What are the ten proven signs of a Liar?
Unmasking Deception: Simon Henson Reveals the 10 Proven Signs of a Liar
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, Simon Henson, Managing Director of Titan Private Investigation Limited, pulls back the curtain on the psychology of deception. Following a high-profile appearance on BBC Radio Cambridge to discuss the hit series The Traitors, Simon breaks down the subtle, often unconscious cues that betray a liar. From shifting speech patterns to the high-tech future of lie detection, this guide explores how professionals identify dishonesty in the field.
The Titan Network: A Legacy of Investigation
Before diving into the mechanics of a lie, it is essential to understand the expertise behind the analysis. Titan Private Investigation is not merely a local agency; it is a national powerhouse with its central hub in Derby and a network of ten offices stretching from Truro in the southwest to Manchester in the northwest. This extensive English coverage allows Titan to manage live operations with a level of local intelligence and rapid response that is rare in the private sector.
Simon Henson, the face of Titan PI TV and a seasoned investigator, brings decades of experience to the table. Whether he is managing a corporate fraud case or a sensitive domestic investigation, the ability to discern truth from fiction is the cornerstone of his work. It was this expertise that led BBC Radio Cambridge to invite Simon onto their breakfast show alongside Dotty McLeod to dissect the behaviour of contestants in The Traitors—a show that has captivated the nation by turning deception into a high-stakes game.
The Anatomy of a Lie: 10 Proven Signs
Deception is a cognitively demanding task. When someone lies, their brain must simultaneously invent a narrative, suppress the truth, and monitor the listener’s reactions. This “cognitive load” often manifests in physical and verbal “leaks.” Simon identifies ten specific signs that investigators look for when assessing credibility.
1. Changes in Speech Patterns
The first red flag is a departure from an individual’s baseline behaviour. If a person who is usually articulate suddenly begins to stutter, or if a fast talker slows down significantly, it suggests they are struggling to process the lie. They may also adopt different vocabulary or formalise their language to sound more convincing, which often has the opposite effect.
2. Non-Congruent Gestures
The body often betrays the mind through “micro-expressions” or contradictory movements. A classic example is the non-congruent gesture: an individual saying “yes” while unconsciously shaking their head “no.” These involuntary physical responses occur because the subconscious mind is still tethered to the truth, even as the mouth attempts to deceive.
3. Saying Too Little
Some liars adopt a “less is more” strategy. Because they haven’t fully developed the details of their fabrication, they stick to a very rigid, minimal script. By saying as little as possible, they hope to avoid tripping over their own contradictions. This “information frugality” is a defensive mechanism designed to limit the surface area for questioning.
4. Saying Too Much
Conversely, an unprepared liar may over-compensate by talking excessively. In an attempt to appear transparent and helpful, they provide a mountain of irrelevant details. This “over-talking” is often a sign of anxiety; the liar feels that if they keep talking, they can eventually find a version of the story that sounds believable.
5. Unusual Rise or Fall in Voice Tone
Vocal chords are highly sensitive to stress. When a person is lying, the tension in their throat can cause their pitch to fluctuate wildly. A sudden, high-pitched squeak or a drop into a low, hushed tone during a specific part of a story is a strong indicator that the speaker is under emotional duress.
6. The Direction of the Eyes
While the old adage that “liars can’t look you in the eye” is often false (many liars actually over-compensate with intense eye contact), the direction of eye movement is telling. Research suggests that when people access different parts of their brain—such as the creative side versus the memory side—their eyes shift. Looking left or right when entering the “lie” portion of a statement is a proven sign of cognitive shifting.
7. Covering the Mouth or Eyes
This is a primitive response. Subconsciously, the liar wants to hide the source of the lie (the mouth) or shield themselves from the reaction of the person they are deceiving (the eyes). By touching their face or covering these areas, they are creating a physical barrier to reduce the focus on themselves.
8. Excessive Fidgeting
Lying creates internal friction, which leads to anxiety. To self-soothe, many individuals engage in displacement activities—fidgeting with a pen, adjusting clothing, or tapping a foot. These movements are the body’s way of trying to “burn off” the nervous energy generated by the act of deception.
9. Finger Pointing
Aggression is a common defensive tactic. If a liar feels cornered, they may attempt to shift the focus onto someone else. Finger-pointing is a literal and metaphorical way of redirecting the spotlight, often accompanied by accusatory language designed to put the investigator on the back foot.
10. Self-Identifying as a “Good Liar”
Perhaps the most ironic sign is when an individual openly boasts about their ability to deceive. By “blagging” about being a good liar, they are attempting to build a persona of confidence. In reality, this bravado is often a shield used to mask the fact that they are currently in the middle of a fabrication.
The Traits of a Successful Deceiver
Beyond the physical signs, Simon notes that successful liars often share specific personality traits. To be a “good” liar, one must be expressive, confident, and eloquent. They must be rapid thinkers, able to adapt their story on the fly as new information emerges.
Interestingly, Simon points out a psychological bias: attractiveness. As humans, we are biologically wired to find attractive people more trustworthy. Professional liars often lean into this, using charm and appearance to bypass the natural skepticism of their audience. This is why investigators must remain objective, focusing on the facts and the ten signs rather than the charisma of the individual.
The Future of Truth: Eye Detect Technology
While the ten signs are invaluable for field work, Simon admits that human observation has its limits. For those who require absolute certainty, Titan Investigations offers a more scientific approach: the Converus Eye Detect system.
For years, the Polygraph was the gold standard for lie detection, but it is a lengthy and expensive process, requiring nearly two hours for a formal test. Eye Detect has revolutionised the industry. Developed by the same team behind the Polygraph, this technology has been around since 2017 and boasts an accuracy rate of 82% to 86%.
Simon is even more confident in the kit: “I would personally say it’s 100% accurate because I do it every morning when I go into the office and I can’t beat it. I’m familiar with the kit, I know how it works, and I do the same test every time—but I can’t beat the equipment. The day I do is the day I will never deploy that equipment again, because I couldn’t stand by it.”
The Eye Detect test is efficient and cost-effective:
- Cost: £480 including VAT (£400 + VAT).
- Duration: Only 30 minutes.
- Format: Up to three questions, which can be cleverly worded to cover complex objectives.
- Results: Instant.
Unlike the Polygraph, which measures physiological stress like heart rate and sweat, Eye Detect monitors involuntary eye behaviour, such as pupil dilation and blink rate, which are nearly impossible to consciously control.
Final Thoughts: Staying One Step Ahead
Whether you are watching The Traitors on TV or dealing with a complex situation in your personal or professional life, understanding the signs of deception is a vital skill. As Simon Henson demonstrates, the truth is rarely hidden behind a single “tell”; rather, it is found in the clusters of behaviour, speech, and physical cues that emerge when the mind is at odds with the mouth.
If you suspect you are being lied to and need professional clarity, Titan Investigations provides the expertise and technology to uncover the facts. From national surveillance operations to state-of-the-art lie detection, the team at Titan remains dedicated to the pursuit of the truth.
To learn more about these services or to book an Eye Detect test, visit https://www.titaninvestigations.co.uk/private-investigation-services/ and navigate to the “EyeDetect Lie D” tab. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Titan PI TV YouTube channel for more insider insights into the world of private investigation. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and until next time—stay safe.
What’s Next on Titan PI TV?
Titan PI TV continues to grow steadily, with over 3,300 subscribers and counting—a testament to the appetite for straight-talking guidance in a complex field. If you found Simon Simon’s insights useful, subscribe to the channel to catch future episodes. New content drops every Friday at 3:00 pm, offering grounded advice for investigators, agency owners, and professionals who work with them.
Thank you for reading, watching, or listening to this week’s blog post on Titan PI TV. For more expert advice and behind-the-scenes insights, subscribe to Titan PI TV on YouTube or download the Titan PI TV podcast wherever you get your podcasts. If you found this information helpful, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of private investigations. Until next time, stay safe and keep learning!
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