216 W H A T EVERY BODY IS SAYING
comfort during a serious discussion. Any facial expression that lasts too
long or lingers is not normal, whether a smile, a frown, or a surprised
look. Such contrived behavior during a conversation or an interview is
intended to influence opinion and lacks authenticity. Often when people
are caught doing something wrong or lying, they will hold a smile for
what seems an eternity. Rather than indicating comfort, this type of false
smile is actually a discomfort display.
When we do not like something we hear, whether a question or an
answer, we often close our eyes as if to block out what was just heard.
The various forms of eye-blocking mechanisms are analogous to folding
our hands tightly across our chest or turning away from those with
whom we disagree. These blocking displays are performed subcon-
sciously and occur often, especially during a formal interview, and are
usually related to a specific topic. Eyelid flutter is also observed at times
when a particular subject causes distress (Navarro & Schafer, 2001, 10).
All of these eye manifestations are powerful clues as to how informa-
tion is registering or what questions are problematic for the recipient.
However, they are not necessarily direct indicators of deceit. Little or no
eye contact is not indicative of deception (Vrij, 2003, 38–39). This is rub-
bish for reasons discussed in the previous chapter.
Keep in mind that predators and habitual liars actually engage in
greater eye contact than most individuals, and will lock eyes with you.
Research clearly shows that Machiavellian people (for example, psycho-
paths, con men, and habitual liars) will actually increase eye contact dur-
ing deception (Ekman, 1991, 141–142). Perhaps this increase in eye contact
is consciously employed by such individuals because it is so commonly
(but erroneously) believed that looking someone straight in the eye is a
sign of truthfulness.
Be aware that there are cultural differences in eye contact and eye-
gaze behavior that must be considered in any attempt to detect decep-
tion. For example, individuals belonging to certain groups of people
(African Americans and Latin Americans, for instance) may be taught
to look down or away from parental authority out of respect when ques-
tioned or being scolded (Johnson, 2007, 280–281).