The number one lie people tell when interacting socially: “I’ll call you.” Shockingly, number two- “I love you.” Just in case you were wondering, “I’ve never done this before” came in at the bottom of the list as number ten.

These were some of the many facts that renowned body language expert, Jan Hargrave, shared during her presentation Monday night in Watkins Auditorium.

Hargrave has been summoned to use her skills to read the body language of dignitaries and celebrities, including former President Bill Clinton, Senator Gary Condit, John and Patsy Ramsey, Marv Albert and most recently, Kobe Bryant.

The night, however, was not to be a serious one.

Hargrave began her talk by asking the crowd to raise their right hands as if they were on the jury stand being sworn into court. She then analyzed how their hands were held: open fingers meant that people were scared to death and would tell everything they knew, closed fingers meant that one would be truthful, but the truth would have to be dragged out of them, and a bent hand meant that one would literally bend over backward to have someone believe whatever they had to say, which was usually a lie.

Since she specialized in determining whole-truths or half-lies through body language, Hargrave let the crowd in on some of the basic associations involved with certain gestures.

For example, if someone strokes their chin while you’re talking to them, this means they are honestly interested in what you have to say and are evaluating you as you speak. Also, if you use your hands while speaking, and bring your fingertips together in a “steeple” formation, it is a sure sign of confidence in what you have to say.

There are also telling signs of whether someone is being truthful or not. Women generally bring a hand to their chest to signify that they are being honest “from the bottom of their hearts.”

Men, when being honest, make sure their palms are clearly visible, a sign that “they’re not holding anything back because their hands are empty.”

A thumbs-up when speaking means the person is proud of what they are telling you; hands behind the back when speaking means the person is confident about what they are telling you; and virtually any time any part of your body is crossed, it signifies lying.

Don’t know how to shake hands properly when meeting someone for the first time?

Hargrave suggests extending your hand straight up-and-down, meeting web to web, going all the way in and grasping firmly, making sure to pump the handshake three times, which is the optimum amount.

Hargrave spent a majority of her time speaking about courtship and dating, and how to spot the signs of attraction (or loathing) when interacting socially.

The number one sign that a guy might just be digging a girl, believe it or not, is pulling up his socks. Number two is a fellow squeezing a can or bottle he’s holding, a sign that “I’d rather be squeezing you!”

For the ladies, the number one sign that a girl is interested in a guy was crossing her legs toward him.

Number two is a playful kick with the legs crossed: a slow kick is meant to be sensual; a fast kick is a sure sign that she isn’t interested in more than a couple of drinks and some bad pick-up lines.

Hargrave also spoke on a few common gestures involved with the dating/courtship/love scene. If a girl holds onto her knee while her legs are crossed, it’s a sign that she’d rather be holding onto you.

Flipping the hair was a sign of attraction across the board; and if a girl starts to “groom” a guy or pick things off of him that he never knew about, she’s trying to get his attention to signal her “ownership”; and just in case you were wondering, touching is generally seen as a sign of affection.

The crowd was informed about how to keep professors thinking that lectures are interesting: tilt your head slightly. A straight posture denotes boredom.

Hargrave also taught the crowd a few smiles, a polite smile, and taught the ladies of the crowd how to smile like Marilyn Monroe (tilt your head, look down coyly and while gently biting the corner of your lip whisper “Hiya, babe”).

At the end of the talk, Hargrave entertained questions from the crowd. Kobe Bryant’s guilt was a frequent topic, to which Hargrave said, “It’s not looking good.”

Hargrave continued to give advice when asked about proper interview tactics.

“Maintain good eye contact, lean your body forward, try never to be in front of a desk, sit face-to-face if possible, never cross your legs, and present good strong handshakes at the beginning and end of the interview,” she said.

Jan Hargrave is the author of four books, including Let Me See Your Body Talk and the recent Freeway of Love, and holds a bachelor degree, master’s degree, and Education Specialist degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Ms. Hargrave’s books are available on her website, www.janhargrave.com.