What hand gestures did the liars most commonly use?
They used special hand gestures 25 percent more frequently than the truth-tellers, largely to reinforce their point, such as touching the heart to show love or holding both hands apart to show size, reports the BBC of the research that was published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. The liars also used rhythmic gestures, such as repeated pointing, to emphasize their statements. Here are three subtle signs of lying, according to the BBC. Do the opposite and you might just get away with that tall tale: 1. Very formal speech This is characterized by long words and painfully correct grammar. The liar is likely to use the full form of words and phrases that would normally be shortened so the speech sounds scripted instead of natural. 2. Justification Question the liar and he or she will attempt to justify every detail with lengthy explanations. 3. Disparity Watch carefully and you’re likely to see a mismatch between the liar’s tone of voice and facial expression. Remember, whether you a