How should nonverbal behavior be interpreted in interviews?

• A. Nonverbal cues are definitive indicators of truth.
• B. Nonverbal cues can indicate emotion or stress but are not reliable indicators of truth; interpret in context and corroborate with content.
• C. Nonverbal cues should be ignored.
• D. Nonverbal cues alone prove deception.

Answer: (B)

Nonverbal behavior signals can reveal how someone feels or reacts to questions, but they don’t prove truth or deception on their own. In interviews, movements, facial expressions, and tone can reflect nerves, confidence, or topic-specific stress, yet these cues come from many causes and aren’t reliable indicators of honesty. The best approach is to interpret nonverbal signals in the context of what is being said and to verify it with the content itself. Look for consistency between verbal statements and nonverbal cues, note patterns across different questions, and seek corroborating information or evidence. Remember that individual baselines, cultural differences, and situational factors influence nonverbal behavior, so avoid drawing conclusions from a single cue. Nonverbal cues are helpful clues, but they must be weighed alongside the actual content of the responses and any supporting information.