Psychologists and law enforcement agencies use the study of body language to determine whether someone is telling the truth. Factors such as eye contact, posture and hand gestures all play a part in helping to detect lies and omissions. Seasoned liars and some salespeople will use certain techniques to appear honest, when they really are just trying to manipulate or coerce you.
Step 1
Notice whether someone makes eye contact with you. When that person holds your gaze without staring, he is probably telling the truth. Breaking eye contact, or avoiding eye contact, may indicate that someone is lying to you.
Step 2
Watch to see if the speaker shifts his gaze. In his book "Body Language: 7 Easy Lessons to Master the Silent Language," author James Borg states that if someone shifts his gaze to the right, he is most likely being honest, while if he shifts his gaze to the left, he is probably lying.
Step 3
Observe how frequently the speaker smiles. Many people who are lying will smile less frequently, or use a false smile, to gain your trust or appear honest. According to author Borg, someone displaying a false smile will hold it longer than a genuine smile.
Step 4
Note how fast the speaker speaks. According to Nick Morgan, editor of the Harvard Management Communication Letter at the Harvard Business School, the tempo of speech may be an indicator of truthfulness. Popular belief holds that a fast talker is usually a liar, but Morgan points out the opposite is true. Someone who speaks unusually slow, or uses long or frequent pauses, may be trying to figure out what lie to tell. The use of filler sounds, such as "uh" or "ummm," especially at critical points in the conversation, may indicate deceit. Someone who speaks at a normal, comfortable conversational speed, and does not use frequent filler sounds, is more likely to be telling the truth.
Step 5
Consider the posture of the person speaking. Notice if he stands with his arms crossed or if he is open in his stance, leaning slightly toward you with his arms by his sides. According to author Borg, people who are lying may shift their posture frequently while touching their face or fiddling with their clothing or jewelry. Truthful people will lean toward you, gesticulate less and make less frequent changes of posture.
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