You've been taught to watch for crossed arms and averted eyes. The research says that skill doesn't exist—not even for professionals. Here's what to do instead.

Body language and lie detection are often linked, but research does not support many popular claims. This article explains why nervous behavior, eye contact, baselining, and microexpressions are weak indicators of deception and why investigators should focus on statement evidence, corroboration, and science-based interviewing instead.