There’s a stark contrast between someone telling you the truth and someone feeding you a lie.

It all boils down to certain signals, or body language. Spotting a liar isn’t about listening to what they say, it’s about noticing what they’re not saying, what they’re hiding.

How do I know if someone is lying? It’s all in their body language. There are certain tell-tale signs that even the most seasoned liar can’t hide.

In this article, I’m going to reveal 9 body language signs that someone is definitely lying to you.

By the end of it, you’ll be able to spot a fibber from a mile away.

1) Eye contact

There’s a common belief that liars can’t look you in the eye. That’s not entirely accurate.

In fact, some practiced fibbers might overcompensate and hold your gaze for too long to appear trustworthy.

This is where the art of discernment comes in.

Honest people naturally break eye contact and move their eyes around as they’re recalling events or details. If someone’s gaze is too steady, or they’re blinking excessively, it could be a sign they’re fabricating their story.

It’s not a foolproof sign, as natural eye movements can vary from person to person. But, it’s one of the body language clues that might tip you off to a tall tale.

2) Fidgeting

I remember this one time when my younger brother tried to convince me he hadn’t eaten the last slice of cake. He was squirming like a worm on a hook, couldn’t sit still.

That’s what fidgeting can do – it betrays a person’s nervous energy.

When someone’s lying, they might become visibly restless. They might start playing with their hair, tapping their foot, or shifting their weight from side to side.

In my brother’s case, he was picking at his shirt and constantly shifting in his chair. A clear indicator that he was not telling the truth.

3) Changes in speech pattern

When people lie, they often unknowingly alter their speech patterns. They might speak more slowly as they try to construct their lie on the spot. Or on the flip side, they may speed up due to nervousness.

Interestingly, the pitch of a person’s voice can also change when they’re lying. Stress and tension can cause vocal cords to tighten, leading to a higher-pitched sound.

So, if you notice a sudden shift in how someone is speaking – whether it’s the speed or pitch – it could be a sign that they’re not being completely honest with you. 

4) Unnatural body language

Body language is a powerful communicator, and for someone who’s lying, it can be their worst enemy.

When someone is not telling the truth, their body language might feel off. They might exhibit unnatural movements or gestures that don’t align with what they’re saying.

For example, someone might nod affirmatively while denying something verbally. Or, they might unconsciously put physical barriers between you and them, like crossing their arms or placing an object in the way.

These incongruities can be subtle, but when you spot them, they can raise a red flag that something isn’t quite right. If they don’t match up, you could be dealing with a lie.

5) Touching face or mouth

We’ve all been there – that moment when a fib comes out and suddenly, we’re touching our face or covering our mouth. It’s like a reflex, an unconscious attempt to mask the dishonesty.

When people lie, they often touch their face or mouth more frequently. This is believed to be a subconscious reaction to the stress of telling a lie.

Be it rubbing their nose, covering their mouth, or scratching their cheek, these little gestures can sometimes indicate that someone is trying to deceive you.

But like all the other signs, this one should also be considered within the larger context and not in isolation.

6) Lack of emotion

It’s a painful thing to realize that someone you care about is lying to you. One telltale sign? A noticeable lack of genuine emotion.

When someone is fabricating a story, their emotions may not align with the narrative they’re spinning. They might be telling a sad story without showing any signs of sadness, or a funny story without a genuine smile.

This disconnection between their words and emotions can be a clear sign that they’re not telling the truth.

7) Overly defensive

I once caught a friend in a lie. When I confronted him, he became overly defensive, which only made his lie more apparent.

When people are lying, they sometimes overreact to questioning or accusations. They might get defensive or hostile, even if the question was innocent or straightforward.

This defensiveness can be a way of deflecting attention away from their dishonesty. It’s as if they’re trying to make you feel guilty for questioning them in the first place.

But remember, some people naturally become defensive when questioned, so this sign alone doesn’t confirm dishonesty. It’s only when combined with other signs that it can indicate a lie.

8) Excessive detail

When someone is lying, they might feel the need to add excessive detail to their story in an attempt to make it sound more believable.

They might go into a long-winded explanation about something that could have been described simply. Or they might keep adding irrelevant details that don’t contribute to the main story.

This overcompensation can be a sign of deception. An honest person typically doesn’t need to embellish their story with unnecessary details.

However, some people naturally speak in a detailed manner. This sign should be considered in conjunction with other indicators before reaching a conclusion about someone’s honesty.

9) Inconsistent stories

The most revealing sign of a lie is an inconsistent story.

When people are telling the truth, their stories usually remain consistent over time. But when someone is lying, they often struggle to keep their story straight.

They might change small details, contradict themselves, or forget what they’ve previously said.

This inconsistency can be your biggest clue that someone is not telling the truth. Above all else, pay attention to this sign, because it’s often the most telling one of all.