In some cases, you may wish that you have a lie detector handy to tell if someone is lying to you. For a much easier way to gauge whether someone is lying, you should study the person's body language and speech patterns. According to an article titled "Ten Ways To Tell If Someone Is Lying To You" in "Forbes" magazine, it is much easier to tell if someone is lying when the confrontation takes place face to face. Telling if someone is lying over the phone or while watching someone on television can be much harder to do.
Step 1
Look the person in the eyes. "Forbes" states that people who lie have a tendency to not meet the eyes of the person they are lying to.
Step 2
Pay attention to the person's speech patterns. If the subject pauses often or trips over her words, it could indicate a lie, according to a report on the book "Reading People" by Jury consultant Jo-Ellan Dimitrius on "Good Morning America". These pauses give her time to make up a lie in her mind. A rise in the pitch of the voice may also mean the person is not being truthful.
Step 3
Ask for more detail. Liars typically only give vague descriptions, if they have trouble providing any details, it can signify a lie. If the liar gets angry and starts to make negative comments, it may also mean that he is lying.
Step 4
Request that the person repeats the story. Find out if someone is lying by checking for any inconsistencies in her story the second time around.
Step 5
Note any physical discomfort the person may be experiencing. "Forbes" states that fidgeting and sweating commonly appear in people that are telling a lie. Turning the body toward you while you are speaking is another physical indicator.
Tips and Warnings
- Good Morning America's report states that ways you can tell if a child is lying involves looking for any physical cues. Signs include wringing the hands, scratching the ears and touching the head.
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