This guide highlights common behaviors associated with dishonesty. No single cue proves deception, but noticing several can indicate something might be off.
- Too Much Detail: Excessive, irrelevant specifics.
Respond: Gently redirect the conversation. - Delayed Responses: Hesitation, repetition, or stalling phrases.
Respond: Stay quiet and let them fill the silence. - Inconsistent Stories: Changing details or timelines.
Respond: Casually revisit the story later and note contradictions. - Eye Contact Issues: Avoiding eyes or forced staring.
Respond: Observe naturally without forcing eye contact. - Touching Face or Neck: Rubbing neck, scratching nose, covering mouth.
Respond: Notice patterns without reacting directly. - Defensive or Aggressive Reactions: Irritability or reversing blame.
Respond: Stay neutral and calm; don’t escalate. - Changes in Voice Pitch or Speed: Higher pitch, nervous laughter, irregular speech.
Respond: Ask gentle follow-up questions to clarify. - Words Don’t Match Body Language: Saying one thing while body language shows another.
Respond: Wait and revisit the topic later.
Use this guide thoughtfully. Observe objectively, stay calm, avoid accusations, and remember: these cues alone don’t guarantee deception.
