9 Scientific Ways To Tell When Someone Is Lying

3. But They'll Use Convoluted Phrasing

Despite the simplicity of a liar's story, they actually more likely to tell it in a convoluted way.

Basically the difference between truthful and false stories is that the truth will havecomplexcontent, presented simply. A falsehood will have simple content, presented complexly.

When we're lying, particularly if we're kinda doing it on the fly, we become acutely aware that there are awkward holes and inconsistencies. We will be inherently uncomfortable with what we are saying and will therefore attempt to make it, not only richer, but perhaps more confusing.

This increases that chances that the listener will allow some of it to go flying over their head and it can even give you a bit of wiggle room and thinking time if somebody asks you to clarify a detail.

It does, however, make you look shady as hell.