Peculiar Body Language Differences Between Liars And Truthtellers

Hey there, Steve here and welcome to this week’s private eye post where I’m going to highlight some strange differences in body language between liars and truthtellers.

The body language cues below are used by both men and women alike. Also, it doesn’t matter whether they’re telling a small fib or a whopping lie. They’ll still display these signs.

At the end of this post, you can watch a video that perfectly shows all of these gestures.

 

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and may not apply to all situations — everyone is unique after all. For help with an individual situation, please contact us —the first call is free, and we may just be able to put your mind at rest!

 

#1 Gesture Timing

When someone is lying, their mind is having to make up a plausible narration. If they’re recounting a time in the past, they’re having to create imaginary details and actions. If they’re telling you they’re too busy, they’re trying to create an imaginary excuse.

This takes some of their “brainpower”.

Now many liars who usually talk with their arms and hands will simply clam up their body language when they lie.

But if they do make gestures, their timing is going to be different when they lie.

Usually, truthful people gesture slightly before they speak. Liars gesture after they start speaking.

It’s that small amount of brainpower being taken to manufacture the lie that causes the delay.

 

#2 Mismatching

Often called “incongruence” by body language experts, this is when someone says one thing but their body language signals something different.

The easiest way to think about it is most people shake their heads when they say no, and nod when they say yes.

You’d be surprised at how many people still nod or shake their head when they are lying or telling the truth — though usually, it’s a much more subtle action.

 

#3 Palm Defence

For some reason, people who lie will not show their palms. But when people tell the truth, they will often flash the palms of their hands during the time they’re speaking as part of their natural gestures.

Now this one gets a little more complicated. It won’t always mean they’re not telling the truth. They may flick between truth and lies as part of the story they’re weaving.

 

#4 Duper’s Delight

This is a really strange phenomenon that I think will surprise you. People who are lying and think they’re getting away with something will often smile at the time they’re lying.

Now, I’m talking about a big smile on a mother who is talking with a reporter about her murdered child.

 

Summary

Once you get to know some basics, it will make it very difficult for people to lie to you.

The video below is a mash-up between a TED Talk and interviews with the McCanns — see what you think by the end of the video?

Follow us on Facebook for more information on signs of lying, and how to get help if you think you need to.

Until next week,

Steve.