How to Tell if Someone Is Lying (Part 1) - The Eyes
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. They're not only incredibly useful for intake of visual information, but also purveyors of a myriad of messages that reveal a great deal about a person's thoughts. Some of the messages are intentional, but many are subconscious and we aren't even aware they're being sent.
Next time you look at someone, notice how they smile, as well as other facial movements. You may be able to detect inner emotions like fear, anger, and disgust. A true smile always incorporates both a person's lips and eyes.
I've often heard it said that people must be lying if they don't look you in the eyes. This is not always true. In some cases, people are just shy or from a different culture or background. Some well-practiced liars make a point of making eye contact as they lie. Too much or too little eye contact is one thing to watch for. Liars tend to avoid looking people in the eye, but if they're staring you down, they may be overcompensating.
When asked a difficult question, it's normal for someone to look away. When someone avoids eye contact when asked a simple question, be suspicious.
The TSA relies on watching people's eyes. It's not 100 percent reliable, and a seasoned liar may be able to evade this detection, but it's generally an excellent gauge of honesty.
The direction of eye movements can often betray what's going on in someone's mind. When asked a question, a noticeable glance to the subject's right usually reveals a creative process-when someone is making something up, or lying. A glance to the subject's left indicates the subject is recalling facts. So, if a person looks to their right, they are frequently lying; if a person looks to their left, they are often telling the truth.
Please note, this method may be reversed in left-handed people. It also may not apply to people who have rehearsed their answers or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
This article belongs to a four part series.
By Don Townsend
Don Townsend is an Orlando entertainer that provides jaw dropping laugh out loud corporate entertainment with his astounding mentalist act.
