Lying is one of those strange human skills – we've all tried it, some have excelled at it, while others have fallen on the simplest questions like, "Did you eat the last slice of pizza?"
Whether you're an expert in avoiding the truth or just want to spot the one selling you stories, here are a few tips to help you.
How to Lie Successfully?
First rule: If you're going to lie, at least make an effort to make it believable.
Here are some tips:
Stick Close to the Truth
If someone asks you why you're late, instead of saying, "Aliens abducted me, but I escaped when they fell asleep," just say, "There was heavy traffic." The truth is easier to remember, and no one will suspect anything when you sprinkle in a little lie.
Preparation is Half the Job
Imagine this: a friend asks where you were last night, and you say, "I was at home watching Netflix." Great, but what if they ask which show? Which episode? The characters? If you're not ready, everything will crumble like a house of cards.
Lesson: Do your "homework" before you start lying.
Control Your Body
Liars often give themselves away through strange behaviours. If someone says, "I didn't eat the chocolate," while frantically wiping chocolate off their chin, they’re caught. Stay still, be relaxed, and practice your "poker face" in front of a mirror if you need to.
Don’t Overdo the Details
When someone talks too much, it sounds suspicious. For example: "I was late because there was an old woman with a parrot on the tram, who, by the way, was swearing. I had to help her carry her bag, but then we got caught in climate change protests..." Wait, buddy, who’s buying this?
Humour as a Distraction
If you feel like someone’s on your trail, throw in a joke. For example, if someone asks, "Did you take the money from my desk?" respond with: "No, probably the ghost living in the bottom drawer did." People love humour, and chances are, they'll leave you alone (at least for a while).
How to Spot a Liar?
Spotting a lie requires waking up your inner Sherlock Holmes. Here are the clues:
Inconsistency Between Words and Body
If someone says, "No, I'm not mad at you," while clenching their fists and looking like they might hit you, it’s probably time to sneak away or at least start apologizing.
Avoiding Eye Contact… or Too Much Eye Contact
The classic stereotype is that liars avoid eye contact. However, experienced liars often stare at the audience too much, as if they want to hypnotize their doubt. If someone stares at you for longer than is socially acceptable, think about what they’re hiding.
Too Much or Too Little Detail
Imagine asking a friend, "Where were you last night?" and they answer, "At home, reading a book." …but can’t remember the title? That’s suspicious. On the other hand, if you get an entire novel about how they tried a new recipe for French salad, with ten-minute details, they’re probably distracting you.
Microexpressions
Liars often can’t hide their momentary microexpressions, like a quick eyebrow twitch or a smile that disappears in half a second. If someone says, "Of course, I didn’t forget your birthday card," while their face momentarily contorts in panic, you know something’s off.
Changes in Tone of Voice
If a person starts speaking in a higher or lower voice than usual, or if their voice dramatically speeds up, it could be a sign of lying. "Yeah, yeah, sure, of course, I wrote the report," might mean they’ll start writing it as soon as they leave the room.
Lying and Spotting Lies Skills
Lying and recognizing lies require sharpness, observation, and sometimes a little acting. But remember: Too much lying can destroy relationships and trust, while too much honesty can lead to awkward situations. The key is balance—and a good story when you need it.
But if you’re already lying, make sure it’s at least entertaining, because it’s sure to be retold many times.
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