The other day I was just wandering the wonderful world of the internet and came across a scientifically looking TED Talk video. I opened the video and found no interest in it what-so-ever (mostly because I had no idea what he was talking about). I did, however, see a particular video beside it that could possibly unlock secrets and mysteries in my own (or in anyone's) life. I found Pamela Meyer’s “How to spot a Liar” TED talk and at that moment I decided this is what I will write my blog on. With 9,275,459 views and counting worldwide, Pamela’s TED talk is very understandable and relatable to many people. I feel that Pamela Meyer began her talk with an intriguing opening that came off as humorous with some dramatic irony. She continued to use humor throughout her speech, as well as containing intriguing pictures and media to give the audience the opportunity to be active within her talk. The audience was given techniques on how to spot someone who is lying and then were put to the test with examples/activities Pamela had provided.
Here are her three techniques to spotting a liar.
Lying Techniques
Here are her three techniques to spotting a liar.
Lying Techniques
- Verbal Dodging - Studies show when someone is telling a lie they will resort to formal language rather than informal. For an example, the sibling who said “I did not eat the last cookie” more likely ate the cookie over the sibling that said “I didn’t eat the last cookie”. But there is much more to lying than just speech which brings us to number two.
- Body Language Slips - The common allegation that liars fidget is not as true as you might think, liars are actually more likely to freeze their upper bodies. The myth that liars will not look you in the eyes is forcing liars to look you more in the eyes to disprove that myth. Heck even a smile could give you away. People can spot between a fake smile and real smile quite easily by the muscle that are contracting in your cheeks.
- Finding the Hot Spots - Can you find the little things between body language and speech that will give away a liar? Here are some very common hot spots. A person of honesty is going to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and willing to help you find out the truth without any hassle. They will want to help you. However a liar will: look down, lower their voice, as well as put a ton of irrelevant detail in their stories.
Hopefully you find this video as hilarious as I do.
Cute right?
Anyway, to end this post off here are some neat little facts about liars.
Anyway, to end this post off here are some neat little facts about liars.
- She shares a study that shows an average person is lied to between 10 - 200
- Strangers lied 3x within the first 10 minutes of meeting each other
- Extroverts lie more than introverts
- Men lie 8x more about themselves than about other people
- Women lie more to protect other people
- If you are in a average marriage couple you are going to lie 1 in every 10 interactions
- If you are unmarried on average you will lie 3 in every 10 interactions with your partner
- When in college you are going to lie to your mom 1 in every 5 interactions
- Liars will shift there blink rate
- Dishonest person will point their feet towards an exit
- They will put barrier objects between them and the person they are talking to
- Also a liar will alter their vocal tone, more likely to a lower tone