3 Ways To Tell If Someone Is Lying To You

Do you ever wish you had the power to tell if people were lying? It could be like a super power and you could run around all day saving the world from deception by standing up and loudly proclaiming "You're full of crap!" We can't give you any special powers but we can give you some special tools. Here's three things to look for, should you suspect someone is giving you a snow job:

Listen for Inconsistencies 

Pay close attention to how your suspected liar is talking to you and compare it to any previous conversations you've had. If she/he is talking faster, slower or skipping contractions (saying 'did not' instead of 'didn't') are common liar habits. Liars rehearse and think a lot about what they are going to say. Think of it as bad acting and overselling.

Watch for Weird Body Language

Is your suspected liar touching their face a lot? Are they crossing and uncrossing their arms? If the person doesn't normally gesture like that, it might be a sign something is amiss, according to nonverbal communications consultant Marc Salem. In all likelihood, they are trying to look relaxed and so these gestures become exaggerated.

Rope in Your Friends

If you've just had a conversation you are unsure of, and your friends were there, ask them if they think the person was being honest. People are better at finding what is true when they're in groups of at least three, according to research found in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Study authors Nicholas Epley and Nadav Klein say there is strength in numbers. Sharing your ideas and observations with each other helps you make smarter judgments and gives you the ability to examine the lies from a different perspective. We can't stop liars but at least we can be prepared to spot them! What sorts of behaviours make you suspect someone is lying to you?   Do you follow us on Instagram?