Detecting Lies: Visual Cues to Watch Out For
The body doesn't lie. Our face is the index of the mind. We can find out easily when a person smiles whether it's a genuine smile or a fake smile. In a genuine smile the cheeks rise, crows feet appear alongside the eyes (for the little elderly) Fake smile is very obvious - no emotions.
Similarly we can find out whether a person is saying the truth or distorted truth by observing visual cues.
Disclaimer:
While it's impossible to detect lies with certainty, research suggests some visual cues might indicate deception. Keep in mind that context is crucial, and these cues don't necessarily prove dishonesty.
Body Language and Facial Cues:
1. Avoiding eye contact: Liars might avoid direct eye contact.
2. Nervous behavior: Fidgeting, tapping feet, or restless behavior might indicate discomfort.
3. Crossing arms or legs: Defensive body language might suggest dishonesty.
4. Inconsistent emotions: Facial expressions might not match verbal emotions.
A Potentially Reliable Cue:
See picture:
One cue that some people find helpful is eye movement. When asking a question:
Rightward eye movement: Might indicate fabrication or lying.
Leftward eye movement: Might indicate genuine thinking or recall.
Try it out. Ask a question for which the other person has to think and tell out of memory - the person's eye movement would move to the left - if it's a genuine answer; move to the right if it's not going to be the truth.
It could be tried out in interviews, negotiations... however this should be crosschecked with other factors.
Try out and please share your feedback.
Ramkumar