Investigators who conduct interviews for a living, and researchers who study ways to uncover fraudulent statements agree that there are six areas on which to focus when identifying fraudulent statements. Whether under oath, answering questions during a job interview, providing details about an insurance claim or recounting events relating to an accident or a crime, certain characteristics of deception are universal.
Last month, interactive style and voice changes were examined. This month we will look at the relevance of facial expressions and body movements as signals of potential deceptive behavior. In next month’s Newsletter, the remaining categories of psychophysiology or the way the mind and body interact and content of the statement will be addressed.
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British researcher and lie detection expert Cliff Lansley advises that when people lie, many times their bodies leak the truth without their awareness. If you are schooled and practiced at recognizing these cues, you can respond and ofttimes uncover the lie / deceptive elements while unfolding.
Facial Expressions
There are certain types of facial expressions that frequently will signal deception. One of the preeminent authorities on the subject is psychologist / researcher Paul Ekman who has conducted extensive studies on ways to identify these behaviors. Over 40 years ago, he published a coding system which links facial expressions with voice inflection and speech expressions, and his findings claim a 90% accuracy in the identification of deception.
Ekman and others found the following to be some of the most reliable facial indications that a lie is being communicated:
- Increased Pupil Size – There is a relationship between deception and larger pupil size due primarily to the feeling of tension while communicating the lie.
- Pressed Lips – Similarly, there is a relationship to one pressing their lips together and tension brought on by lying. Interestingly, the liar is unaware of this autonomic muscular trait.
- Certain Micro-Expressions that last only a fraction of a second – A Micro-expression or a flash-like change in one’s expression, typifies a single emotion. These changes, involve the whole face, are very brief and normally last less than 4 seconds. Understanding the meanings of micro-expressions can be valuable in developing rapport and trust in personal relationships; however, multiple studies have found that certain expressions typically identify deceit. Recognizing a brief flash or micro-expression, blatant or subtle, which displays the emotion of anger, fear and / or uncertainty (especially coupled with verbal cues) can be very effective in the detection of a lie as it is unfolding.
- Partial / One-sided Expressions – Honest, genuine expressions are almost always symetrical. If someone shows the expression of surprise on only one side of their face, that is a good indication that they already knew what you told them. Again, listen to what is being said at the time the partial expression takes place since that could be an indication of a lie.
- Eye Contact and Head / Eye Movement – Good eye contact or lack of good eye contact is not a reliable predictor of truthfulness. Interestingingly, research has found that people frequently look up and to the right when telling a lie.
Body Movements
Scientists as early as Darwin have believed that there was a close relationship between cognative activities and body movements. Approximately 10 years ago, researchers and forensic psychologists, Aldert Vrij, P. A. Granhag and Stephen Porter were able to demonstrate very specifically that “deception makes heavy demands on cognitive resources.” Their findings confirmed that “performing concurrent tasks with deception, such as controlling one’s body movements, will leave fewer resources available for successful deceptive performances.” In other words, if someone is focusing on verbally communicating a lie, the brain cannot also do a good job in controlling certain body movements.
In this regard, the following body movements are frequent telltale signs that deception is likely taking place:
- In multiple ways, the Head and the Face communicate deception, and that is why they are in a body movement category by themselves (above).
- Shoulders – Complete movements, such as a full or exaggerated shoulder shrug usually does not indicate deception; that movement is usually meant to be an indication of a genuine feeling. A partial shrug, more often than not, can be an indication of the covering up of a feeling. It is also performed in an unconscious manner; the liar is unaware of their action.
- Hands – These body parts are some of the most expressive since truthtellers use hands to emphasize and describe what is being communicated. Look for little or no hand movement when you suspect that a lie is being communicated.
- Feet – Look for rapid movement to indicate nervousness, and, pay attention to the direction that feet are pointed. Liars will point their feet toward an exit door…can you suppose why?
During the next 30 days, take time and focus attention on the facial expressions and the body movements of people, young and old, in a variety of home, social and work situations. Watch for behaviors that could be an indication of deceit, and, at the same time, listen to what is being said. There is a definite relationship between the visual and the verbal. See if you can determine if someone is being truthful, deceitful or if what you are being told lies somewhere inbetween.
Research North, Inc. (RNI), is a professional private detective service providing support to the business community, the insurance industry and individuals in Michigan and Wisconsin since 1981. The company also offers pre-employment background checks to small and medium sized businesses through a subsidiary called Backgroundcheckswork.com that is fully staffed by professional investigators who are retired from law enforcement.
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