Lie-detection tip: Pay attention to small details

Research indicates that those who tell the truth include verifiable, relevant details in their information. But a liar might try to distract you with a bunch of information you don’t care about or need to know. The key to catching a liar is learning how to focus on the small details.

Someone making a dishonest statement usually concentrates heavily on unrelated details to imitate the natural richness and depth found in a truthful statement. They pepper the conversation with irrelevant information to distract you from the truth as if they’re throwing sand in your face.

This person knows that if their statement is too generic or vague, you might not view it as reliable.