Non-verbal communication is extremely important in human behavior and its understanding

In Spain, they say “you can catch a liar faster than a cripple,” a phrase that has a particular charm and, while not exactly infallible, closely aligns with some aspects of communicational reality. By the way, we’d all love to have the power or ability to look at someone and, by simply studying their features, know if they’re lying or not. The good thing about all of this is that perhaps today we don’t know how to identify a liar, but everything can be learned. There is no magical power assisting us in this, but the technique is available. A technique that isn’t infallible, but we can refine it as we study and learn the methods that allow us to get closer to detecting emotional states and other elements that are crucial in negotiation, relationships with others, and, especially, as a technical tool in our work arsenal.

For example, did you know that paying attention to the nose of the person communicating with us or sitting at the negotiation table can help us a lot in discerning whether there’s deception present? It’s important to remember that non-verbal communication is extremely important in human behavior and understanding it. Research has shown that non-verbal cues can provide indications of deceit, and one of them, which has long been associated with lying, is, for example, both scratching the nose and gestures that almost compulsively lead to having hands on or around the mouth. But today we will focus on the topic of the nose.

Many of us remember that the character Pinocchio’s nose grew when he lied. But, fiction aside, one might wonder: is there any truth to this?

As Psychology Today points out, scratching the nose, rubbing it, or simply touching it is indeed a behavior observed in individuals who are deceiving. However, there are caveats to this matter and it should be approached with caution, as it could also be that the person simply has an allergy or a cold. The underlying reasons for scratching the nose during deception are not yet fully understood from a scientific perspective. There is a strong hypothesis suggesting that it could be an unconscious attempt to divert attention from the face or relieve the anxiety associated with dishonesty. When people feel uncomfortable or nervous while lying, they may exhibit an increase in restlessness behaviors, including scratching their nose.

The fear “of being caught in a lie” triggers the fight-or-flight response, which causes (among other things) vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. This, in turn, causes the tissues inside the nose to swell and feel a tingling sensation, leading to itching. Therefore, when a person lies, they may feel a greater need to satisfy the itch by touching their nose. However, this should be considered with other non-verbal cues and not just as infallible proof.

In general, experts in deception and lie detection often emphasize the importance of observing clusters of non-verbal cues. There is a fundamental mistake – which we must avoid – that is trying to interpret an isolated sign and drawing conclusions based on that sign. While scratching the nose may suggest a possible lie, relying solely on this signal is far from infallible. The interpretation of non-verbal cues, including scratching the nose, must be considered within the context of the individual and the situation. Different people have unique gestures and habits that may influence their body language. Cultural variations can also affect the meaning and importance of non-verbal cues. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid jumping to conclusions based only on a single behavior.

The connection between scratching the nose and deception is a fascinating area of study within the realm of non-verbal communication. While scientific research suggests a potential correlation, it’s crucial to avoid overgeneralization or stereotypes based solely on this signal. Understanding and interpreting non-verbal cues, including scratching the nose, should be approached cautiously, considering individual differences, cultural influences, and the overall context. By considering a variety of verbal and non-verbal signals, we can improve our ability to detect deception, providing valuable insight into behavior.