The Truth About Liars Wed, 22 March 06
Jacelyn • Filed under: Thoughts • 8:39 am • Comments(7)
It is often said that a liar will never look you straight in the eye.
But apparently, the opposite could be true.
A study claims that the traditional tell-tale traits of a fibber, such as blinking and fidgeting, are all studiously avoided by accomplished liars.
Instead, they stay motionless and control their eye movement to avoid being caught out.
Other signs said to give away a liar, such as scratching the nose or stroking the back of the head are more likely to be used by someone telling the truth, say scientists.
They found that instead of looking shifty, those who compulsively lie, cheat and manipulate are concentrating so hard on convincing others that they tend to be very still and make few movements.
When liars do use their hands, they deliberately employ extravagant movements, flinging out their arms or rhythmically jabbing the air to emphasise their point.
The surprising findings are likely to be of interest to those who observe body language for signs of honesty.
