How do you recognise a lie?

How do you recognise a liar?

People who tell the truth usually use more details in their stories. Moreover, these details are often verifiable. Liars also try to appear convincing and sometimes add extra information, but these details are often unverifiable or relate to the parts of the story that are true.

It is also notable that liars usually try to answer as many questions as possible, while honest people are more likely to admit that they do not know something. There are also physical signs that may indicate lying: larger pupils, a lifted chin and compressed lips. In their language, liars more often choose negative wording and make more use of cognitive or analytical terms.

How to lie better yourself?

According to Van der Zee, the best way to lie is to stay as close to the truth as possible. Even better is not telling factual untruths, but simply withholding certain information. Lying about verifiable facts is risky and can be easily seen through.

Since liars often try to have an answer for everything, Van der Zee recommends also daring to occasionally say, ‘I don't know.’ This makes a story more believable. Although avoiding eye contact is not a reliable signal of lying, many people still believe it. So maintaining regular eye contact can actually make you appear more trustworthy.

Finally, lying requires a lot of cognitive effort and creativity. So anyone who wants to lie convincingly would do well to develop these skills.