True or false? Seven expressions recognised the world over
STUTTERING, pausing and fidgeting are all well-known signs that someone may be telling porkies.
But a Kapiti specialist says many other gestures and expressions are giveaways that a person is potentially lying.
Raumati behavioural specialist Stu Dunn is trained to catch out deception by picking up on the subtle signs of emotion or body language. Since becoming certified last year, Mr Dunn has created an online program to teach the skill to others and is now planning a live course in Wellington. Mr Dunn said he had analysed politicians like Auckland Mayor Len Brown and Prime Minister John Key during their public appearances. Mr Brown tended to chew the side of his face when listening to something he didn’t want to hear, while Mr Key often blatantly wore his emotions on his face for all to see.
According to Mr Dunn, there are five channels of communication to look out for – the face, body language, voice, verbal statements and verbal style.
Brief flashes of a grimace or smile can give away a hidden feeling. There are seven universal facial expressions that can appear as briefly as a fraction of a second and give away a person’s attitude. These are anger, surprise, contempt, disgust, fear, happiness and sadness.
Body language can also provide clues to the attitude of a person.
Palms open may indicate sincerity, a pointed finger is an effort to get a point across, nervousness can be demonstrated by clasped hands and closed legs. Mr Dunn also highlighted manipulators (gestures that increase in times of high stress) as something to look out for. Fidgeting, ear tugging and lip-biting can all be manipulators and increase when someone is uncomfortable.
A Freudian slip of the tongue or a cleverly dodged question should also raise alarm bells with the listener.
Mr Dunn stressed the importance of looking at the whole picture and not just one gesture or expression.