By Hon. Evelyn J. Laporte | Confidence Coach & Retired NYS Supreme Court Judge
Own Your Confident Edge
In the professional world, communication is currency—and trust is the foundation of every successful team. But what happens when you suspect someone isn’t telling the truth?
Whether it’s a team member covering up a mistake, a colleague withholding information, or a job candidate bending the truth, being able to spot deception in the workplace is a critical leadership skill.
The good news? You don’t need a lie detector—just awareness. Here are 7 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs someone might be lying, plus how to navigate these situations with confidence and clarity.
1. Inconsistent Details
When someone lies, their story can shift over time. They may forget what they said or adjust details to fit the moment.
What to watch for:
- Contradictory timelines
- Different answers to the same question
- “Wait, didn’t you say something else last week?”
2. Avoidance or Evasion
A liar might dodge questions, change the subject, or give vague responses to avoid being pinned down.
Examples:
- “I don’t remember exactly.”
- “That’s not really important.”
- Quickly pivoting the conversation away from the topic
3. Excessive Defensiveness
If a simple question leads to an outsized reaction, something might be off. People often become defensive when they feel exposed.
Phrases to look for:
- “Why are you even asking me that?”
- “Are you saying I’m lying?”
- “This is such a waste of time.”
4. Body Language That Doesn’t Match
The human body reacts faster than the brain can filter. When words and body language don’t align, it can be a sign of dishonesty.
Key signals:
- Avoiding eye contact—or oddly, maintaining intense eye contact
- Fidgeting, touching the face, or covering the mouth
- Nervous gestures that don’t match a calm verbal tone
5. Overly Scripted Answers
If someone’s response sounds memorized, rehearsed, or too perfect, they may have crafted a story ahead of time.
This may sound like:
- “I got there at exactly 9:01 a.m., checked in, and immediately sat at my desk.”
- “I already emailed that file. Didn’t you get it? It was 3:46 p.m.”
6. Shifts in Tone or Pace
Changes in voice, speech patterns, or breathing may indicate stress—especially when the topic gets sensitive.
Notice if they suddenly:
- Speak faster or slower than usual
- Clear their throat repeatedly
- Breathe more shallowly or audibly
7. Your Gut Feels Off
Intuition isn’t magic—it’s your brain picking up on subtle cues. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that signal enough to dig deeper.
Don’t accuse. Instead, ask follow-up questions, observe carefully, and give people a chance to clarify.
Handling Deception Professionally
If you suspect dishonesty at work, your job isn’t to play detective—it’s to create a culture of accountability and openness. Here’s how:
- Ask direct but respectful questions
- Document inconsistencies
- Keep your emotions in check
- Loop in HR or leadership when appropriate
Remember: Confrontation doesn’t have to mean conflict. It can be done with professionalism, compassion, and confidence.
Mastering Communication at Work Starts With You
At Own Your Confident Edge, we help leaders, professionals, and high-achievers build strong communication habits, read situations accurately, and navigate tough conversations with poise.
Whether you’re leading a team or building your career, your ability to discern truth from spin can set you apart.
Ready to sharpen your leadership instincts?
📅 Book a clarity call with a certified coach