17 Ways to Spot a Liar

We've all been lied to, and we've all lied at some point in our lives. But don't you hate it when you uncover a liar? It leaves you feeling betrayed.

Here are 17 things to look for when spotting a liar:

1. Body language speaks louder than words. If the person you're speaking to is fidgety, wringing their hands, or fiddling with their hair, these are often clues that they're lying. Sometimes it might be nervousness because they are shy or naturally introverted; however, if the person you're talking to isn't known for being shy or nervous, then chances are they're not 100% honest with you.?

2. A liar will often cross their arms across their body as they speak. They may even move objects like books or cups to create a barrier between the two of you.

3. Eye contact is another thing to pay attention to when trying to spot a liar. When you're being lied to, the other person often won't look you directly in the eye. They'll look down, off to the side, and every other place to avoid direct eye contact with you.?

4. When a liar says contradictory things, it's an obvious sign that they're lying. Listen for discrepancies in their stories.

5. The tone of voice changes when lying. Listen for high pitched or lower tones than their normal speaking voice.

6. Liars tend to avoid details when speaking. They often stick to the bold facts and leave out small details to try to keep their story straight.

7. When talking to a liar, he or she will often hesitate in their speech while thinking up a lie to fit the occasion. This could be clearing their throat, taking a deep breath, or simply pausing way too long before responding.

8. Eye movement is another thing to look for when spotting a liar. All people naturally move their eyes, unconsciously, one way or another when they are in conversation. If a person looks to their right (your left) they are often constructing lies. If they look to their left (your right) they're truly drawing upon their memory in response.?

9. Changing the subject away from the current conversation is another clue that you're being lied to. Often liars will fill a conversation with obscure details that detract from the topic at hand to avoid telling the truth.

10. People who lie tend to avoid using pronouns like 'I' or 'we.'?

11. Liars will often use humor or sarcasm to avoid a subject.

12. Liars feel guilty and may storm off or act out in anger to hide their deception

13. Research shows that when a person is dishonest, they tend to touch their nose a lot.

14. Heavy breathing, sweating, or a tight jaw is another indicator that you may be lied to.

15. If questioned enough, liars won't be able to remember all the details of a lie or string of lies they've told. Most liars will attack or leave before they're caught.

16. Touching the face may indicate a person is lying or uncomfortable. The higher up on the face, the worse the lie is.?

17. A hunched-over posture is another indication of a liar. Confident people sit up straight with their shoulder back. Insecure people sit hunched over with their hands in their pockets. It's also interesting to note that studies have shown that insecure people are more prone to lie.

Don't allow yourself to be lied to again. By learning to watch for these signs and behavioral patterns, you'll be able to spot a liar with relative ease!

*Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 250 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.?

Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.?

For more info, check out his video |?https://youtu.be/pflQtzgP7X