Investigative Interviewing: Can You Spot a Liar?

Investigative InterviewingCan You Spot a Liar? 3 Non-Verbal Signs

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How Can I Spot a Liar through Nonverbal Clues?

You can’t tell definitively if someone is lying through nonverbal behavior, but you can notice subtle clues that he is uneasy which may indicate he is withholding information or lying.

Constant Eye Contact

Constant eye contact can be a sign of deceit. The interviewee is locking eyes with the interviewer to determine whether or not the interviewer is buying his “story.”

Covering Face with Hands

Something is going on here … it could be the interviewee is self-comforting after telling a big lie. It could also be that the interviewee is thinking back to an accident and is remembering a tragic event. Note what the interviewee was saying when he covered his face for clues.

One Shoulder Shrug

A one shoulder shrug may mean that the interviewee is not really committed to the information she just gave you. A two shoulder shrug shows more commitment that she really believes what she just said.

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