VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND TRUTHFULNESS.

To assess the truthfulness of a verbal message one must be aware of the accompanying pictorial picture presented to the listener. This picture of looks and gestures that we present when we converse is called our `Non-Verbal Language`, This picture can reinforce or detract from the truthfulness of a verbal message. Argyle (1972) suggests that when there is a mismatch between verbal and non verbal behaviour, people will tend to believe the non verbal behaviour. Furthermore Rosenthal & DePaulo. (1979) say that if a person is lying or out to flatter, then their non verbal behaviour will often give away their real feelings. Whilst we attempt to hide our true feelings, we do in fact often give ourselves away subconsciously. This is called `Non Verbal Leakage`.

When we smile, our smile can be genuine or it can be contrived to suit our purpose. Our smile arises from two sources in the brain. One source is the mid-brain from which the smile is innate (genuine), or from the motor cortex which is a cultured smile and can be used to deny a statement, (disarming smile). Our overall picture plus the smile can give out a strong picture of our visual temperament. Ekman etal (1972) cited by Gross (1992) points out that other innate facial expressions from happiness to fear can reinforce what we speak. A slow wide mouthed smile upon a happy face does much to display a truthfull statement.

Pupil size, also innate can be a powerful indicator of whether we like/desire someone, (pupils dilated), or the opposite whereby the pupils are contracted down. Therefore someone who`s pupils are normal to large generate a good feeling in us that the talker is being truthfull. Morris (1977). points out that when we are open and honest/truthfull we tend to make good eye contact, without staring. Good eye contact between both parties allows an easy conversation without distrust..

Most people when they lie cover their mouth as if to subconsciously gag their speech. An extension of this is some people touch their nose which in itself belies the truth. The action of touching the nose can also cover the mouth and serve as a double subconscious gagging act. Most of us in truthfull coversations expose our mouths fully to allow smiles and easy head nods to occur.

Nearly everybody uses hand gestures ro reinforce what they say, often this gesticulation involves waving the arms, pointing, etc. This is the exciting part of truthfullness and in some people can account for 50% of the total conversation. However when we have something to hide or unpleasant to say we do the opposite, we clasp our hands together, put them in our pockets, or even sit on them. Duckmman et al (1982) cited by Wainwright (1985) say that personal proximity is a good indicator of behaviour in so far that we maintain our `Personal Bubble` (2-4ft) when unsure or doubtful. Closer proximity indicates a more open and honest state. Posture gives an overall view of our feelings, i.e., `upright = honest, slouch = shifty`.

Physiological changes in the body when we lie, such as increased pulse and respiration, sweating etc., have long been used by American legal services as an indicator of a persons integrity. They used a machine called a `Polygraph`. However many researchers have now shown that the polygraph is not a reliable way, and that it is possible for experienced liars to cheat the system. Even people who are innocent have been known to fail a Polygraph test !. It certainanly decries its name as `the lie detector`.

Harre (1979) stated that we should take a holistic approach and look at all the signs of non-verbal behaviour, and not just one aspect. Whole meaningful episodes and not isolated acts, and finally the content in which the interview took place.

In conclusion, some people can learn to hide the most obvious signs of `Non Verbal Leakage` with professional training. However for the majority of us we literaly wear our heart on our sleeves. We find it difficult to lie convincingly, by falsifying our non verbal behaviour. Therefore it should be easy for us to determine the truthfullness of a verbal message.

REFERENCES.

Argyle,M. Psychology of Personal Behaviour. 5th edn.Penguin. 1994 P25-29.

Duckman et al. (1982) Cited by Wainwright, G. Body Language. Hodder,1985 P 53

Eckman et al. (1972) Cited by Gross,R. Psychology. Hodder. 1992. P 106.

Morris,D. Manwatching. Harper-Collins. 1972. P 169-172.

Rosenthal, R. & DePaulo,B (1979) Cited by Psychology Tutor.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Argyle,M. Psychology of Interpersonal Behaviour 5th edn. Penguin 1994.

Cardwell,D. A-Level Psychology. Longman Group.1994

Hanson,F. Testing,Testing. University California Press. 1993.

Gross,R. Psychology. 2nd edn. Hodder & Stoughton. 1992.

Morris,D. Manwatching. Harper Collins. 1977.

Wainwright,G. Body Language. Hodder & Stoughton. 1985..

Word Count 575.