid, giving you an edge in conversations.
Smart folks know that there are certain verbal cues that can help them detect when someone isn’t being entirely honest.
Here, I’ll introduce you to eight verbal cues that suggest someone might be withholding information from you. So, buckle up and get ready to become a human lie detector.
1) Evasive answers
In any conversation, the flow of information is key.
When it’s interrupted, it can sometimes mean that someone is trying to hide something from you.
And one of the ways people do this is through evasive answers.
Evasive answers are the hallmarks of someone who’s not ready to disclose the full story. Instead of responding directly, they might give vague or incomplete responses, change the subject or even respond with another question.
If you ask a straightforward question and get a roundabout answer, it’s a clear sign that something’s amiss. The person might be avoiding the truth or holding back relevant information.
But remember, not every vague response is a sign of deception. Sometimes, people might just be uncomfortable or unsure. It’s up to you to determine when it’s a red flag.
2) Uncomfortable body language
I’ve noticed that body language often speaks louder than words.
One time, I was negotiating a deal with a potential client. His words were all positive, but his body language was telling a different story.
He kept crossing his arms, avoiding eye contact, and shifting in his seat. It was clear he wasn’t as comfortable as he claimed to be.
These non-verbal cues suggested that there was something he wasn’t saying. And sure enough, upon further probing, he admitted that he had reservations about the proposed budget.
So, when you’re in conversation with someone, don’t just listen to their words. Pay close attention to their body language as well. If it doesn’t align with what they’re saying, they might be withholding information from you.
3) Longer response time
Did you know that response time can also indicate whether someone is concealing information?
According to research, when people are being dishonest, they often take longer to respond. This is because lying requires cognitive effort.
A person has to come up with a believable story, ensure it doesn’t contradict with anything they’ve previously said, and then deliver it convincingly. All of this takes time.
So, if you notice a significant pause before someone answers your question, it could be a sign they’re not being entirely forthright. Of course, it’s important to factor in the complexity of the question and the person’s natural response speed before jumping to conclusions.
4) Overuse of fillers
Filler words like “uh”, “um”, “like”, and “you know” are part and parcel of our everyday speech. But when they’re used excessively, it could be a sign that someone is trying to buy time to think about their response.
Take note of how often the person uses these words. If there’s a sudden spike in their usage, especially when asked specific questions, it could indicate that they’re not telling you the whole truth.
But remember, nervousness or lack of confidence can also lead to overuse of filler words. So, it’s essential to consider the person’s baseline behavior before making any conclusions.
5) Emotional disconnect
Ever had a conversation where the words being said didn’t match the emotion behind them? It’s a strange feeling, isn’t it?
When someone is withholding information, their words often lack the emotional intensity you’d expect. They might say they’re thrilled about a new opportunity but their tone sounds flat, or they claim to be upset about something but their voice lacks any real distress.
This disconnect between words and emotions can be a good indicator that they’re not telling you everything. Always trust your instincts when it feels like something doesn’t quite add up. After all, emotions are the language of truth and they often reveal what words try to hide.
6) Avoiding direct statements
I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of clear, direct communication.
But I remember a time when I was dealing with a colleague who seemed to have a knack for avoiding direct statements. Every time I asked him about the progress of a project, he would provide vague responses and never commit to a definite answer.
It was frustrating and made me feel like he was keeping something from me. And as it turned out, he was. The project was behind schedule, and he had been trying to cover it up.
So, if you notice someone consistently avoiding direct statements or confirming facts, it could be a sign they’re withholding information.
7) Frequent throat clearing
You might think that throat clearing is nothing more than a physical need. But sometimes, it can be a sign of discomfort or nervousness.
When people lie or withhold information, they may experience physiological changes. One of them is a dry throat, which leads to frequent throat clearing.
So, if you notice someone clearing their throat more than usual during a conversation, especially when asked specific questions, they might not be telling you the whole truth.
However, keep in mind that throat clearing can also be caused by allergies, colds, or other health issues. It’s important to consider the context before drawing conclusions.
8) Verbal cues aren’t foolproof
It’s vital to remember that these verbal cues aren’t foolproof indicators of deceit. People are complex, and their communication styles can be influenced by many factors like culture, personality, and even their current mood.
While these cues can provide helpful insights, they should never be used to make definitive judgments about someone’s honesty. Always consider the context and use them as a guide to ask more probing questions rather than jumping to conclusions.
Final thoughts: The art of discernment
The dance of conversation is a delicate balance of words, emotions, body language, and silence. Each element carries its own weight, weaving a story that goes beyond what’s verbally expressed.
These verbal cues we’ve discussed are not definitive proof of deception but tools to help you navigate the complex maze of human communication. They can help you discern if there’s more to the story than what’s being shared.
Remember, everyone communicates differently. A cue that seems suspicious in one person might be a natural part of another’s communication style.
As you cultivate your discernment skills, you’ll become better at understanding others and building more authentic relationships. But be cautious not to rush judgments or let suspicion cloud your interactions.
In the end, it all comes down to empathy, understanding, and open communication. Because while words may deceive, genuine connection uncovers truth.