How to Tell If Someone Is Lying? Psychology & Body language the Eyes Never Lie
89Reading the True Meaning of the Eyes
You may have heard the saying “The Eyes Never Lie” if you did you may be surprised to learn that they have been pretty much correct.
Tests confirm there is a true relationship between the neuroscience of the brain and how our eyes respond when we communicate; our eyes it seems are naturally programmed to our thinking patterns.
Throughout these studies there have been conclusive results that clearly show that when we are in conversation and actively using our memory, our eyes will naturally follow the direction of our thoughts visually indicating to the area of our brain that we are using to either recall actual memory (the bits we do remember) or constructive memory (the bits we try to understand so we make it up).
As you may have guessed this would be a very useful application in trying to determine if someone is lying? Or telling the truth?
This Method Is Widely Used By the Experts.
Body language experts and crime prevention agencies such as the police force fully understand this method and have incorporated these findings into their interrogation techniques when questioning possible criminals for a more in-depth analysis for the truth.
It really is a useful tool to learn and is quite easy to understand but you really need to be level minded in its use, there are many outside factors to account for and I will highlight many but you will find it really does work.
The Science of our Brain
Our brains could be thought of as having two halves the left side and the right side.
The right side of the brain is known more for its free thinking, imagination or visually constructed images. It is also responsible for constructing audio memory and memory of feelings, if a person is actively using this side in conversation then it would indicate that they are trying to create a memory or answer, instead of really having a true memory for what they are saying.
The left side of the brain is also responsible for visual, audio and memory of feelings, but if a person recalls memory from here while in conversation then they are actually recalling known memory, in other words it is truthful because it is something that they have actually seen, heard and have had an emotional experience logged there.
Left Handed People , if you are like me and are left handed most of you will find that the whole process works in reverse, my eyes will look right to access my actual memory and look left if I need to access my creative memory, that is something to note and be aware of.
(For more details on left handed analysis refer to this video, F.B.I Agent explains how to spot liars).
F.B.I Agent Explains How To Spot Liars
Visually Constructed Images
Deception Indicator
When the eyes roll up and to the right this indicates that we are trying to construct an image of something;
- Maybe trying to imagine what a pink elephant would look like?
- Or how many cans of cola you could fit into a phone box?
- But if you were asked where did you sleep last night?
- And gave a reply with your eyes facing to this direction, then this would indicate that you were probably trying to be dishonest!
Constructed Audio Memory
Deception Indicator
When the eyes are right facing the ear it’s said we are trying to construct audio sounds like;
- Creating your own symphony?
- Or making up a rap song?
- Maybe trying to imagine what your mum would sound like singing underwater?
For example if you were asked why was your phone engaged for an hour? And had answered, “Oh I was talking to my best friend he had just broken up with his girlfriend”. It would indicate that you were probably trying to be dishonest!
Kinaesthetic/Constructed Emotional Memory
Deception Indicator
When the eyes revert down and to the right we are said to be trying to construct an emotional memory or simply trying to imagine what it feels like.
- Try to imagine how it would feel to win the lottery jackpot? (Obviously for those that have never won).
- Or how it would feel to walk on the planet Mars?
- But if you were ask to tell someone if you really loved them?
- And your eyes were in this direction upon answering, then this response would indicate that you were probably lying!
How It Works? A Practical Test of This Theory
Visually Recalled Memory
The Truth Indicator
When the eyes are up and to the left it is said we are using the visually recalled memory or simply actual memory, the stuff we really do remember like?
- What colour is your front door?
- What your car looks like?
- What dress your partner had worn the night before?
But if someone was asked did you stay at home last night?
And they replied yes I did, while their eyes went to this position as they answered, then this would be an indicator that they were probably telling the truth.
Audio Recalled Memory
Truth Indicator
When the eyes are to the left and looking to the ear, it is said that we are accessing our audio recalled memory or simply actual audio memory the sounds we do remember like?
- What your mother’s voice sounds like?
- Or reciting your national anthem?
- Or again recognising the sound of a car breaking some distance away?
For example if you were asked to convey a telephone message to someone?
And your eyes were in this position at the moment of your response; this would be an indicator that you were probably telling the truth.
Actual Emotional Memory
Truth Indicator
When the eyes revert down and to the left it is said we are using actual emotional memory simply put, the emotions that we have really experienced like?
- Joy, happiness, fear or love?
- How you felt when you passed your driving test?
- How cold the snow is to touch in winter?
For example if you were asked to explain how much you love your partner?
And you replied with this eye response, it would be an indicator that you were probably telling the truth.
Take a short quiz?
Warning! Even the experts can get it wrong, can you spot the mistake?
Final Summery
As a final summery body language reading is a complex subject to master and this application has a high accuracy rate but like most is not 100% accurate.
There are many outside factors and complexities to consider and although this method can prove to be right much of the time, a level minded approach to its use would be wise.
Best wishes, Mark Bennis.
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- Think your partner is cheating and not sure if you’re just paranoid?
There are many very difficult hurdles in life but none so more than being stuck in the middle of that treacherous place where your gut feeling is telling you one thing, and your partner or mind is telling you to believe another. Existing in between t
Eyes Quotes
- "For I dipped into the future, far as human eye could see, Saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that could be". Alfred Lord Tennyson
- “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend” Henri Bergson
- “Seeing is not always believing” Martin Luther King Jr
- “The eyes are the mirror of the soul” Yiddish Proverb
- “The eyes behold much truth to what we think but you would be a fool to believe you can master what you see” This Author Mark Bennis.
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Hi NikiiLeeReyes this could be a useful exercise if someone could really master it but the potential to make mistakes is so easily done! Got to be careful before you reach an analysis lol, I never thought about becoming a journalist before? But then again I never thought of writing articles before until I joined Hubpages, so I guess you never know, thanks for posting and all the best, Mark.
So useful and interesting information.I heard that there are many criminals who can even mislead a lie detector.Is it true?Thank you so much for writing this hub.
Hi andromida and thanks for posting, as to your question I believe there may be a small percentage that possibly could, I guess it stands to reason that these techniques are never 100% accurate but very close to it. Thanks again and all the best, mark.
Eyes are windows to our soul and can reveal much about a person. An excellent well written hub. Thanks
Thank you pennyofheaven and yes, I do believe you are right, the eyes hold much secrets to who we are, thank you again and all the best, mark.
Well done Mark.
I sure love your style.
So, left is right, and right is wrong. Excellent.
There's a series on TV right now, True Lies, that goes into the science of determining when someone lies.. it's fascinating. Just like this hub!
Voted Up and awesome!!
Thanks, this has helped a lot and also good work on the final summary, it does help to be level minded :)
Great hub, really quite interesting. On the left hand person vs the right hand person, it sounds like the opposite would apply to most of these eye movements as a tell?
Firstly I am sorry for the late replies so I will catch up as much as I can....
Hello tugbo200-5 always a pleasure to see here and thanks for the comment its appreciated, all the best and thanks again, regards mark.
sueroy333 thanks for posting and that series sounds interesting and dont forget about the left handers, all the best mark.
loorrhea, a level minded approach is always wise and thanks for posting,
KFLippin, it takes a while to get used to it but a pattern does emerge just need to be level minded, thank you for posting and all the best mark.
Great article. Memory really interests me as a study. It really gets you thinking. Keep up the good work.
brakel2 thank you...
Thanxx so much
hi Arab and thank you too...
If the process is reversed for left hand people what if you come across someone who is ambidextrous.
Shean Mcain,
That’s a great question and one that I can’t truly answer from the studies that I did, but in saying that not all left handed people are the other way around, just a very high percentage seems to follow this trend. I also have found that a right hander that I know personally has all the hallmarks like most left handed people do.
Although if you apply a series of questions when in conversation with someone, such as to establish a basic truth and a construction of memory, you can usually hit base from there.
Final Summery
As a final summery body language reading is a complex subject to master and this application has a high accuracy rate but like most is not 100% accurate. There are many outside factors and complexities to consider and although this method can prove to be right much of the time, a level minded approach to its use would be wise.
Best wishes, Mark Bennis.
Fascinating! I must remember this information if I am ever telling a lie...no, just kidding....
So useful! Great hub! Now, all we have to do is figure out how to change all the liars lol. Or get rid of them!
Hello JANINAMARIE and chelseacharleston, thanks for posting, I believe the liars already know this one, well all the professional ones anyway lol.
now that's worth knowing. but, kind of makes us synical inside if we go around like a 'voldemort' trying to tell who's lying to us up front even on a regular basis. Thanks for the hub. Voted up!
LMAO thats a fantastic comment :)
Thanks again lol
Great stuff Mark. I'm in sales and it's really tough to tell when a reason someone won't buy is a legitimate reason or not. Body language, like the ones described above with eye-movement, is something that we can teach our reps. Thanks!
Your welcome Ten10bellevue and good luck.
I LOVE YOU MARKBENNIS!!!!!
Wow! I Love You Too Vicky Bennis XX
information to a T, thank you
You’re welcome :)
Well Done. the Study (science) of NLP is most revealing.
Thank you Neil...
So interesting...thanks for sharing this info! ^^
Mark, I really enjoyed your hub. I don't think I've ever read anything like this before. It's quite interesting and I gave it such a vote. Learn something new everyday.
Take care
John
Thanks Neena…
Thanks John I hope may come in useful one day?
this is great! well useful i only hope i never have to use it! though because i will tomorrow i thank you for this information! :)
Good luck Charlie and remember to practise on everyone from an observational view first, watch reality T.V programmes and those all important celebrity interviews, it can reveal a whole other world. :)
Well researched Hub. Thank you markbennis, for sharing the detailed information.
Thank you jainismus, I hope it proves useful, regards, Mark Bennis.
Can you spot the mistake? Yes. The article says the left is the truth indicator, the guy in the video at the bottom of the article says it is the right.
Congratulations Josh as you where the only one that has posted this fact, you are a natural observer and would be a great candidate for spotting a deception with this technique, so do you think he is a left handed expert trying to teach this technique or do you think he is just making this all up?
Your research on lying is so complete and the photographs are so helpful in illustrating your text. I must remember to be more observant! Great hub! Voted up and shared!
I wish I'd have read this hub before ever having children :) My husband would say to me , "He's lying to you." My response would always be no he doesn't lie to me. Once the boys were older and I was a bit wiser I figured out that yes they did indeed lie to me on occasion. Really interesting hub, and one that I will probably refer back to from time to time. Great Job!
Fascinating stuff, and it makes of sense! I enjoyed reading it.
Very interesting and well researched hub. It will be very helpful in life! Thank you.
One of my favorite shows was "Lie To Me" - they played fast and loose for the sake of a good story, but the basic science was certainly right on the money.
I believe in your summation you've indicated that the eyes can provide clues as to whether someone is being honest or dishonest, but unless someone is an expert in the field, don't rely solely on one's interpretation of eye movement. Do I have that correct?
Great hub. Voted it interesting. I like how you've included images. I always look for these clues and if I have a gut feeling that a person is lying, that person probably is.
What a very informative, interesting hub. I have always thought they eyes were the windows to someone's soul. I look out for people who talk with their hands expressing themselves immensely. It is what is on their minds that comes out, I have been told that this is a another type of body language to tell if people are telling the truth. I know this one works.
Voted useful and interesting
Thank you Stephanie :)
Thank you Susan, it’s funny to note that I have two young daughters and I have found this technique can come in quite useful now and then, although regardless of me determining the truth of some matters, they still know how to get around me LOL.
Thanks for commenting.
Thank you Rebecca :)
Thank you creativelycc as I am sure it will. :)
Hello RedElf,
I have not seen that show but I do enjoy analysing those celebrities and politicians when they are being interviewed live on the News, or some reality show, it certainly can make the experience more interesting LOL.
Thanks for commenting.
Hello L.L. Woodard,
I know I have added an air of confusion somewhat but it was just, yes we can all learn it and as I have showed in the last video even the experts can get it wrong, so my intention was to create a degree of discipline and to make the reader try to understand, that we must be level minded in its use, as we do not want those accusing an innocent person, especially when this can get quite intimate in some cases.
Thanks for commenting.
Hello smiileyfacexo,
Thanks and I had to in the end try to take photos of my eyes for this Hub as you might have guessed I am no photographer and it was a bit tricky to do. :)
Yes you are right we should listen to our gut feelings a bit more and try to really interpret what it is trying to let us know, its important as we can not last long in a situation when are inner knowing continues to be warning, maybe using this technique together with are hunches will be a worth while experiment don’t you think?
Thanks fro commenting.
Hello mrslagibb,
Thanks you for commenting and I do too believe the eyes are the window to the soul, much spirit and emotions are emitted through them. Yes you are right about the hands as they can also be a reflex to thought and thinking patterns, true to note how our politicians and TV presenters all try to control their hands when in conversation?
I quite agree Mark about the Politicians and TV Presenters. What do you think about some journalists? These days, they just want to write about gossip he said, she said. This does cause quite a stir up in the media world, when someone is so innocent. People tend to make their minds up of a person just purely based on media coverage which could ruin someone’s reputation. I think they should get to know that person first, before they start to make assumptions: If you get the time to read this; http://beyondjane.com/women/domestic-violenceabuse I think you will know what I mean.
Ah yes the media style of presumed guilty before proven innocent, it’s a dirty business and its getting some attention here in the UK, one nation news paper had to close up shop and try to flush out that same behaviour, just because of this type of tactics being used.
Well foresight and intuition, you can’t beat it in this day and age, also this technique will help confirm allot, thanks for commenting.
Thank you for your answer. Yes, the NEWS OF THE WORLD is this, what you are talking about? The Phone Hacking into celebrities’ private affairs, after all celebrities’ are humans also with feelings. I have been following theses issues. It is quite wrong for a journalist just to do underhanded tactics.
I believe, and I have found it here on HP, writers here are far more talented; are by far a better journalist. I am quite sure if anyone here in HP community would report whole heartedly the truth with NO EVIL ENDEAVOURS. Then the NEWS would be truthful, instead of spreading malicious gossip like some journalists do. I also believe these tactics hindered someone’s private life, who had lost a child, when police were investigating the disappearance of that child. These people were not celebrities’. I can be wrong with this. I am quite sure it has already happened more than likely to someone else, and no-one has reported this. I say let the truth be told.
Well said let the truth be told, all the best, Mark.
so im a little confused about the left handed right handed thing, can u help? and if u have already answered my question im sorry i havent read all the comments:)
Ok Tommy there is a factor which needs to be addressed and it has been noted that most left handed people do indeed look up and to the right when recalling actual memory, as you can see this is in total opposition to the majority who will look up and to their left, to recall actual memory.
Confused? Then don’t be as it is easy enough to determine what side of the brain is actually recalling actual memory, via some simple questions that can be used in conversation like,
• How old are you?
• Do you drive?
• Are you married?
• What football team do you support?
• What is your favourite colour?
• Where did you go on your holidays, etc?
Now we can determine that it is possible to create or fabricate some of these answers but if you have a succession of truth seeking answers then, you will recognise a familiar patterning for where the eyes go.
Now you can also include some very unlikely questions into this same conversation that would be seeking to recognise the patterning for constructed memory like,
• What would you do about it this situation if you were president of the United States of America?
• If you were in charge of Google Inc, what would you do about such and such?
• If I won the lottery I would love to travel in space, what would you like to do if you won the lottery?
You see although there is this common difference we can still determine what is probably Factual or Fictitious, just by conversation alone and using the type of questions that are looking for truth or a lie, we can during that conversation build up a patterning and fully recognise what is truth and a lie?
Hope this helps, maybe you should watch the first Video on this article, as the FBI Agent explains and shows the difference between right and left handed people.
It is good.Seems like this topic is interesting and nice work man.....
Just want to say thank you for your wishes.
Well thank you ‘kiritee gak’ I hope it becomes useful.
Hello mrslagibb,
Your very welcome from one Huber to another, always here to help, all the best, mark.
thank u im not confused anymore and i would watch the video but my kindle wont let me:(
Now i have more reasons to believe what a friend of mine told me.
@ tommyhowell lover,
That’s ok once you get around the confusing parts it’s quite easy enough to use, I never have used a kindle before but I can see why that would be irritating a bit, take care and all the best, Mark.
Hello Geraldnduru
That’s a very nice way to relate to this, in a positive way we can confirm things too, great point, thank you.
Interesting HUB but as you said this method is far from 100% accurate. Also this method is mostly useful when someone is telling a detailed story. If you simply ask someone if they killed someone or if they cheated on you they don't have to imagine anything to just say no. And of course if the person is a psychopath they won’t give any tells with their body language at all. Although in one case I was able to manipulate a psychopath into giving me a very subtle tell that told me she was lying about something so I guess it can be done in some cases but its not easy. Anyway I have always had the ability to see right through people and instantly know if they are lying or what their true motives are no matter how carefully masked. I can even spot those hidden negative aspect of their character in just a few minutes that other wont learn about until they have know them for years. I usually don’t tell people this fact though because then they want to introduce me to their boyfriend or girlfriend so I can secretly read the person for them. Anyway I guess this is done through body language but since its something that comes naturally I’m not aware of what body movements I’m reading. Whatever they are they are much, much more subtle and varied than these simple eye movements.
@ Ken F,
Thanks for commenting and although you may not have fully recognised it potential as yet, but it works as an indicator to the thinking patterns of a person.
Although you are correct just asking a blunt question is not going to help you determine a pattern for truth or deception, that’s why interrogations last some time, but on a normal note we simply communicate with one another on a daily basis.
With or without this technique most would find it uncomfortable being around someone that only answered once in a conversation and would feel naturally weary anyway.
But I do think it is always wise if we have a levelled minded approach to determining outright if someone is lying or telling the truth, some times we are right and sometimes we have been wrong.
The only flaw is the person deciding if they think they can say for sure if someone is right or not right so to speak don’t you think?
This method has a high pattern recognition that puts it up there amongst some of the most plausible methods for use; you can conduct an experiment at home with a partner or friend and see it for your self, interesting results.
Actually I do recognize the potential of this system and I did not mean to imply that it was in some way not effective. I just worry that people will now go out and start using this method on everyone they know and consequentially start calling people liars who they might in fact be misreading. I can read people with nearly 100% accuracy but even I don’t become accusatory, not even in my own mind. I always keep an open mind and give people the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. And if I were part of a jury in a murder case I would render my verdict based on whether or not the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and not on my instincts. This despite the fact that I can tell when someone is a murderer or potential murder with near perfect accuracy. Unfortunately most people are just prone to jumping to conclusions very quickly and acting on gut instincts which, more often than not, are coming out of insecurity or some subconscious prejudices. For this reason I think these techniques are best left to the experts. I just don’t want the whole world to be constantly trying to be human lie detectors with each other. Life is better with a little mystery in it, don’t you think? After all what would be the fun of reading a book if you already knew how it ended. That’s how it is for me most of the time. When we meet new people they are always on there best behavior yet within a few minutes I can see all the character flaws that the person is trying to hide. And I can tell exactly what kinds of arguments or problems will come up far in the future if I date a particular girl. In fact I often have to pretend to myself that I don’t know certain things about people, otherwise I would never get to experience the fun and excitement of a first date because I would simply never ask anyone out. My point is that being able to predict human behavior is often more of a curse than a blessing. Everyone should just count themselves lucky that they can enjoy the little surprises that life has to offer.
Hello Ken F,
You sound like someone who is born with a gift? Although I can understand how sometimes it may feel like a burden, as I agree life can be more interesting when it still holds its mysteries.
Then again the mysteries of life are still ever present regardless of this technique and others, I can understand what you are saying regards to people going around and using this application on everyone and becoming judgmental?
Then again Ken haven’t we been doing that for millennia’s? I don’t think that will ever change or be any worse for this technique, as we can all attest to the human race as having a dualistic nature of those that will abuse and those that will use it for the better good.
At the end of the day it’s an educational tool that will empower people to understand the human behaviour system better; also I believe it’s every human’s right to have this knowledge and not just a select few for their own purposes.
It can be fun and exciting with many good pros then the bad ones, I feel most will enjoy using it and will find it enlightening and sometimes humorous; it’s a matter of perception.
Thanks for commenting.
Love this piece.
Thanks Jane...
I myself I'm a deception expert and always enjoy reading new material, and found this a very enjoyable read as well as being well put together, though I would say that the whole "looking left and looking right " in relation to truth and deception has been officially discredited by psychologists and deception experts alike. It is also important to note that if you are meeting someone for the first time, you have no "base line" For example some people are much more creative than others (typically females) and will naturally allow there eyes to wander as they recall and actually event.
Hello John,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment about this interesting subject matter, yes I agree somewhat that it is best to have a levelled minded view when using this, but I have to say if you fully practice it and conduct your own experiments the results are staggering to say the least.
This sort of experiment can be done at home or in schools for entertainment purposes and to have fun while experimenting with it plus recognising those familiar patterns of behavioural responses.
It’s a very useful tool and one many experts are using today, it seems they cant help themselves but to analyse the eyes responses to questions and answers, its funny to note but even Judge Judy uses it every time when finding the truth and she is very good at it, if fact she is exceptionally good!
Thanks for commenting.
Nice Technique.Is more useful for me. Share more thing is very useful for man kind. ..... .
Vazha Valamudan
Thanks for commenting Thiru, I hope you use it wisely, TC and all the best, Mark.
Very interesting hub. I'm very much interested in body language and this was certainly helpful. I wish you all the best with your hubs.. keep hubbing!
Thank you Ana and I wish you all the best too, take care.
WOW this is awesome! it would now be hard for the people to lie on me! :) thanks sir mark for those informations. I can now also know whether an ambidextrous is lying or not! :)
Hello Monday,
Thanks for posting on Thursday LOL, anyway it’s a useful tool that teaches us pattern recognition in human behaviours.
Again it’s always best to have a level minded approach to using it, but it’s fun and very interesting when you begin to really recognise those patterns for telling the truth and not the truth, enjoy!
Hi, Mark! Very interesting hub. I have heard of these 'eye tells' before, but - true nutbars that have no conscience can lie straight at ya - and then lie again! I'm left handed also,and had never heard that it works in reverse for us southpaws. I've tried to tell if people are telling the truth by using one or 2 of the techniques you speak of - but always wound up doubting - MYSELF..lol..voting up! (i swear it's the truth..lol)
Hello ImKarn23,
Ah you will get it eventually as it grows on you after time, I agree that if someone has knowledge of this technique and also can tell you are trying to read them, they can fake it and be good liars so to speak.
Yes left handed people are more in opposition but that is not true for all left handed people, but although reading the facts and stated findings can be quite confusing and I do agree that can be the case sometimes.
I personally have carried out my own experiments with it, but I have found personally it is a very good training tool to learn how to recognise human neurological responses, to thinking patterns.
To me that is the trick of learning and seeing it for yourself, learning to read personality traits whilst in conversation, but do it so subtly and you will begin to recognise patterns in response and behaviour to conversations etc.
Although it can be very useful and a great learning tool the moment anyone thinks you are trying to analyse them, they will naturally become defensive and the patterning recognition traits will be harder to read, unless you really know that person.
Thanks for commenting, TC and remember nothing beats listening to your inner voice, within your heart or intuition.
left side area of the brain controls right side of the body and right side area of the brain controls the left side so if left brain is use for true recalling then eyes should be towards right side and if right side area of the brain is used for deception then eyes should be towards left isnt it? if not could you justify please?
You’re winding me up aren’t you?
You know having a bubble?
Taking the Mickey?
Pulling my leg?
You know, like a square peg trying to get in a round hole?
NikiiLeeReyes Level 2 Commenter 18 months ago
thisi is very useful; did you ever consider becoming a journalist? im def. putting this on my bookmark!