Detecting Dishonesty through Body Language

🗣️ The Science of Spotting Deception: 3 Conversations Where Liars Unknowingly Leak Truth We’ve all sensed it—the subtle discordance when words don’t align with behavior. Groundbreaking research reveals that deception isn’t hidden; it’s broadcast through involuntary microsignals in 3 pivotal interactions. Here’s how to decode them, backed by peer-reviewed science: 1️⃣ The Overcompensation Conversation Classic line: “Zero delays—this project is perfect!” 🚩 What to observe: 👉Post-statement grooming: Adjusting ties or smoothing clothes after speaking 👉23% more vocal fillers (“uh,” “like”) in deceptive vs. truthful speech 👉Contradictory head movements: Nodding “yes” while saying “no” The science: Lying consumes 30% more working memory than truth-telling (PLOS One). The brain prioritizes story fabrication over physical coordination. 2️⃣ The Deflection Conversation Classic line: “I wasn’t involved in that decision.” 🚩 What to observe: 👉Lip compression: 44% more frequent in deceptive statements. 👉Vocal pitch spikes: Stress-triggered tension in cricothyroid muscles raises pitch unpredictably. 👉Feet reorientation: Sudden shifts toward exits or barriers. The science: Lying activates the amygdala, triggering “truth suppression” via vagus nerve responses—hence shallow breathing and blood vessel constriction (visible as facial pallor). 3️⃣ The Distancing Conversation Classic line: “They said you’re our top priority.” 🚩 What to observe: 👉Ersatz smiles: Orbicularis oculi muscles (around eyes) remain inactive in 81% of deceptive grins. 👉Third-person pronouns: “The team decided” vs. “I decided”. 👉5.2-second delays: Average lag before answering simple questions during deception. The science: Liars subconsciously avoid emotional ownership. fMRI scans show reduced activity in the insula—a brain region tied to self-awareness—during deceptive third-person speech. 📊 Irrefutable Data 👉70% of deceivers overcompensate with prolonged eye contact 👉Truthful accounts contain 38% more spatial/temporal details when probed.👉83% of lies include “truth-washing” phrases like “honestly” or “to be transparent”. ⚠️ Critical Insight: Isolated signals can mislead. Clusters of 3+ incongruities across verbal, vocal, and visual channels indicate high deception risk. When suspicion arises, deploy the Reverse Chronology Test: “Walk me through that again—start from the end.” Proven effective in 89% of UC Berkeley’s simulated negotiation trials. Deploy these tools to clarify ambiguity, not accuse. Use ethically—context first. Correlation ≠ causation—contextualize before judging. Your Turn: Which signal resonates? Share below. 👇 ♻️ Repost if you like 📌 Follow Sivanandan N. for more ------------------------------------------- #LeadershipDevelopment #BehavioralScience #DeceptionDetection #BodyLanguageHacks #TruthSeeker #NeuroLeadership #WorkplacePsychology #EthicalAI #MicroExpressions #Expert

Ever wondered if someone in the workplace is not being honest with you? Their body language might be giving it away. Next time you’re in a meeting, observe these cues—what do they reveal about the conversation? Trust is the foundation of any successful workplace, but what happens when you suspect someone isn’t being completely truthful? While words can be deceiving, body language often tells the real story. Here are 10 key body language cues to help you identify potential dishonesty: 1️⃣ Inconsistent Eye Contact 👁️👁️ Shifty eyes or avoiding eye contact can indicate discomfort, but don’t jump to conclusions—it could also be a sign of nervousness. 2️⃣ Over-Exaggerated Gestures 🙌 When someone is lying, they may use big, dramatic hand movements to seem more convincing or distract from the truth. 3️⃣ Covering the Mouth or Face 🖐️ Subconscious gestures like touching the face or covering the mouth while speaking may signal they’re holding something back. 4️⃣ Fidgeting or Restlessness 🌀 Constantly adjusting clothing, tapping feet, or shifting positions could indicate nervous energy often associated with dishonesty. 5️⃣ Mismatch Between Words and Actions 🗣️🤷♂️ Watch for inconsistencies, like nodding "yes" while verbally saying "no." These mixed signals can reveal underlying uncertainty or deceit. 6️⃣ Sudden Changes in Posture 🪑 When someone’s body stiffens or they suddenly lean away, it might signal discomfort with the topic at hand. 7️⃣ Barriers or Blocking Behaviors 🚧 Crossed arms, placing objects like a notebook or bag in front of them, or physically turning away can indicate defensiveness or hiding something. 8️⃣ Sweating or Flushed Skin 💦 Stress-related physical signs, like perspiration or a flushed face, can sometimes accompany dishonesty—especially under pressure. 9️⃣ Delays in Responding ⏳ A noticeable pause before answering questions can signal the person is thinking too hard about their response, potentially crafting a lie. 10️⃣ Forced Smiles or Facial Expressions 😬 Genuine emotions show naturally, but forced expressions often seem stiff or don’t match the situation. Important Reminder: Body language isn’t foolproof. One or two cues alone aren’t enough to label someone as dishonest—context matters. Look for clusters of behaviors that align with the situation and other evidence. What are some signs you’ve noticed when someone wasn’t being entirely truthful?

No matter where we are or what role we play, we often focus on trust and transparency—but sometimes, we need to sharpen our awareness too. Recognising when an employee might not be telling the full truth isn’t about playing detective—it's about protecting culture, accountability and team integrity. Here are some subtle signs that I have experiences that may indicate dishonesty at work: Inconsistency in stories – Details keep shifting when asked the same question twice. Avoiding direct answers – Excessive vagueness or deflecting responsibility. Over-explaining – Providing unnecessary details to cover up or distract. Sudden defensiveness or aggression – Even when asked neutral questions. Unusual body language – Avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or excessive pausing. Blaming others too quickly – Instead of owning outcomes or exploring solutions. But here’s the key: Don't jump to conclusions. Instead, use curiosity over confrontation with this hack of asking open-ended questions Give them a chance to clarify Observe patterns over time, not isolated incidents Create a culture where honesty is safe—even when it’s uncomfortable Trust is built when truth is welcome. Leadership isn't just about believing in people—it's also about knowing when to dig deeper. Have you faced situations where you had to trust your instincts about someone not being truthful? How did you handle it?

You pitch your big idea. Your boss nods and says, “𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵.” But their body says something else: 🔹 Arms crossed tightly, creating a barrier. 🔹 Lips pressed together in a thin line. 🔹 Eyebrows slightly pulled down in doubt. They didn’t say “no.” But their body already did. People may lie with words, but their body never does. The best communicators don’t just listen. They read people. Want to sharpen this skill? Here are 6 techniques to decode body language instantly: 1. Pay Attention to Microexpressions 😐 → 😊 → 😠 🔹 Fleeting facial expressions reveal true emotions before they’re hidden. 🔹 A fast smirk? Could mean hidden amusement or deception. 🔹 Eyebrows raised briefly? Could signal surprise, doubt, or curiosity. 2. Notice the Feet Position 🔹 Feet pointing away? They likely want to leave. 🔹 Standing with feet apart = confidence. Crossed feet = insecurity. 🔹 Feet moving back while talking? Their mind is already gone. 3. Watch Their Eyes 🔹 Looking away right after speaking? Possible sign of deception. 🔹 Prolonged eye contact? Confidence - or an attempt to intimidate. 🔹 Rapid blinking? Could mean nervousness or discomfort. 4. Observe Their Hands 🔹 Open palms show honesty. Hidden hands signal secrecy. 🔹 Rubbing palms together? Excitement or eagerness about something. 🔹 Clenched fists? Frustration, tension, or feeling defensive. 5. Mirror Their Movements 🔹 When people mirror you, they feel connected and engaged. 🔹 Sudden stop in mirroring? Their mood or trust has changed. 🔹 Subtle mirroring strengthens relationships and builds rapport. 6. Spot Tension vs. Relaxation 🔹 Raised shoulders? They may feel stressed or insecure. 🔹 A tense jaw? Suppressed emotions like frustration or anxiety. 🔹 Relaxed posture? They feel comfortable and at ease. 👉 Reading body language isn’t about guessing. It’s about noticing patterns. When you master this skill, you understand people beyond words. Which technique will you start using today?👇 -- ♻️ Share this to help others decode body language instantly. 🔖 Follow me Véronique Barrot for more like this. 📌 Want 100s of my best cheat sheets? Get them here: linkedandlift.com

Great Leaders Hear the Unspoken – Here’s Why It Matters "The most important part of communication is hearing what is not said." Because silence, body language, and tone often scream louder than words. The most powerful part of communication isn’t the words spoken, it’s what’s left unsaid. A tense silence. A forced smile. A hesitant pause. The truth often hides in: 👀 Eye contact (or lack of it) 🤲 Hand movements (nervous fidgeting vs. calm gestures) 🎙️ Tone & pitch (sudden shifts = discomfort) 🧍 Posture (closed-off vs. open stance) 😐 Facial expressions (micro-expressions don’t lie) As leaders (or future leaders), we must develop this skill, not just to spot deception, but to create cultures where manipulation fails. Indra Nooyi (ex-PepsiCo CEO) Mastered This Skill As CEO of PepsiCo, she didn’t just listen, She observed. She studied. She decoded. Her superpower? 🔍 Trait: Reads body language & tone shifts 💡 Tactic: Asks for specifics to test credibility 📌 Example: Called out executives who sugarcoated bad news Here’s how she did it (and what every leader can learn): 1️⃣ Eye Contact 🔴 “They said the project was fine.” 🟢 “But they couldn’t look me in the eye.” 2️⃣ Posture + Movement 🔴 “We’re on track.” 🟢 “Their crossed arms said otherwise.” 3️⃣ Tone & Pitch 🔴 “We’ve got it covered.” 🟢 “But the nervous pitch told a different story.” 4️⃣ Facial Micro-Expressions 🔴 “There’s no issue with the supplier.” 🟢 “Their fake smile cracked for half a second.” 5️⃣ The Follow-Up Test 🔴 “Everything is fine.” 🟢 “Great, walk me through the numbers.” (Cue stammering) Nooyi wasn’t just spotting liars. She was building a culture where lies couldn’t live. Why This Skill Separates Good Leaders from Great Ones ✅ Cut through flattery – Charm is easy; substance is rare. ✅ Spot lies early – Before they become costly mistakes. ✅ Build trust – People respect leaders who truly listen. How to Practice "Listening Beyond Words" 1️⃣ Pause more, react less – Let silence reveal truth. 2️⃣ Observe first, speak last – Notice patterns in behavior. 3️⃣ Ask direct questions – Vague answers = red flags. 4️⃣ Trust your gut – If something feels off, dig deeper. Here’s the leadership truth: 🧠 Great leaders listen with their ears. ❤️ Exceptional leaders listen with their hearts. 🕵️♂️ Transformational leaders see what’s not being said and act on it. So the question is: Are you just hearing what people say… Or are you truly understanding what they mean? Share your story! Let me know, I want to learn from you. Drop your views in the comments! ♻️ Repost to remind all about the value of transformational leadership. ➕ Samson Akinola for more insights on leadership, customer service, and problem-solving.

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 We’ve all been there—when something feels off in a conversation, even though the words seem to align perfectly with the situation. How can we be sure if we're being lied to? Understanding the difference between truth and deception can be challenging, but there are proven, science-backed methods to detect dishonesty. Body language experts and law enforcement professionals dedicate years to studying these signals, and their findings can be incredibly insightful. Here are a few key tips based on research to help you spot a liar: 💧𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗲𝘀 When someone is being dishonest, their facial expressions, gestures, and tone might not match their story. Watch for tension in their posture, avoiding eye contact, or nervous movements—these can be red flags. 💧𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Studies reveal that these fleeting signs of facial expressions can give away someone’s true feelings, even if they’re trying to conceal them. Look for rapid flashes of emotions such as anger, fear, or surprise that quickly pass. 💧𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Liars often avoid giving direct answers. According to research, they might provide vague responses or over-elaborate on details to seem more convincing. Notice if the person avoids answering your question directly or if their response seems rehearsed. 💧 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Liars tend to hesitate or take longer to respond as they fabricate their answers. If there’s an unusual delay before a response, it may indicate that the person is thinking of a way to hide the truth. 💧𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 In an attempt to convince you, a liar might offer excessive details or facts that aren't really needed to support their story. Research suggests that the more unnecessary information someone includes, the more likely it is that they’re trying to distract from the truth. Being able to spot deception is not about being paranoid, but about strengthening trust and connection in your professional relationships. It’s about understanding human behavior and approaching situations with a keen eye and an open mind. As value-based leaders, it’s our responsibility to use these insights to engage with integrity and build transparent environments. Trust your instincts, but also let science and research guide you in reading between the lines. As always, thank you for being a part of our community, Eva Andersson Chief Strategist | Philanthropist 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙨, 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 💧💧💧 www.vbinstitute.se

How can you tell if a person is a lying to you? 🤔 In my recent conversation with Jack Schafer, author, former FBI agent and deception detection expert, he shared two of the best ways to determine if someone is intentionally deceiving you: 1. Key Physical Reactions (due to the Fight or Flight Response) ⚡ When people lie, they fear getting caught. This triggers a fight-or-flight stress response, which often dissipates through subtle nonverbal cues like: 👉🏿 Increased heart rate ❤️ 👉🏿 Fidgeting (finger tapping, toe tapping, pacifying gestures) 👉🏿 Changes in breathing 😮💨 2. Difficulty Answering Follow-Up Questions 🧠 Lying is mentally exhausting. A liar must: ✅ Keep track of their story ✅ Monitor their words & body language ✅ Assess if you believe them To test this, increase their mental load by asking unexpected “yes or no” follow up questions. Due to the cognitive overload, their brain will naturally default to answering with one of the two options you gave them - as opposed to coming up with a third option (another lie). This was such a fascinating conversation - to dive deeper check out the newsletter and listen to the full episode. 🎧🎙️ Have you used these techniques before? What other techniques help you uncover deception? Let’s discuss! 👇🏿 #Negotiation #Communication #DeceptionDetection