Body language expert reveals the 'red flag' signs that means someone is lying to you

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In today’s world, spotting “red flags” in conversations has become second nature. Whether we’re making new friends or exploring potential relationships, many of us want to avoid people who might be manipulative or dishonest. Yet, as humans, we often miss even obvious warning signs.

How to Tell If Someone Is Lying to Your Face

Body language expert and author Vanessa Van Edwards tackled this topic during her appearance on the podcast The Diary of a CEO. While she shared practical tips, she was quick to note that no method is 100% foolproof. Research shows that the average person detects lies with only 54% accuracy—barely better than a coin toss.

“Most people can only spot a lie with 54% accuracy,” Van Edwards explained. “It is very important to give someone the benefit of the doubt because you don’t know. It is very hard to spot.”

She emphasized that while certain behaviors are common among liars, there is no single “Pinocchio’s nose” that guarantees deception. Instead, the key is to notice clusters of subtle cues and investigate further when something feels off.

Listen for Vocal Shifts

One verbal red flag is an unexpected rise in pitch at the end of a statement, number, or boundary—turning it into a question. This “question inflection” can signal uncertainty or discomfort.

“If all of a sudden you hear the question inflection used on a statement or a number or a boundary or a timeline… that’s just a little red flag that says dive deeper,” Van Edwards said. “Nothing is a sign of lying; it’s just a sign you should dig deeper.”

Another cue is a sudden drop in volume. When people feel anxious or nervous, they often speak more softly. Van Edwards noted she frequently observes this during sales calls: “I always know what part of a sales presentation makes my entrepreneurs the most nervous because they lose volume.”

Watch for Body-Language Mismatches

Physical inconsistencies can also be revealing. The most obvious example is when someone says “yes” while shaking their head “no,” or vice versa. Mismatched facial expressions are equally telling.

According to research Van Edwards cited, the expression of disgust is particularly common among liars. When people feel “dirty” about lying, they may unconsciously crinkle their nose and flash their upper teeth—the same micro-expression we make when we smell something unpleasant. Watch for the “nasal wings” lifting, which often indicates the person is uncomfortable with what they are saying.

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