Sometimes finding the truth is as difficult as finding a particular tree in the forest

Sir Walter Scott said: "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" How may you a catch a person in his or her own web of lies?

Inconsistencies

To know if someone is lying, look for inconsistencies in what the person is saying. People may bit recall everything correctly, but they should recall it consistently. True memories tend to be consistent; liars tend to get their lies confused.

Ask the Unexpected

About 4% of people are accomplished liars. To trip them up, ask them a question that they are not prepared to answer when they least expect it.

Gauge Against a Baseline

An important indicator of dishonesty is changes in behavior. Distrust someone who is generally anxious, but now looks calm. Or, someone who is generally calm but now looks anxious. If you know the person, gauge his or her behavior against a baseline. Is the behaving normally?

Look for Insincere Emotions

Most people cannot fake smile; the timing will be off, for example, it will be held too long or occur at inappropriate times. Watch for inconsistencies, such as an angry face with a smile, In a insecure smile, the lips are smaller and less full than in a sincere smile.

Attention to Gut Reactions

Sometimes, you just know someone is lying. You cannot articulate exactly how you know it, it is just an art you have cultivated from experiences during your life.

Watch for Micro Expressions

A micro expression is a very brief expression, usually about a 25th of a second, that is reveals a concealed emotion. For example, when a person acts happy, but is really upset about something, the true emotion will be revealed in a subconscious flash of anger on his or her face.

Look for Contradictions

If a person’s voice or gestures do not fit the words he or she is saying, it may indicate a lie, Such as answering yes to a question, while subconsciously shaking the head no. These contradictions may be between the voice and the words, the gesture and the voice, the gesture and the words, or the face and the words.

Eye Contact

When someone is not making eye contact or looks away when answering a critical question, it may indicate a lie. When the person is suddenly uneasy and anxious, it may indicate a lie.

Too Much Detail

Too much detail in answer to a simple question could indicate the person has put a lot of thought into constructing a complicated lie.

Do not Ignore the Truth

It is more important to recognize when someone is telling the truth than when someone is lying because people may appear to be lying, but be telling truth.