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According to Karen Donaldson, a communication and body-language specialist, manipulative individuals typically fit into two groups. The first group knowingly engages in wrongdoing, prioritizing their desires over ethics. The second group genuinely believes their actions are morally justified.
In an interview with Entrepreneur, Donaldson suggests employing her “triangle” technique—a three-step strategy to identify dishonesty. This method provides a clear framework for spotting lies. Here’s how it works.
Identifying deception: Key signs to watch for
Focusing on these three key areas can reveal whether someone is being truthful:
The rhythm and consistency of their speech
Observe how someone speaks. Truthful individuals typically speak smoothly and confidently, as they recount actual events without hesitation.
Donaldson explains to Entrepreneur that irregular speech patterns, such as long pauses followed by bursts of ideas, may indicate someone is fabricating a story.
Head gestures and facial cues
Even skilled liars can be betrayed by their head movements and facial expressions. Common signs include:
Sudden glances upward or downward
Nodding while denying an action or shaking their head while admitting one
Briefly pressing their lips together and rubbing them, as if applying lip balm
Observing their overall body language
Lying often causes stress, leading individuals to exhibit self-soothing behaviors. According to Donaldson, these actions might include:
Scratching or rubbing their neck
Touching their nose after making a statement
Overusing their non-dominant hand
“Stress often leads us to touch ourselves excessively, a comforting behavior rooted in childhood,” Donaldson explains to Entrepreneur. “Consider how a parent or guardian soothes a child by rubbing their hand or back. We replicate this self-soothing action as adults.”
