A Step-by-Step Guide to Learning How to Lie
Everybody lies. Some lies, usually called white lies, are harmless and may actually be told with the best of intentions. For example, people often say they are fine even when they are not. People say their friends look great even when they don’t. And, sometimes, people say that there is nothing going on when they are actually planning a surprise party, romantic
getaway, or other special event. Other lies are more sinister; they are told in order to deceive the listener and protect the liar. Most people are guilty of both types of lies, but not everybody is good at lying. So, no matter what type of lie you want to tell, you may need some tips to help you get away with the lie.
When people lie, there are usually physical clues that give the lie away. Often, a liar’s face will turn red, their eyes will look away, and they may speak faster or slower and in a higher pitch. You need to learn what you do when you lie, and then you need to make a conscious effort to stop. Practicing in the mirror will help a little, but because it’s a lot easier to lie when there’s nobody around, you will need to work on lying to actual people.
Lying is much easier if you can momentarily convince yourself that you are telling the truth. Not only will you be less likely to
display the aforementioned telltale signs of lying, but you will also be much more assertive. You must make the other person believe that you believe you are telling the truth.
You need to be specific with your lies. If you’re lying about what you were doing, don’t just say that you were out, or even that you were out shopping. Say that you were out shopping at Nordstrom’s and that you found a great blue shirt that you wanted to buy but they didn’t have it in your size. The sales clerk was no help either; she wouldn’t even check to see if
there were more shirts in the back.
Don’t sound guilty. In other words, do not say something like “I wasn’t at the race track” if you haven’t actually been asked about the race track yet. Also, don’t be overly dramatic. If you were asked about the race track, just calmly deny that you were there. You could even say something like “I wanted to go, but I knew it was a bad idea, so I went jogging instead.
Actually, I’m a little sore; I think I’d better sit down.” This way, you sound believable, you have an alibi, and you’ve changed the subject.
If the person to whom you’re lying does not believe you, do not press the issue. You know your telling the truth (or so you want them to think) so that’s all that matters. If you’re lying to someone you know very well, you might say something like “don’t you trust me?” Just make sure that you say it in a friendly, light-hearted manner.
To avoid having your lies be discovered, you need to keep your facts straight. This means that you need to remember what you said and to whom you said it. Not only will you need to tell the same story to one person, but you will also need to make sure that you tell that story to anyone that person might speak to. Keeping your facts straight is a lot easier if you base your lies on the truth. These lies are also more believable, since parts of them can often be verified.
You should avoid lying more than is necessary. Eventually, some of your lies will probably be discovered, and if you lie all the time, then no one will ever trust you. Even when you tell the truth, people will begin to assume that you are lying.
If you use these tips, your lies will be believed. Of course, I’m sure you’ll only use these tips to tell harmless white lies.
