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Reading PeopleLying

Everybody Lies a Little

The average person tells about one or two lies a day, mostly small

If one person tells most of the lies in a group, what does the average really tell you?

You'll find out

  • Open the diaries behind the number
  • See how a few change the average
  • Tell a small lie from a costly claim

Why it matters

Put everyday white lies in perspective and save your attention for claims that affect your decisions.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 88 · Zone 10

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More in this zone

  1. 82Lie DetectionWe Catch Liars About Half the TimeMost people spot lies only slightly better than a coin flip
  2. 83Lie DetectionLiars Don't Always Look AwayLooking away is the most famous sign of lying, and one of the least reliable
  3. 84Truth-Default TheoryThe Truth DefaultWe're built to believe people, which is why liars usually get away with it
  4. 85InterviewingAsk Them to Tell It BackwardsLying is mentally hard; telling the story backwards makes it harder
  5. 86InterviewingToo Much Detail, or Too Little?True stories tend to be richer in details you could actually check
  6. 87Lie DetectionLie Detectors Don't Detect LiesThe polygraph measures nerves, not lies
  7. 89DevelopmentWhy Kids Start LyingA toddler's first lie is a sign their brain is growing up
  8. 90InterviewingThe Unexpected QuestionLiars rehearse their answers; they don't rehearse the question you didn't ask