Liars and Their Favorite Word: ‘Never’!
Did you know there’s one word that almost guarantees someone is lying to you? It’s not some complicated phrase or secret code — it’s a simple but powerful word: ‘never’. Yep, that’s right! Communication expert Jefferson Fisher revealed that liars often lean on extreme words like ‘never’ and ‘always’ as their secret weapons to hide the truth.
Extremes Are a Dead Giveaway
Fisher explains that people rarely use words like ‘never’ or ‘always’ in honest statements. For example, when a podcast host asked him if he ever texts while driving, Fisher replied, ‘No, I never text while driving.’ But that word ‘never’ is a red flag! We’ve all sent a text while driving at least once, even if it wasn’t smart. So if someone claims they ‘never’ do something, chances are they’re not telling the truth.
Quick Answers and Silence as Weapons
Another sign of lying is a quick, thoughtless answer. Liars often don’t think deeply about their statements and respond fast because they think they have nothing to hide — or so they believe. Fisher advises asking them again, slowly and calmly, because then they often try to wiggle out by adding words like ‘sometimes’ or ‘almost never.’
But that’s not all! Silence, according to Fisher, is the number one killer of liars. When you pause in a conversation, liars get uncomfortable and often try to fill the silence, which can reveal their insecurities and lies.
How to Communicate in Conflict
Fisher doesn’t just reveal how to spot liars; he also shares how to communicate effectively during conflicts. He stresses the importance of word choice, controlling your breathing, and staying calm to avoid triggering fight-or-flight responses. So next time you’re in a heated argument, remember — words are a powerful weapon, and silence can be your secret ace.
The Bottom Line
Next time you hear someone use the word ‘never’ or ‘always,’ or get a too-quick answer, ask yourself — are they really telling you the truth? And don’t forget, silence might just be your best friend in uncovering lies.
So, have you ever caught someone lying because of one word? Or maybe you’ve used ‘never’ as your own shield? Share your stories — after all, who doesn’t love a good detective tale? 😉
