Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire: How to Detect Lies

Wondering if someone is lying to you? Well, wonder no more! Here are 10 body language signs to look out for in liars!

1.  Covering their mouth- unconsciously when lying, humans will try to cover their mouth almost like they are trying to prevent themselves from slipping up!

2.  Intense eye contact- we are told from an earlier age that liars don't make eye contact, so we try to make up for it by glaring into another persons eyes when lying.

3.  Not using contractions- For example, if a person says "I did not eat the slice of cake" and  the other person says I didn't eat the slice of cake. Most likely, the person who broke up the contraction is the one lying. The reason being is they are trying to stress and overcompensate the lie.

4. Repetition- Think back to a time when you received a terrible gift. Okay got the gift in mind? Do you notice when people do not like their gift they repeat what the item is? For example, your aunt gives you a sweater for the holidays, and you say "Oh a sweater, I love it".  In the words of Maury Povich, "The lie detector determined that was a lie"

5. Not using hand motions- when people make up a story, it is all brain power and no body movement. They will most likely stand still when telling a lie. 

6. Pausing- This is a brief hesitation and a delayed response to a question. Most people should be able to respond rather quickly when they are telling the truth.

7. Words don't match body movements- For example, if you say, "Mom, I did not eat the cake", but obviously did because who doesn't like cake? On a subconscious level your head will shake yes, indicating that you did eat the cake and you are a rotten liar.

8. Hiding eyes- when we see a view or hear something we don't enjoy being discussed, we cover our eyes. This gesture signals "I can't bare to see it".

9. Touching of the face- when we are nervous, we tend to try to cool down and pacify our behavior. By touching our faces, we are trying to remain calm during pressure. 

10.Sweating- If a person starts sweating when asked a question, you know they are lying! If they can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen!

So now you will know what your friend really thinks of your "great" haircut! 

Are you a Magnet? Because You're so Attractive: The Benefits of Being Good Looking

"I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is"-Derek Zoolander. 

 Derek Zoolander couldn't be more accurate in terms of how physical appearance matters so much  in today's world. Physical attractiveness influences family dynamics,  courtroom decisions, interviews, elections, friendships, and how teachers/professors view a student!

Here are some fun facts about how attractiveness can help people in the long run:

• Attractive children are perceived as smarter, friendlier, more trustworthy, more likable, and are associated with positive attributes. 
• Nurses and mothers spend the most time with the good looking babies and devote less time to the premature babies
• The more beautiful child will more likely get away with bad behavior than the "uglier" sibling.  
• Teachers expect their good looking students to have a higher grade in class. Teachers will focus and pay more attention to these students because they think have more potential (In other words, teacher's pet). 
• Attractive people are much more likely to be promoted and have a bigger salary over average joes.  Ex: A gorgeous waitress or bartender will receive larger tips because a man wants to impress her. (i.e. Hooter Girls do well in tips) 
• Looking good is associated with being viewed as healthier and are generally healthier compared to less attractive counterparts. 
• Why do you think Kennedy and Clinton won the election? Both are good looking guys and good looking people come off more persuasive!
• Good looking defendants are less likely to be convicted and suffer less severe punishment than unattractive defendants

What are you waiting for? Go work out, eat right, and stay beautiful-both on the inside and outside! ;)

Let's Face It: How To Read Facial Expressions

3 Different Smiles

1) Dominant Smiles
Donald Trump masters the dominant smile like no other. These smiles are used commonly in situations where a person wants to take control and seize up their opponent. Trump's facial expression says "Don't push me,  I can make your life unpleasant".  You can tell its a dominant smile because the upper righthand corner of his mouth is upturned, but Trump isn't the only one guilty of this. In fact,  this expression is commonly used by politicians. Can you see why? It's intimidating! 

2) Affiliative Smiles

The Affiliative Smile, aka the smile you give to strangers, when you don't want to appear rude or come off unapproachable . Everyone has done this smile at some point in their life, whether it be on your way to class, work, or running errands. This is when both corners of your mouth form a closed, tight lipped smile, as shown in the picture below.

3) Enjoyment Smiles

This is my favorite type of smile and the most well known by far: the Duchenne Smile. The Duchenne Smile is a genuine smile. Here are the signs of a genuine smile: 1) Raised Cheeks 2) Teeth showing 3) Corners of mouth pulled back which are controlled by the zygomatic muscles 4) Crows Feet, which is the slight crinkle that happens when the orbicularis oculi muscles are activated. 5) The Nasolabial folds also known as "smile lines" which separate the cheeks from the upper lip.

There you have it, you are that much closer to being a body language expert! 

Life As A College Student As Told By Seinfeld

1. Your reaction to when you fail an exam

2. Rolling out of bed and heading straight to class in your pajamas 

3.  Finding out you won't be able to graduate on time

 4.  Your reaction going into finals week 

5. Accidentally locking yourself out of your room

6. Finally, when you pull an All-Nighter 

Read My Lips, Not Your Texts

One of my biggest pet peeves are people who check their phone while having a conversation with someone. Last night, my bible study group discussed about how society has become  highly tech driven to the point people actually struggle with living in the moment.  We established that all four of us would spend less time checking our phones, and more time focusing on the present. For me, I have decided to limit myself to checking my phone no more than 3 times a day: once in the morning, afternoon, and at night. We live in a digital age where we check our Facebook likes on our profile picture, instead of making eye contact with the person sitting across from us. 

Frankly,  it is quite saddening how people can become so easily attached to their smartphones. I recently attended a Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Social Media Seminar and discovered this startling fact: 94% of Americans keep their phone within arms reach 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now look, I get it. We do not want to fall behind on checking our email; we want to text our friends from back home about our latest adventure, and not miss out on any major social gatherings. It is quite apparent that people have a fear of missing out, especially high school and college students.  Trust me when I say you can still maintain contact with people; you just need willpower and motivation to not peek at your screen at the dinner table. Save it for another time. 

Here is a list of reasons why you should your phone down: 

1) It kills productivity- Shocking, I know! All that time you check your phone, you could spend that time exercising or working on that paper that's due tomorrow. 

2) It makes you look unapproachable and antisocial-Let me ask you this, would you approach someone if they were on their phone? No! So, why are you the exception to the rule? You're not. 

3) It is rude-If you are having a conversation with a friend and they check their phone, you are going to feel hurt because it seems like they are not interested in your conversation. 

4)  It is addicting and controlling-How many times do you check your phone a day? You check it when you walk to class, during class, during meals, and yes, even the bathroom. If you can't imagine your life without your phone, you definitely are an addict.

5) Increased phone usage has been linked to depression-We see people on Facebook sharing their latest photos from their exotic vacation. We can't help but think, "Oh her life is so exciting". Remember, Facebook is a highlight reel. People show their best moments, not their worst. Why would I want to show off depressing moments? That isn't going to get me many likes...sigh

6) Too much texting can cause medical issues and disrupt the sleep cycle- Yes you heard me, it can cause "text neck" or text claw.  If you are suffering from smartphone aches and pains, it is time to put the phone down. 

7) Finally, you miss the world around you when your eyes are glued to the screen! 

Bottom line: limiting your phone usage will greatly improve the quality of your conversations, personal relationships, and productivity.  So next time you read, it better be your friend or family member's lips, not your texts. 

All Signs Point to Yes: Her Body Language Says It All

"Would you look at that body language? Legs crossed towards each other. That is an unequivocal sex invite."-Cher from Clueless


 So you have been eyeing that cutie in your lecture, but you have no idea if she likes you? Well, fear no more! Here is a list of body language signs that signal attraction:

1) Pupil Dilation: When a girl likes her view, her eyes will dilate. Take note, eyes naturally dilate in dark settings. Watch more so during the daytime.
2) Crossing and Uncrossing Legs: She is trying to draw your attention to her legs. This is a very sexy and eye catching move.
3) Higher Pitch: When a girl likes the person she is talking to, her voice will go higher in pitch. This is because men are more attracted to higher pitches because it signals youth and fertility.
4) Tilting of the head: This means she is listening to what you are saying, and by doing so, she is exposing her neck, which is a vulnerable part of the body
5) Playing with hair/jewelry: It is her way of releasing nerves. If you see increased fidgeting, that means you make her nervous! Good Job!!!
6) Smiling: This is the most obvious form of a girl liking a person, especially when it is paired with intense eye contact. You know what they say, eyes are the window to the soul. It is true!
7) Puffing of the chest: This is self explanatory. A girl will stand up straight and puff out her chest to show off her assets. What guy wouldn't notice that?!
8) Fast Blinking Rate: Seeing your crush stimulates your nervous system, causing to elevate your heart rate and blink rate. Look for rapid and increase in blinking.
9) Upturned Palms: Along with the wrist display, this is also an inviting signal. She feels comfortable around you.
10) Leans in closer:  if a girl leans towards you. If she leans in, she wants to make the moment more intimate. or gravity is getting stronger...
11) Pointing of the feet and torso: Like men, women's feet and torso point to where the mind wanders. So if you are across the room at a bar and she is pointing her lower half to you, she is feeling the sexual tension.
12) Gets Physical: Any time she touches your arm, leg, or body part, this says she wants to get closer. She wants to get physical, let her hear your body talk!
13)  Preening: This includes, but not limited to: Fixing hair, clothes, jewelry, etc.
14) Tight Legs: Pressing legs together to show off high muscle tone. Showing off those gym legs like a boss
15) Facial Pedestal-A girl will rest her head on her hands (the hands being a pedestal) so you can admire and worship her lovely face.
16) Hips Dont Lie: A girl will lean on one part of her body, so her hips protrude to show off her curves.
17) Wrist Display: This is a vulnerable body part on a woman. If she exposes her wrist to you, this means she thinks highly of you and is comfortable.
18) Touching of the face-When aroused, faces become increasingly sensitive to touch, which causes women to touch their face more.
19) Puckering/Licking lips: When girls are nervous, their lips dry faster causing them to reapply their chapstick and pucker.
20) Stroking an object: If she is stroking an object, like a wine glass, pencil, cigarette (a phallic object if you will) Sex is on this women's mind. Her body is leaking sexual thoughts, possibly 50 Shades of Grey...
21) Mirroring speed, tone of voice, and body language: when a girl likes someone, she will mimic her crush's behavior. When you lean in, she will lean in etc. Mimicry is truly  the sincerest form of flattery.
22) Nervous fidgeting: If she can't sit still, she is trying to pacify her behavior and trying to hide her feelings.
23) Extra giggling: If she is laughing at your jokes or commentary more than usual, it is a sign that she likes you or you are just down right hilarious. Either way, its a good sign!
24) Raising of the eyebrows: This sign says "Hey, you intrigue me. I like what I see. Come hither"
25) "Accidental" bumping: She wants to signal your attention and bumping does just that.

Remember, there needs to be multiple signs not just one, as this can be just a sign of friendliness. I hope this article will help you muster up the courage to ask your crush out. Valentine's Day is around the corner, so go get her tiger!

Never Underestimate the Importance of Body Language

My favorite topic to discuss about is Body Language! As a research assistant who studies facial expressions, smiles and emotions on a regular basis, body language is always on my mind.  I can never turn off my Sherlock Holmes Deduction mindset (maybe that is a little bit of a stretch, but you get the idea. It is a blessing and a curse).

Body language is a powerful tool and it is often overlooked in everyday conversations. 90% of our daily interactions with people is nonverbal, but we tend to focus on the other 10%: the verbal cues. Bottom Line: Actions really do speak louder than words. It is not what you say, but how you say it! Nonverbal communication tells us whether a person is super attracted to you, lies to you, hates your guts, or finds you boring.  Pretty cool right?  For this post though, I will be focusing on attraction body language in guys. (I will mention attraction body language in girls for my next post)

Fun fact: While girls display as many as 52 signals of attraction, guys only show around 10.  Let's dive right in, shall we? Proceed with caution: Like any diagnosis, you need to look for several signs, not just one.  

Lets continue.... here are some of the body language signs a guy is attracted to you:

1) The Superman pose (hands on hips to display dominance, think Gaston from Beauty and the Beast) This pose says "Im a confident man and you should be with me".
2) Crotch Display (yep, guys will spread their legs as far as they can to show off their goods)
3) Pupil Dilation/ Eye contact. Be careful with this one, if you are in a dark setting, his eyes will naturally dilate. However, if you are in bright light, and his eyes are dilated, he likes what he sees!
4) Smiling (Obviously, especially if it is a Duchenne Smile, aka the genuine smile :) )
5) Running his hands through his hair (Girls, you know this move. We do it too. Works like a charm!)
6) Look at his feet: If his feet point towards you, this is a good sign. Feet tell us where the mind and body wants to go. This is important! Be on the Lookout!
7) Fidgeting with his clothes, hands, feet, and objects. Example: If a guy is touching his wine glass, this means his body is "leaking", which means whatever he does to that object, he wants to do with you! (scandalous)
8) His personality changes. For example, if he is a more outgoing person, but gets suddenly very quiet around you-this means he definitely has feelings for you, and vice versa.
9) Excessive touching of the face: This means he is trying to pacify his behavior around you because you make him nervous!
10) Finally, if he lowers his voice around you. This is because lower voices are associated with higher testosterone levels, which are associated with having a better libido, which girls find that very attractive.

So now that you have a taste of what signals to take notice of,  try it out on strangers, classmates, or your friends.  Reading people, like anything, takes practice and patience, but it is a super, great skill to have and will give you the upper hand in life.  In the words of Ursula from the Little Mermaid, "Never Understimate the Importance of Body Language." 

Sarah Grace's Jazz Party

Welcome to Sarah Grace's Jazz Party! I am your host, Sarah Grace, here on WSUM 91.7FM Madison, and you've been invited to the party of a lifetime! If you like hearing an eclectic selection of jazz music, movie quotes, puns and random facts, then this is the show for you! It is hard to believe that I have already been a DJ for a semester already and I said those exact lines every Saturday from 4-5pm. It just seemed like yesterday I was a trainee struggling to remember which button to push, how to adjust the volume, and how to select a  PSA off the BSI. If you were to ask me, "Sarah, where do you see yourself in college?' I would not have thought I would be working in a college radio station, let alone having my own show to run every week! I still think about how different my college experience would have been had I not signed my name up on the list. I am so glad that I took the risk though. You begin to live fully live your life once you step out of your comfort zone. That is when life becomes more fun and gets even more interesting! If I could give one piece of advice to people, it would be to explore your options, try new things,  and take advantage of opportunities that are presented in front of you. You never know what the future has in store for you!