“Deception detection unlocks the authenticity of real versus otherwise perceived intentions.” -Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert
“This Is How To Detect Deception
When You Read Body Language Better”
People don’t realize they’re always negotiating.
Reading body language to detect deception can be daunting, but it is a skill you will find of value in many situations. No single gesture can accurately disclose someone’s deceitfulness. Instead, deception detection is more complex. It is a nuanced process of gathering body language gestures that announce the possibility of deceit. And based on the body language gestures you observe, you can gain greater insight into what statements to investigate.
The following tips will teach you how to better detect deception by reading body language.
The Starting Point To Detecting Deception Through Body Language
You should engage in several aspects to accurately detect deception via someone’s body language.
1. Establish Baseline: To become more proficient at detecting someone’s body language, you must know how they use their gestures in particular situations. To do that, observe the signals they emit in non-threatening environments. That becomes your baseline against which you judge their future actions when they may be engaging in deception.
2. Speech Patterns: The pace of someone’s speech and word choices can also lend insight into their degree of truthfulness or deception. They may shift to or from, using more drawn-out language and emitting contractions.
If that occurs, along with their speed of speech increasing or decreasing at a particular point during communications, it could be because they are in deeper thought mode about what they wish to disclose, alter, or conceal.
3. Facial Expressions: Be very attentive to facial expressions. When someone attempts to deceive you, their facial expressions can divulge hidden information they may want unseen. But there are ways to unveil them, and micro-expressions are the tools that can do that.
Seven micro-expressions are germane to everyone on Earth; micro-expressions last for less than a second, and a person displays them before their brain conceals the display – thus, they reflect the genuine emotions someone is experiencing at that moment.
So, if someone acts happy while displaying the micro-expression of sadness, they most likely do not want you to know their true feelings. For good or bad, that is deception. (For more insight about micro-expressions, click here https://bit.ly/3P83WiD ).
Additional Body Language Gestures To Observe
In addition to establishing a baseline to detect deception by reading body language, take note of the following clues when interacting with someone. They will offer additional insights about when someone may begin entry into the deception zone.
Synchronization Of Gestures:
1. Words And Gesture Timing: When people are open and honest, the moment before they speak, they display body language gestures aligned with their words. When relaxed and natural, their gestures precede their words by nanoseconds. That is worth noting because when gestures follow someone’s words, which should align with what they are saying, they may be lying and trying to deceive you.
2. Head Movements: If you were to indicate no through the movement of your head, how would you display it? Most likely, you would move your head from side to side. What you most likely would not do is move it up and down.
When you witness someone displaying gestures that indicate the opposite of what they are saying, that could also suggest that they are deceiving you. To confirm your suspicions, wait until later in the conversation, repose the question or statement, and note any change from the prior display.
By the way, some people will move their head from side to side to indicate yes, instead of no. That is why it is crucial to establish their baseline to gather insights about how that person uses their body language to report their feelings.
3. Hand Movements: Another clue to discerning hidden thoughts about possible deception is noting someone’s hand movements. Similar to head movements, someone’s hand gestures should align with what they are saying.
Thus, if someone states they agree with you, with their hands up and their palms facing outward, their gesture is misaligned with their words; if anything, their palms should be facing them and closer to their body. And in most situations, when someone’s words do not match their gestures, give more credence to their body language. Our body always attempts to be truthful. And when we say or do something that misaligns the truth, the body emits actions announcing our falsehoods.
Erratic Body Language
When some people participate in deception, they may emit erratic body language gestures before and during the engagement. At such times, their body signals that it is uncomfortable with the acts its contemplating or those it is engaged in. Their unease may be shown through fidgeting with objects, constantly shifting in their seat, touching their face – arms – legs, or moving without purpose.
These actions serve as outlets for the nervousness they may be experiencing. And those actions should draw your attention to the possibility that they are in deception mode. Suffice it to say, to detect deception better, be aware of such activities.
Reflection
When you attempt to detect deception through someone’s body language, remember to establish a baseline per how that individual uses their gestures. Do that when they are in a non-stressed environment. Also, note that there may be cultural differences to account for when assessing someone’s body language usage.
As you read body language to detect deception, remember that one gesture alone cannot accurately uncover someone’s inner thoughts and emotions; you must observe a cluster of their actions to confirm that.
Now that you have the information needed to detect deception better, when you read someone’s body language, people who attempt to deceive you will have less chance of doing so. And everything will be right with the world.
Remember, you’re always negotiating!
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