Why Humans Turn Into Monsters?

What makes a serial killer? Is it nature, nurture, or a terrifying combination of both? How can you tell if someone is lying to you? In a fascinating podcast, consultant psychologist and body language expert Gaurav Gill sat down with Raj Shamani to unravel the dark secrets of the criminal psyche and the silent language of deception.

This blog post breaks down the key insights from their conversation, from the childhood markers of deviant behavior to the subtle signs that someone is lying to your face.

The Serial Killer Mindset: Born or Made?

A prevailing question is whether serial killers are born that way. Gaurav Gill emphatically states that no one is born a serial killer. It is a combination of societal factors, childhood environment, and specific traumas that twist a person onto a dark path.

He explains that serial killers often have an underdeveloped limbic brain, the emotional center. Brain scans reveal physical differences, leading to a lower emotional response. They don’t feel remorse, but they are masters at faking it. They mirror emotions convincingly, making you believe they are capable of empathy when they are not.

Case in Point: Ted Bundy

Gaurav cited the infamous Ted Bundy as charismatic, well-educated, and handsome. His body language was deceptively engaging. He would use a slight neck tilt and maintain intense eye contact, making women feel uniquely seen and desired. He employed tricks like wearing a sling to appear helpless, luring victims into his car, where they were trapped. His “halo effect” was so powerful that even the judge sentencing him to death expressed sorrow, wishing Bundy had chosen a career in law instead.

Read more: Samurai Sword Killing in Brighton

The Childhood Red Flags: The McDonald Triad

Gaurav discussed early behavioral markers, often observed in childhood, that can predict future deviant behavior. This is known as the MacDonald Triad:

• Pyromania (Arson): A fascination with setting fires.
• Animal Cruelty: Not just throwing stones, but a persistent, serious effort to harm or kill animals.
• Bed-Wetting (Enuresis): Persistent bed-wetting late into childhood (around age 8-9) can signal emotional regression due to trauma.

The presence of all three triads is a significant red flag. Gaurav also highlighted the impact of an absent father and a nagging mother, which can contribute to the development of deviant tendencies in a child.

How to Detect a Lie: Top Body Language Cues

Gaurav shared practical, immediate signs that can help you detect deception in everyday conversations:

1. Gestural Retreat: When you ask a question, the person physically pulls back or creates distance. This is a subconscious attempt to create psychological space from the lie.
2. The Non-Answer: You ask a direct question but get an ambiguous answer. For example, asking “What did you do yesterday?” and getting “I’m usually with friends” instead of a specific answer.
3. Question Reversal: A major red flag is when they answer your question with a question. “Did you take the money?” is met with “Are you accusing me of stealing?” This is a deflection tactic.
4. The Eye Blink Spike: A sudden, rapid increase in blinking indicates high cognitive load and stress as the brain works to fabricate a story.
5. Blocking Gestures: Touching the nose, ears, or mouth during a response can be a subconscious way of blocking out the lie or the stress it causes.
6. Lack of Pronouns: Liars often detach themselves from their stories. Notice if someone avoids using “I” or “me.” A statement like “Love you too” instead of “I love you too” can indicate a lack of genuine emotional involvement.

The Power of Language and Distancing

Criminals and liars use distancing language. They avoid using the victim’s name or the specific crime. For instance, they might say, “That woman” instead of “Monica” or “We had a relationship” instead of “I had an affair.” This psychological distancing helps them separate themselves from the action.

Why Do They Kill? The Fantasy Feedback Loop

The first kill is rarely planned. It often starts with an obsession and a fantasy. The individual imagines the act and the victim’s response. When they finally act on it, the adrenaline rush is powerful. This creates an addictive cycle: fantasy -> action -> adrenaline high -> depression -> craving -> repeat. Each time, they try to perfect their method, treating it like a grim craft.

How to Look Powerful Instantly

Beyond detecting lies, Gaurav shared tips on projecting power and confidence through body language:

• The Steeple: Bringing your fingertips together to form a steeple is a classic power pose. It instantly boosts testosterone and projects authority.
• Territorial Expansion: Don’t shrink. Take up space. Widen your stance when standing, and spread your belongings slightly. This nonverbally asserts dominance.
• The Hot Drink Trick: To make a positive first impression, offer a warm drink like tea or coffee. Studies show that physical warmth can translate into a perception of personal warmth, making the other person view you more favorably.

Final Takeaway: The Most Important Skill

Gaurav left the audience with a crucial piece of advice, something he learned from a CBI Forensic Lab Director: “First, read yourself.”

The most important step in understanding others is to be aware of the signals you are sending. Your body language sets the boundary and determines whether people feel compelled to move closer to you or stay away. You are in control of the silent conversation before a single word is even spoken.

This blog post is based on the podcast conversation between Raj Shamani and Gaurav Gill. You can listen to the full episode on the Raj Shamani Podcast.