Lie to Me: How to Tell If Someone is Lying

Human behavior has always intrigued me. It has also intrigued others, so much so that they made a television show out of it. "Lie to Me" is a Fox TV series inspired by a real-life psychologist that has studied human behavior and can read a person's "tells." Not all ways to detect lying are foolproof. Some "tells" may be so minute that you may miss them if not watching.

Get to know a person. Some signs of fear may mimic signs of lying. Getting to know the person you are dealing with is an advantage. Observe them in a normal, non confrontational situation. This is probably the most important way to tell if someone is lying because you have already first identified what is normal behavior.

The eyes. "Look me in the eyes and tell me it's true!" This old expression has some merit. People not good at lying may avoid eye contact because of intimidation. Looking someone in the eye when they are lying can reveal tension. Blinking repeatedly will relieve that stress, another sign of lying. Some experts say to follow the direction of the eyes. Looking to the left is a sign they are constructing a story, or lie. If they keep looking to the left, the lie is still being constructed. Looking to the right is recalling a memory. But be careful. If someone is left-handed, it could be the opposite for them.

Body language. If a person is relaxed while speaking, they are having normal conversation. If a person is suddenly shifting positions or crossing and uncrossing their legs, they are uncomfortable. Are they trying to dig themselves out of a situation by lying?

Facial expressions. There is a man I worked with about 15 years ago that I could always tell when he was lying because he would emit the slightest giggle and have the weirdest smirk on his face. He was so predictable in doing it. Whenever something went wrong in his operation, he would never own up to it and try to come up with some lame excuse. He does not work in the same building as I do now, but I still have contact with him as he is still part of the company. Fifteen years later, when I talk with him on the phone, all I have to do is pause and wait for the giggle. I have noticed that some people who are trying to sell you a lie will over exaggerate their reactions to sell the lie but wind up overcompensating and giving themselves away.

Something out of place. Have you ever seen a poker player wear dark glasses, even when there is not much light? It's because they are afraid their eyes might reveal when they are bluffing. Liars also may not take off their sunglasses for the same reason. Or someone that is sweating when it's not that hot. If there is something that makes you say, "That's weird," it probably is.

Have you been able to detect a lie by some of these ways? Test your ability by watching this video of Brian Ross interviewing Senator John Edwards about his affair.

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Watch the direction of people's eyes