The Language of Lies. How to Detect Deception

Is it possible to catch a liar in their words—literally? Forensic linguist Kirsty King confidently answers affirmatively. Liars reveal themselves through their own speech, and it is impossible to avoid this.
When people lie, their brains operate at full capacity: they need to hide the truth, concoct a convincing lie, and monitor the reaction of their interlocutor, adjusting their story accordingly. The stress experienced affects word choice, speech structure and volume, voice, and gestures. King teaches us to notice these details: what pronouns a liar chooses, what they avoid, and how prolonged pauses appear in their speech. Each of the author's conclusions is illustrated by a real case—from criminal practice, celebrity interviews, or personal life—and supported by the results of linguistic and psychological research. This book provides concrete recommendations that will help make an informed decision: whether to believe what you've heard or not.