Three ways to spot a liar: Harvard Business Review

In today8217;s business world,there is no shortage of lies. People tell them all the time 8212; sometimes to seek a payoff or avoid responsibility. But these untruths can be hard to detect,especially in complex situations.

Look out for these three signs that you8217;re being lied to:

1. Discomfort. People who lie often demonstrate visible anxiety. This may be because they8217;re afraid of getting caught or they feel guilty. Be on the look-out for a fake smile,frozen body language,or lack of eye contact.

2. Evasiveness. Someone who withholds information or keeps the conversation vague may not be telling the truth.

3. Manipulation. When you ask a question,people lying may answer with more detail than necessary. They may also use overly explicit language for emphasis. Watch out for this kind of manipulation.