Lawyer says one word is 'dead giveaway' someone is lying to your face

A lawyer and communication expert has unveiled the single word he believes all liars use, which could help you spot when someone's not telling the truth. Talking to podcast host Steven Bartletton an episode of his show, Diary of a CEO, Jefferson Fisher said the mistake is often a 'dead giveaway' that a person is being dishonest.

Jefferson Fisher is a trial lawyer, communication expert, and host of The Jefferson Fisher Podcast, where he teaches how to communicate with confidence. He is also the author of The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.

Sharing advice, the lawyer revealed various speaking techniques that command respect and several courtroom-tested tricks that win cases and everyday conversations. He also claimed liars often speak in 'extremes' and said it's a 'dead giveaway'.

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Jefferson explained that liars often use words like 'never' and 'always', reports Surrey Live. Offering an example, he told Steven to ask him to following question: "Were you texting while you were driving that day?" Jefferson replied: "No, I never text. Never text when I drive."

The expert said: "Now notice I said a big word. I said 'never'. Never is an extreme. Extremes are a dead giveaway that they're usually not telling the truth. Everybody texts when they drive at some point in time, even in your car. Never and always. It's always or never true. So that's a big one."

Revealing another tell, Jefferson added: "Second of all, I answered really quickly. I didn't breathe, think about it or try to actually show you that I was trying to remember in time. I gave you a really immediate response."

Next, he demonstrated the power of repeating answers liars give back to them slowly. Jefferson instructed Steven to ask him: "You never text when you drive?" Revealing why liars 'wouldn't like that', Jefferson said: "So what they'll do most often is they'll say, 'well, I mean sometimes I do', because now they hinge on that word 'never'.

"So now they know, 'oh, that's a risk word'. And they'll kind of come out of it and go, 'I mean, sometimes I do, I mean, maybe, but hardly ever'." Jefferson continued: "When that happens, what you typically want to do is give them an out. Now they've put themselves into a corner and they're looking for an out. And a way to do that is to say, 'if you were texting, it's OK'."

According to the communication expert, silence can be a powerful tool in conversations when dealing with a dishonest person. A pause in conversation can force the other person to reflect on their words and often leads to them revealing inconsistencies.

"Silence is the number one killer of liars because they have conversations in their head for you," he claimed. Jefferson pointed out how silence can make people uncomfortable and prompt them to fill the void, often exposing their deceit or uncertainty.

During the episode, the expert also shared insights on how to communicate effectively during conflict. He said your choice of language can have a profound effect, including the ability to reshape connections and individual experiences.

Jefferson warned against simply trying to win an argument, explaining that this frequently results in damaged relationships. Instead, he wants people to see arguments as a chance to understand and resolve problems. He stressed the importance of regulating your breathing and staying composed during confrontations to avoid triggering the fight-or-flight instinct.

The podcast was well-received on YouTube, and commenters said they loved the episode. Responding to the advice, someone praised: ""When you set out to win an argument you lose the relationship" wow that's powerful... thanks."

Another reply said: "I'm 61 and just when I think I have things figured out, I watch this channel and wow, the things I didn't know! I love understanding myself, and other people better. Thank you!"