Imagine having the ability to discern whether someone is telling the truth, just as my friend Sameera, the seasoned headhunter, can. Sameera’s talent lies not in magic but in her astute observation of body language. During one memorable interview, she uncovered a lie by paying close attention to subtle cues from the applicant. In this article, we’ll explore the secrets of credibility and how you can ensure you come across as 100 percent credible to everyone you meet.
The Tale of a Crossed Leg and a Hidden Lie
Sameera’s ability to detect deception doesn’t rely on a crystal ball; instead, it’s rooted in her keen eye for body language. During a recent interview, she noticed a young woman, eager to secure the position of marketing director, crossing her left leg over her right and maintaining eye contact during most of the interview.
However, when Sameera asked the applicant why she left her previous job, the woman’s eyes briefly darted away, and she shifted her posture. It was a small shift, but it was enough to pique Sameera’s interest. Subsequently, the candidate’s actions, such as placing her hands near her mouth and changing her leg crossing, raised red flags.
Sameera’s intuition told her something was amiss. Although the candidate’s words indicated dissatisfaction with her previous firm’s growth opportunities, her body language suggested she wasn’t entirely forthcoming.
Unveiling Deception: A Subtle Art
Professionals like Sameera, who conduct interviews or interrogations, are well-versed in spotting lies. They’ve honed their skills to decipher the signals that indicate dishonesty. But even those without specialized training possess an innate ability to detect when someone isn’t telling the truth.
Sometimes, we encounter individuals who give off a vague sense of unease, leaving us with a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right. Employers often face this dilemma—a candidate who seems honest but triggers an inexplicable sense of doubt.
The Polygraph: A Mechanical Misnomer
To tackle the challenge of spotting lies, many organizations resort to the polygraph, often referred to as the lie detector. Despite its reputation, the polygraph isn’t a truth serum; instead, it detects changes in the autonomic nervous system—alterations in breathing patterns, sweating, heart rate, and more—associated with emotional arousal.
While the polygraph can be accurate in many cases, experienced liars can manipulate it. However, its reliability in discerning emotional changes caused by deception remains a valuable tool for pre-employment screening, law enforcement, and security purposes.
Beware the Appearance of Deception, Even When You’re Truthful
Often, individuals are wrongly perceived as dishonest when they are telling the truth due to emotional or situational factors. A young man discussing his business achievements with an attractive woman might exhibit nervous movements, such as shifting his weight. Similarly, a woman presenting her company’s track record to a crucial client could engage in self-soothing behaviors like rubbing her neck.
Moreover, environmental conditions can inadvertently create the appearance of deception. A businessman might loosen his collar in a hot room, or a politician might blink excessively in dusty outdoor settings. These seemingly innocuous actions can sow seeds of doubt in the minds of listeners, undermining the speaker’s credibility.
The Power of Controlled Gestures: “Limit the Fidget”
Professional communicators understand the importance of minimizing extraneous movements when credibility is at stake. Known as the “Limit the Fidget” technique, it involves conscious suppression of fidgeting, twitching, wiggling, squirming, or scratching during critical conversations.
By reducing gestures near the face and all other fidgeting tendencies, you convey an air of credibility and confidence. This technique helps you maintain control over the impression you create, ensuring that your words and actions align seamlessly.
In conclusion, credibility is a multifaceted concept encompassing not only truthfulness but also the ability to appear genuine and trustworthy. By honing your awareness of body language and employing techniques like “Limit the Fidget,” you can come across as entirely credible to everyone you encounter. Remember, in the realm of communication, mastery of both words and actions is the key to building lasting trust and connections.