Listen for changes in the story, unexplained gaps, or details that contradict what they said earlier. If clarification is needed, you can ask neutral follow-ups such as:
“When did that happen?”
“Who else was there?”
“What happened immediately afterward?”
The goal isn’t to trap someone. It’s to give them an opportunity to provide a consistent account.
Why Open-Ended Questions Are Better
Questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” don’t provide much information.
Open-ended questions encourage someone to describe events in their own words. This gives you more information to compare with what they previously told you.
In forensic linguistics, investigators can examine many characteristics of a text or statement, including wording, sentence structure, unusual patterns, and consistency.
That doesn’t mean that one particular phrase or behavior proves someone is lying.
Don’t Rely on Body Language Alone
You’ve probably heard that liars avoid eye contact, touch their face, fidget, or look nervous.
The problem is that these behaviors aren’t reliable proof of deception.
People can become nervous when they’re completely truthful, especially when they feel accused or pressured.
That’s why it’s better to focus on verifiable facts and inconsistencies rather than trying to diagnose deception from someone’s gestures.
