By Andrew Nuttall

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People often lie. At times, it’s quite clear, but even the most skilled liars may not succeed once others recognise the ‘strong’ signals that many of them believe will make them seem credible. Adrianne Carter, a body language expert, pointed out that there is a widespread misconception about appearing completely honest.

However, if someone tries too hard to compensate, you can usually detect when they are attempting to deceive you directly. With over 25 years of experience, Adrianne started her career as a trained counsellor and psychotherapist.

She is also certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Natural Success Psychology Coaching, and is a qualified coder in the Facial Action Coding System. She said: “I was talking to somebody the other day and they asked me about eye contact and lying.

“They said ‘Is it true that someone who doesn’t make good eye contact is lying?’ The answer is often no, that’s not true at all. Actually, what happens is the opposite.

“Someone who’s lying will often hold eye contact longer and stronger because they want to make you believe them. They know the myth, too, that shifty eye contact is a sign of lying, so they do the opposite.

“Ideally, in a normal interaction, we’re looking for eye contact about 60 to 70% of that interaction. Any more, it can be too aggressive and too domineering, or someone trying to make you believe their lies.”

Adrianne said in her video that she is not referring to people with neurodivergence, recognising that this is “something [people] often find hard to do”. Many body language specialists back this notion.

Carol Kinsey-Goman, a global keynote speaker on body language who provided her perspective to Forbes, also claims that it is one of “the biggest body language myths” that dishonest people steer clear of eye contact. She claimed: “While some liars (especially children) find it difficult to lie while looking you in the eyes, most liars, especially the most brazen, actually overcompensate to ‘prove’ that they are not lying by making too much eye contact and holding it too long.”

Body language frequently serves as a discreet indicator that often goes unmentioned. It can assist individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of a situation without depending solely on spoken words—whether by interpreting the gestures of others or by subtly taking actions yourself to sway the circumstances.

For example, Adrianne posted another video online that told people about an unspoken rule that, in the minds of others, can make you seem friendlier and more approachable. She said: “Do you want to look instantly friendlier?

“Well, there’s a body language move that you can do right now to make yourself look a little bit more friendly, and it’s this. Just tilt your head slightly. It can be either side, whichever feels most natural to you, and people will instantly perceive you as more friendly.

“It’s less threatening. You know, confidence and strong eye contact can be quite domineering. However, that little head tilt and maybe a gentle smile show you in a much more friendly light.”