8 ways to spot a person who can lie without giving it away

Spotting a liar isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Lies can slip through the cracks, wrapped in half-truths and twisted tales. A pro liar knows how to spin a yarn without even raising an eyebrow.

But there are signs, subtle hints that can help us identify a fibber. Noticing these can help us prevent being misled or deceived.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 ways to spot a person who can lie without giving it away. So buckle up, let’s get ready to become human lie detectors.

1) Watch for inconsistencies

Ever noticed how a liar’s story changes over time?

That’s because maintaining a lie can be exhausting even for the best of fibbers. They have to keep track of all the details, and sometimes, they slip up.

Inconsistencies in their stories are one of the best ways to catch a liar. They might change minor details, timelines, or even confuse who was involved in their tale.

So, if you want to spot a liar, be an active listener. Pay close attention to their stories over time and notice if something doesn’t add up.

But remember, innocent mistakes happen too. It’s a pattern of inconsistency that gives a liar away, not a one-time slip-up.

2) Body language can reveal a lot

Body language is a powerful tool, and often, it can betray a liar.

I remember once when I was chatting with an old friend. He started telling me this extravagant story about his recent vacation. But something seemed off. His eyes kept darting away, he couldn’t keep still, and he had this nervous laughter that punctuated his tale.

Later, I found out that he had actually spent his vacation at home, binge-watching shows. His body language had given him away before he even admitted it.

So, keep an eye on a person’s body language. If they are avoiding eye contact, fidgeting excessively, or displaying other signs of discomfort, they might just be telling you a lie. But again, don’t jump to conclusions – nervousness doesn’t always mean dishonesty. It’s a pattern of behavior that you should look for.

3) Too much detail can be a red flag

When someone is lying, they often feel the need to convince you of their story. And one way they do this is by adding unnecessary detail.

A study conducted at the University of California found that liars tend to provide more details than necessary in an attempt to make their story more believable. They might describe the color of the curtains in a room, the weather on that particular day or what they were wearing.

So if someone is giving you an excessive amount of detail, it might be because they’re trying to sell you a lie. But remember, some people are just naturally more descriptive, so it’s not always a sure sign of dishonesty.

4) Changes in speech patterns

The way a person talks can often give away a lie. This could be speaking too fast, too slow, or even unnecessary pauses.

When people lie, they’re essentially creating a story on the spot. This mental effort can cause them to speak faster as they rush to get all the details out. On the other hand, they might slow down their speech as their brain works overtime to keep the story straight.

And those awkward pauses? They’re usually there because the liar is trying to remember the details of their fabricated story.

So if you notice unusual speech patterns, it could be a sign that someone is not telling you the truth. But as with all these signs, look for a pattern rather than jumping to conclusions based on one conversation.

5) They avoid answering directly

Have you ever asked a question and received an answer that felt like a detour? That’s because liars often avoid answering questions directly.

I’ve seen this happen in relationships, friendships, even workplaces. It’s heartbreaking to realize someone you trust is evading the truth. They may answer a question with another question, change the subject, or give vague responses.

When someone can’t give you a straight answer, it might be because they’re hiding the truth. But remember, there could be other reasons for evasiveness too, like personal discomfort or privacy concerns. It’s important not to assume dishonesty without considering other factors.

6) They become defensive

When people lie, they often become defensive when questioned, even if the questions are not accusatory.

I used to know someone who would instantly get defensive whenever I asked about certain aspects of his life. His tone would change, his body language would close off, and he’d quickly steer the conversation in another direction.

It was only later that I discovered he was hiding a significant part of his life from me. His defensiveness was his defense mechanism to keep his lie from being uncovered.

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So if a casual question triggers an intense reaction, it could be a sign that the person is not being entirely honest with you. But always approach with empathy – everybody has things they’re not ready to share.

7) They touch their face often

This might seem a bit odd, but it’s quite common for liars to touch their face more often when they’re not telling the truth.

It’s a subconscious act of self-comfort; touching the face can help to soothe anxiety and stress, which are feelings often associated with lying.

So if someone starts touching their face a lot while telling a story or answering a question, it could be a sign that they’re not being entirely truthful. But remember, this could also be a sign of general nervousness or discomfort, so don’t rush to conclusions based on this sign alone.

8) Trust your gut

Sometimes, you just have a feeling that something isn’t right. That gut instinct is often more powerful than we give it credit for.

Over the years, I’ve learned that my intuition is a trustworthy ally. It’s not always right, but more often than not, it points me in the right direction when something is off.

So when it comes to spotting a liar, if something doesn’t feel right, pay attention. Your gut might just be picking up on something your conscious mind hasn’t noticed yet. But remember, intuition is a guide, not a verdict. Always seek evidence before drawing conclusions.

Final thoughts: It’s all about understanding

Human behavior is a complex interplay of emotions, intentions, and actions. Lies, as unpleasant as they can be, are part of this entanglement.

Understanding the signs of deception is not about being suspicious of everyone around us. It’s about gaining insight into human behavior and communication.

The renowned psychologist Paul Ekman once said, “The face and body are the grammar of deception”. Spotting a lie is about reading this grammar, understanding its nuances, and discerning the truth from fiction.

As we navigate our relationships and interactions, let’s use this understanding not to accuse or vilify but to promote honesty, transparency, and trust.

Remember, no sign is foolproof, and everyone deserves the benefit of doubt. It’s always best to approach uncertainties with empathy and open conversation. After all, we’re all human, and humans are beautifully complex.