Catch A Lie in 20 Seconds!

This week: new research investigates our ability to spot a lie and just what it is that gives liars away.

Let’s get to it!

Little White Lying.

New research from the University of California, Berkeley shows that we pass judgments pretty quickly on the trustworthiness of a stranger.

In their study, researchers asked 24 couple to have a conversation on film. One person was asked to describe a time when they had suffered, the other was asked to listen.

These videos then were then viewed by another set of study participants who, within in 20 seconds of watching these complete strangers, were able to identify false compassion in the listeners!

Catching a Liar.

What was it these people saw? How can you be sure you’re not being tricked?

As behavioral psychologist, Marc Salem Ph.D. suggets – forget the words.  Body language speaks much louder than our voice in that regard.

In fact, according to Salem there are 5 signs in particular he says to look out for:

1. Inconsistent Behavior. Animation and speech patterns should remain fairly consistent if a person is comfortable. A drastic change – from very still to very animated or vice versa should set off alarms. A change from smooth, rapid speech to  a calculated, clipped speech pattern is another sign. “Shifts from the norm are red flags for deceit,” said Salem.
2. A Very Steady Gaze. Perhaps we’ve been told too often to “Look me in the eye!”, but many of us are under the impression that a liar won’t lie with a direct gaze. That’s not exactly the case according to Salem. In FACT, he suggests the opposite – a very steady gaze, he says is a red flag. “When people think or contemplate, it’s natural for them to break eye contact and look around,” Liars on the other hand, probably under the same mistaken impression that many of us are, often try to maintain a steady gaze, as they are consciously trying to appear trustworthy.
3. Covered Mouth. It’s another one of those funny examples of the mind reacting to the symbolism of our body’s actions - like washing our hands when we’re feeling guilty, like feeling in a “heavy” mood when we’re carrying a load.  Often times, explains Salem, liars subconsciously cover their mouth because they are trying to hide something. Coughing or frequent throat clearing is another give away - it's as though the liar's body is trying to expel the lie and guilt.
4. Hunched Body. When we lie, it’s a vulnerable time. While telling the truth may create problems, being caught in a lie about the truth adds a WHOLE new dimension! It’s a scary thing, and because of that, liars often take a cautious, protective posture – shoulders down, back hunched – protecting our vital organs and at the same time comforting ourselves with a posture closer to that curled "fetal" position we held in the womb.
5. Very Quick Smile.  While a genuine smile lasts a couple of seconds and affects the whole face – the eyebrows, eyes, cheeks and corners of the mouth – a genuine smile is far more contained and fades immediately after appearing.

Lying.

Whether it’s a little white, a tall tale, or a big whopper, there isn’t a single one among us that doesn’t do it. And that’s not always a bad thing!

The truth can cut. Our honest opinion of that new haircut could endanger our friendship. What we really think about our boss’s new tie could endanger our job.

As anyone who’s seen Jim Carry in “Liar, Liar” can tell you, (And if you haven’t, you really should – its hilarious.) lying is an important part of our success in the social world!

HOWEVER, with that said, no matter the motivation - no one likes to find out they’ve been lied to. My advice – tell the truth whenever possible. But if you’re going to do, cross your fingers and hope the lie-receiver hasn’t just read this blog too! ;)

Photo Credit: Katie Tegtmeyer

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