How to Spot a Liar

By Distinctive Voice Therapy & Wellness

We’ve all been lied to before, some lies are small and harmless, while others leave lasting damage. Whether it's in relationships, business, or daily conversation, being able to spot a liar is a valuable skill that protects your energy, your emotions, and your peace of mind.

At Distinctive Voice Therapy & Wellness, we believe that truth and emotional safety go hand in hand. Here's how to start recognizing the red flags when someone isn’t being honest with you.

1. Inconsistent Details

Liars often struggle to keep their story straight. You may notice:

• Small details change when the story is repeated

• Their timeline doesn’t fully add up

• They become defensive or vague when asked for clarification

Trust your gut when things stop making sense. Honest people don’t have to rehearse the truth.

2. Delayed Responses or Over-Explaining

When someone is lying, they may pause before answering, even to simple questions. Others may over-explain or give unnecessary details to make their story seem more believable.

If their response feels too rehearsed, overly detailed, or a little too perfect, it might be covering up the truth.

3. Body Language Doesn’t Match Their Words

Nonverbal cues matter. Some things to watch for:

• Avoiding eye contact or blinking excessively

• Nervous gestures (touching their face, fidgeting)

• Forced smiles or stiff posture

When what they’re saying doesn’t align with how they’re saying it, pay attention.

4. They Get Defensive or Shift Blame

Liars don’t like being questioned. Instead of answering calmly, they may:

• Get defensive quickly

• Try to turn the focus onto you

• Say things like "Why don’t you trust me?" instead of addressing the issue directly

This is a tactic to make you doubt yourself so they can avoid accountability.

5. Your Intuition Is Loud

Sometimes your body and spirit pick up on lies before your mind can catch them. If you feel uneasy, if something feels off, or if you keep replaying what someone said, listen to that.

Your intuition isn’t drama, it’s data.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to become suspicious of everyone, but you do deserve honesty. Spotting a liar isn’t about confrontation, it’s about awareness. When you know what to look for, you stop giving your trust away so easily. You become protective of your peace, your energy, and your emotional wellbeing.

At Distinctive Voice Therapy & Wellness, we support clients in building strong emotional boundaries and trusting their instincts. You’re not crazy for questioning someone’s words. You’re wise for learning how to listen with both your mind and your gut.

Written By: Alysia Heard