Former U.S. Navy Officer Reveals: This Is the Only Sure Sign Someone Is Lying, and 99% of People Completely Ignore It

Identifying deception goes beyond common myths like avoiding eye contact or fidgeting, according to Chase Hughes, a former U.S. Navy officer and expert in human behavior. Hughes argues that the most reliable way to detect a lie is by observing subtle shifts in a person's typical behavior patterns.

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What's really important is to get good at spotting changes. I look for changes in their behavior. Are their eyes moving the same way? Are their fingers doing the same thing? Are they breathing at the same rate?

Speaking on the "Dream Out Loud" podcast, Hughes explained that establishing a baseline of how someone acts when relaxed and truthful is key. This baseline then serves as a reference point to identify deviations when the individual is under pressure or asked sensitive questions. "What's really important is to get good at spotting changes," Hughes stated. "I look for changes in their behavior. Are their eyes moving the same way? Are their fingers doing the same thing? Are they breathing at the same rate?" he elaborated.

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One behavior by itself never indicates deception. Never should it. You should always see a group of behaviors.

Hughes cautions against interpreting single gestures in isolation, as they can be misleading. For instance, crossed arms might simply indicate coldness, not defensiveness. He stresses that a "cluster of behaviors" is a far more accurate indicator of dishonesty than any isolated sign. Furthermore, Hughes suggests that the way questions are asked is as important as observing body language. He recommends using vague "bait questions" that require the person to visualize an event, as this can trigger noticeable changes if they are fabricating a story.

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It's not just about behavior. It's about whether you can ask good questions. One of the best questions in the world is called the 'bait question.' The only time you're going to get nervous is if you were there.