Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage

Our Expert Review

As professionals in the polygraph examination field, we can confidently state that Paul Ekman's "Telling Lies" remains the foundational text for understanding deception detection through behavioral analysis. This seminal work, first published in 1985 and now in its revised 2009 edition, established Ekman as the pioneer whose empirical and theoretical work helped restart the study of emotion and non-verbal communication in psychology. The FOX series "Lie to Me" was based on his research, which speaks to the practical applicability of his findings.

The book's strength lies in its rigorous scientific approach to a field often plagued by pseudoscience. Chapter 2, "Lying, Leakage, and Clues to Deceit," establishes the fundamental distinction between leakage (when truth is accidentally revealed) and deception clues (behavioral indicators of lying without revealing what is concealed). This conceptual framework is crucial for professional examiners who must differentiate between signs of nervousness and actual deception indicators.

Chapter 6, "Dangers and Precautions," and Chapter 7, "The Polygraph as Lie Catcher," are particularly valuable for our profession. Ekman honestly addresses the limitations of all deception detection methods, including polygraphs. He emphasizes that every indicator of lying doesn't always indicate lying, and that some liars show no indicators at all because they show no signs of nervousness. This intellectual honesty is refreshing and practically important.

The chapter on facial clues to deceit introduces Ekman's groundbreaking research on microexpressions—brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal genuine emotions. He developed a one-hour self-instructional program that trains people to observe and understand these micro expressions. For polygraph examiners, this provides valuable supplementary observational skills.

However, the book has limitations. Some readers find it academically dry, requiring background in psychology or related fields. The text is heavily focused on American contexts, with extensive discussion of polygraphs and American case studies that may limit international applicability. Additionally, the famous facial coding system (FACS) is strangely omitted, which many readers specifically seek.

The 2009 edition includes updated chapters covering real-world applications, from presidential-level deception (Nixon and Watergate, Johnson and Vietnam) to the Challenger disaster and Senate judiciary hearings. These case studies demonstrate how behavioral analysis applies to high-stakes situations similar to those polygraph examiners encounter.

For polygraph professionals, this book provides essential theoretical grounding. Ekman's careful descriptions of deception indicators are very well worth reading, though practitioners must remember his central message: deception detection is complex, context-dependent, and never 100% reliable. The book serves as both an educational tool and a healthy reminder of our professional limitations.

Key Takeaways

• There is no single, foolproof method to detect all lies - deception detection requires multiple behavioral channels and baseline comparisons
• Microexpressions last less than 1/25th of a second and can reveal concealed emotions, but require specialized training to detect reliably
• The absence of deception clues does not prove truthfulness - some skilled liars show no behavioral indicators whatsoever
• Context and stakes matter enormously - high-stakes lies produce different behavioral patterns than casual social lies
• Polygraph tests detect emotional arousal, not lies themselves - physiological responses can occur for many reasons besides deception
• Most people, including professionals like judges and police officers, perform no better than chance at detecting lies from behavior alone
• Successful lie detection requires understanding both what to look for and what to avoid - false assumptions can lead to serious errors
• Leakage (accidental truth revelation) and deception clues (signs of lying) are fundamentally different and require different interpretation approaches
• Cultural, individual, and situational factors significantly influence how deception manifests behaviorally
• Ethical considerations are paramount - the ability to detect deception carries serious responsibilities regarding privacy and false accusations

What’s Inside

Who Should Read This

Polygraph examiners will find this book invaluable for understanding the theoretical foundations underlying their practice. Chapter 7 specifically addresses polygraph testing as a lie detection method, providing scientific context for physiological monitoring while emphasizing that machines detect arousal, not lies. The book helps examiners understand complementary behavioral observations that can enhance their interpretations and provides crucial context about the limitations inherent in all deception detection methods. Attorneys, particularly those involved in criminal defense or prosecution, will gain essential insights into evaluating witness credibility and client honesty. The book explains how body language, voice, and facial expressions can give away a lie but still fool professional lie hunters—even judges, police officers, drug enforcement agents, and Secret Service agents. This knowledge helps legal professionals understand both the potential and limitations of behavioral evidence in courtroom settings. Researchers and academics in psychology, criminology, and forensic sciences will appreciate the book's rigorous scientific approach. Ekman refers extensively to academic studies for his evidence, providing a solid foundation for further research. The work established many of the fundamental concepts still used in deception research today and offers a comprehensive literature review for those entering the field. General readers interested in human behavior and communication will find practical applications, though some background in psychology or related fields would be advantageous, as the academic discussion may become quickly boring without proper context. The book teaches valuable skills for everyday interactions while maintaining scientific integrity about the complexity and limitations of lie detection in personal relationships.

About the Author

Paul Ekman (February 15, 1934 – November 17, 2025) was an American psychologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco, ranked 59th out of the 100 most eminent psychologists of the twentieth century in 2002 by the Review of General Psychology. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Adelphi University in 1958, after completing a one-year internship at the Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute. He was subsequently drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as first lieutenant-chief psychologist at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

In 1972 he was appointed Professor of Psychology at UCSF, where his many honors included the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award of the American Psychological Association in 1991, and an honorary doctor of humane letters from the University of Chicago in 1994. Ekman received multiple Research Scientist Awards from the National Institute of Mental Health on six separate occasions, and was named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Among his other accomplishments are the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association (1991) and the William James Fellow Award from the American Psychological Society (1998). He was ranked 59th on a list of the 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th century.

Ekman is best known for his work with facial expressions, creating the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), which categorized every expression not only on the face but throughout the rest of the body. His research, called the Wizards Project, discovered that only a small percentage of people can recognize deception naturally. Ekman called these people the Truth Wizards. He has published over 100 articles and authored, co-authored, or co-edited numerous books, establishing him as the world's leading authority on emotions and deception detection.

Publication History

"Telling Lies" was first published in 1985, establishing Ekman's reputation in deception research. The book was copyrighted in 1985 and 1992, with the first Norton paperback edition published in 1991. Multiple editions followed, including a third edition paperback published by W. W. Norton & Company on September 17th, 2001 (390 pages), and a revised third edition published January 26th, 2009 (416 pages). A Kindle edition was released on August 8th, 2013 with 403 pages. The book has remained continuously in print across multiple formats, demonstrating its enduring relevance to both academic and professional communities. Throughout its publication history, W. W. Norton & Company has remained the primary publisher, maintaining consistency in the book's availability and distribution.

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