How to Spot a Liar

Dealing with a Liar Can Be Done

Have you ever wondered how to spot a liar? I just finished reading an interesting book titled "How to Spot a Liar. Why People Don't Tell the Truth and How You can Catch Them." It's co-written by a professional interrogator who gives some really good tips outside of the classic "watch eye contact" and "stiff body movement."

The truth of the matter is that most people lie. Yes. It's true. There are four ways people lie: omit information; embellish the truth; pure fabrication; or use someone else's truth as their own. Here's the thing, people lie for many reasons such as: they are hiding something; they are embarrassed by the truth; they are protecting themselves or someone else; they are being polite not to hurt someone's feelings; or it's simply easier to lie than to tell the truth.

Your Most Important Lesson If You Want to Catch a Liar

If you want to spot a liar then you have to be observant. You have to pay attention to the context of what the person is saying as well as the non verbal signs. While there are common generalities, it's not good to take broad gestures and apply them everyone. Afterall, men, women, and children are different. There are also cultural differences that you must consider.

It is extremely important that you try to keep your emotions at bay. How you feel can muddy things. The last thing you ever want to do is to come to the wrong conclusion based on bias of how you feel. This is why you need to try to focus on the situation or action and try not to make it personal (although, technically, it can be).

Also, catching a liar may not be as simple as observing a person for a few minutes or having a quick conversation. It may take a little patience and a little preparation on your part. For instance, you may what to observe how the person behaves and responds in a relaxed non stressful environment in which there is little need to lie. Why? Because when the time comes to rat the person out, you'll have a point of reference to notice signs that may indicate a lie. You'll notice the different body language signs; or mannerism changes that can clue you in. You see, learning how to spot a liar is a skill. One you can easily learn.

You Have to Be Sure

I'm a firm believer that you are NOT going to be able to spot a liar from reading an article or two. Number one, you need a credible source of reference. Number two, you need to practice and get some experience under your belt. I suggest you read "How to Spot a Liar...." for yourself.

Important Thing to Remember

If you really are truly interested in learning how to spot a liar then you need to learn more about the people you interact with. This is very important. Again, there is no cutter-cookie model for ratting someone out. Know this....there are people who do not exhibit the most common signs listed for lying.....who will stare you straight in the eye and lie directly to your face.

While I sure you have your reasons for dealing with liars, you want to do it right. Also, there are every day practical applications for knowing how to catch a liar such as job interviews, awareness of co-workers and bosses, dealing with salespeople, and everyone else in your life.

Here's more food for thought....you never want to be incorrectly labeled as a liar, so learning how to spot a liar can help you effectively avoid being labelled as one. Lastly, the world is full of liars. I personally wanted to learn to heightened my awareness and add this important new weapon to my arsenal for success. You can do the same.

To provide you more food for thought, ponder these words of wisdom from these lying quotes:

Lying Quotes

Do not consider it proof just because it is written in books, for a liar who will deceive with his tongue will not hesitate to do the same with his pen. ~ Maimonides

A little inaccuracy sometimes saves a lot of explanations. ~ Saki

A half truth is a whole lie. ~ Yiddish Proverb

Lying is done with words and also with silence. ~ Adrienne Rich

Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true. ~ Robert Brault

I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you. ~ Friedrich Nietzche

The worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves. We live in denial of what we do, even what we think. We do this because we're afraid. We fear we will not find love, and when we find it we fear we'll lose it. We fear that if we do not have love we will be unhappy. ~ Richard Bach

Don't place too much confidence in the man who boasts of being as honest as the day is long. Wait until you meet him at night. ~ Robert C. Edwards

My father told me all about the birds and the bees, the liar - I went steady with a woodpecker till I was twenty-one. ~ Bob Hope

You know have a good start on really understanding how to spot a liar. Just remember, educate yourself and practice. While the truth will set you free, the answers you sometimes discover may be eye-opening. If you have enjoyed this article, plan to take action. Visit the self improvement and motivation page to find the motivation you need to pursue your goals.