226 W H A T EVERY BODY IS SAYING
SPECIFIC NONVERBAL BEHAVIORS TO
CONSIDER IN DETECTING DECEPTIONBelow are some specific things you’ll want to watch for when examining
emphasis as a means for detecting possible deception.
Lack of Emphasis in Hand BehaviorsAs Aldert Vrij and others have reported, lack of arm movement and lack
of emphasis are suggestive of deception. The problem is there is no way
of measuring this, especially in a public or social setting. Nevertheless,
strive to note when it occurs and in what context, especially if it comes
after a significant topic is brought up (Vrij, 2003, 25–27). Any sudden
change in movement reflects brain activity. When arms shift from being
animated to being still, there must be a reason, be it dejection or (possi-
bly) deception.
In my own interviewing experiences, I have noticed that liars will
tend to display less steepling. I also look for the white knuckles of the
individual who grabs the chair armrest in a fixed manner as though in
an “ejector seat.” Unfortunately, for this uncomfortable person, ejection
from the discussion is often impossible. Many criminal investigators
have found that when the head, neck, arms, and legs are held in place
with little movement and the hands and arms are clutching the armrest,
such behavior is very much consistent with those who are about to de-
ceive, but again, it is not definitive (Schafer & Navarro, 2003, 66) (see
figure 88).
Interestingly, as individuals make declarative statements that are false,
they will avoid touching not only other people, but objects such as a po-
dium or table as well. I have never seen or heard a person who is lying
yell affirmatively, “I didn’t do it,” while pounding his fist on the table.
Usually what I have seen are very weak, nonemphatic statements, with
gestures that are equally mild. People who are being deceptive lack com-
mitment and confidence in what they are saying. Although their think-
ing brain (neocortex) will decide what to say in order to mislead, their