Ekman, Paul

Definitions of Lying and Deception

In order to appreciate Ekman's work, it is important to review his definitions of lying and deception. A clear definition of lying is important because people are expected to exhibit behavioral clues of deception only if they realize that they are lying. Persons who believe that they are telling the truth are unlikely to convey signs of lying. According to Ekman, lies have two characteristics that make them unique from other kinds of deception. First, lying is done with the intention to be misleading. This component distinguishes lies from false statements that are believed to be true by the liar. Second, lying occurs in situations in which the false statement is not expected. This distinguishes lies from storytelling and acting, in which the observer anticipates words and actions to be feigned for entertainment value.

Ekman has described several acts of deceit that constitute lying, such as making false claims when the truth is expected, concealing information that is expected to be disclosed, and telling half-truths. Often, lies are told in the hope of avoiding or escaping unpleasant events. People have lied to dodge punishment, physical harm, and threats to friends and family, and to escape uncomfortable emotions. People may also tell a [Page 328]lie to protect their privacy. Lies are also used to acquire pleasant things. For example, people may lie to gain money and other profits, enhance their social status, and increase their power and influence over others.

Ekman notes that lies may be exposed for a variety of reasons, including the liar's nonverbal expressions. This type of failed lie tends to occur because the person has not prepared well for the lie, or because emotional expressions give the lie away. If the liar is not fully prepared and is caught off-guard, he or she may exhibit several behavioral reactions, such as changing eye contact, speaking less clearly, and pausing to think as he or she composes the lie. In other instances, the liar may forget the details of the lie and produce contradictory statements.

Microexpressions and Emotions

Liars may also give a lie away by failing to fully conceal emotions. Many emotions are accompanied by automatic facial expressions and other gestures that may be difficult to control. These expressions—known as microexpressions—occur very quickly and without conscious control of the liar, making them difficult for the liar to perceive and for other people to detect. Certain microexpressions are linked to certain emotions. For example, a furrowed forehead, squinted eyes, compressed or quivering lips, quivering chin, and twitching corners of the mouth are microexpressions of nervousness. It is possible that someone who is lying may feel nervous and thus emit these microexpressions.

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