It’s pretty clear that words can lie, but what about the body? Can it also tell fibs?

Spotting a liar isn’t as easy as it seems.

It’s not about catching someone in the act, but more about noticing the subtle signs they’re not being entirely truthful.

Mastering the art of reading body language can be a game-changer.

It can give you an upper hand in situations where honesty is crucial.

You know, those times when you’re feeling skeptical and really need to know if someone’s telling the truth.

So, buckle up and get ready to become a human lie detector.

1) Watch the eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, right?

Well, they can also be pretty revealing when someone’s trying to pull a fast one.

Liars often struggle to maintain eye contact. It’s like they’re afraid that you’ll see the truth if they look you directly in the eyes.

But here’s where it gets tricky: some practiced liars might overcompensate and hold eye contact for too long to appear truthful.

2) Notice the fidgeting

I remember this one time when I was catching up with an old friend.

Every time I asked about his new job, he would start fidgeting with his watch or tapping his foot.

At first, I thought it was just nerves.

But as our conversation continued, I noticed he only fidgeted when we talked about his work.

Turns out, he wasn’t exactly thrilled with his new role but didn’t want to admit it.

People often fidget when they’re uncomfortable or anxious. And lying can definitely cause those feelings.

3) Pay attention to micro-expressions

Micro-expressions are fleeting facial expressions that flash on a person’s face for a fraction of a second and reveal the person’s true emotions, even if they’re trying to hide them.

They happen involuntarily and are incredibly hard to control.

Paul Ekman, a psychologist known for his work on facial expressions, identified seven universal micro-expressions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise, and contempt.

Deciphering micro-expressions can be like reading a new language.

But with practice, you can learn to spot these subtle clues and get closer to the truth.

4) Look for inconsistencies in their story

We’ve all been there, right? You’re in the middle of a conversation and something just doesn’t add up.

They said one thing a minute ago, and now they’re saying something completely different.

Inconsistencies can be a big red flag that someone is lying.

The truth is usually consistent, while lies often require the person to remember what they’ve previously said, which can lead to slip-ups.

5) Check for defensive body language

It’s a natural instinct to protect ourselves when we feel threatened. 

This instinct can manifest in defensive body language.

Crossing arms, leaning away, or creating physical barriers using objects like a purse or a coffee cup are all signs that someone might be on the defensive.

That said, it’s important to remember that defensive body language can also be a response to feeling uncomfortable or anxious, not just lying.

6) Listen to their tone of voice

Have you ever noticed how your voice changes when you’re emotional?

When we’re moved by something, our voices can crack, tremble, or even become softer.

It’s the same with lying. The stress of telling a lie can cause noticeable changes in someone’s voice.

They might start speaking faster, slower, or their voice could even become higher pitched.

I’ll never forget my little sister’s shaky voice when she tried to convince me she hadn’t eaten the last piece of my birthday cake.

Despite her best efforts to sound casual, her voice gave her away.

7) Observe their breathing pattern

Your heart races, your palms sweat, and your breathing becomes shallow.

I recall my first job interview. I was nervous and trying to impress, maybe even embellishing a bit more than I should have.

My interviewer asked a tough question and I remember my breathing becoming fast and shallow as I scrambled for an answer.

When people lie, they often experience a fight or flight response which can cause their breathing pattern to change. 

8) Spot unnecessary details

They might go into extreme specifics about places, times, or irrelevant events.

If someone is offering an excess of information without being prompted, it could be a sign they’re trying too hard to convince you of their story.

Genuine people usually stick to the point and don’t feel the need to validate their honesty with extra details.

9) Trust your gut

As humans, we’re wired with an intuitive sense that often alerts us when something’s off. 

Your intuition is a powerful tool. It’s had years of practice reading people and situations.

Therefore, if something doesn’t feel right, pay attention. 

Wrapping it up: It’s an art, not a science

At the end of the day, uncovering deception through body language isn’t an exact science.

It’s more of an art, honed over time through observation and understanding, and reliant on intuition as much as it is on learned cues.

Decoding body language is like learning a new language – challenging but rewarding.

So keep observing, keep learning, and you’ll soon find yourself becoming a more discerning reader of people.