Long Pause Equal Deception?

A reader of Eyes for Lies emailed me an interesting question that I felt might help other people. The reader agreed I could publish this.

Here is what the person wrote:

If one asks another a yes no question and they wait for several minutes before answering with a question, do you think the the respondent is likely to be telling the truth?

I asked, “Over the past couple of days have you been able to maintain your sobriety?”

Several minutes passed ….

He asked, “What have I done to make you think I have been drinking?”

I said, “Its a yes or no question…”

He responded, “No, I have not been drinking.”

His behavior indicated to me that he had snuck a couple of drinks. He was drowsy early, and he was trying not to speak, because I think he knew his speech was slightly affected.

The pause that this reader asks about could support honesty or deception. Here is why: If the person was being good and stayed clean, they may think “Why the hell is he questioning me?!” That would explain the pause and then the question that followed.

Or if he was guilty, he may have thought, “Oh no, I’m busted” and then wondered what clues he gave away…hence the same question.

However, the most important clues in the interaction that were given to us are the other signs mention that suspect was drowsy early and was not trying to speak. Those are the things you need to address and ask him about to get to the truth in this matter.

Thanks to the reader for letting me share this story with you.