Lie-detection tip: Note slow responses

Research has discovered that liars usually take their time when responding to questions. While pausing for a bit before responding doesn’t necessarily mean a lie will follow, it does mean the person pausing is thinking about their answer.

Of course, there are many reasons for a calculated response that don’t include lying. For instance, some people like to take some extra time to formulate their words when talking about something particularly complicated or sensitive.

That would be a sign of emotional intelligence, not lying. That being said, though, beware if the pause is in response to something that should be straightforward.