Notice more. Assume less.

Start with what happened

“The subject changed twice” describes an observation. “They are hiding something” adds an interpretation. Keeping these separate gives you more room to ask a useful question.

Hold more than one explanation

A change of subject could reflect discomfort, distraction, misunderstanding or a different priority. You cannot establish the explanation from the change alone. A neutral question can help: “Would you like to return to the earlier point, or is something else more important?”

Look for context, not a universal code

Culture, relationships and circumstances matter. This material does not offer a body-language dictionary or claim that a single gesture reveals a motive.

Leave space to be corrected

Checking an interpretation can feel less dramatic than decoding a hidden signal. It gives the person you are speaking with a chance to tell you what you missed.