The voice of deceit: Refining and expanding vocal cues to deception

This study examined the nature of deceptive vocal behavior in interactive situations. Data from an earlier study were used to conduct a detailed analysis of vocal features of deceptive speech. Vocal samples were analyzed perceptually and acoustically. Of three categories examined (time, frequency, and intensity), the time variables best discriminated between truthful and deceptive speakers, with deceivers exhibiting shorter message length, longer response latencies, slower tempo, and less fluency than truthtellers. Deceivers also evidenced increased intensity range, increased pitch variance, and less pleasant vocal quality than truthtellers.