Learning to Spot Lies

It seems lawyers might have a knack for identifying a good lie.

Dan Cogdell, a Houston-based criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of experience, definitely knows a thing or two about dishonest people. He mentions, quite matter-of-factly, that the average person tells at least two or three lies a day, whether they realize it or not.

“Perhaps it’s a small white lie, something said out of kindness, but we all, in one way or another, lie daily,” he shared.

When someone asks, “How are you?” and the response is, “I’m fine,” well, that’s often not entirely honest, he insists.

Cogdell, in a recent TikTok video, outlined some phrases that might indicate someone is bending the truth. First on his list? “As far as I remember.”

If someone starts a sentence that way, he points out, they’re likely stalling and distancing themselves from the truth. It’s a pretty common tactic, really.

He also highlights the annoying phrase “honestly.” Cogdell raises a valid question: If you’re saying you’re being honest now, what does that imply about your previous statements?

Another phrase he finds suspect is the self-righteous “I always have” or “I never have.”

“Honestly, very few people can claim they’ve always done or never done something. Statements like these often ring false,” he remarked.

Then there’s the classic tactic of repeating the question asked. For example, if someone is asked where they were the previous night, and they respond with, “Well, where did I go last night?” it’s clearly a tactic to buy time and find a suitable answer.

But, as one comment on his video noted, this behavior—known as echolalia—can also be a symptom seen in individuals with ADHD. So, it might not always be a sign of deceit.

Next, Cogdell mentions the “deflect and avoid” method. If someone responds defensively when asked about their whereabouts, it can signal dishonesty. Statements like, “Don’t you have anything better to do?” could indicate they’re dodging the question.

It’s important to remember, though, that Cogdell doesn’t claim his list is foolproof. “These are general guidelines, and there are always exceptions. The context and familiarity with the person matter,” he added.

He emphasizes that body language is just as crucial in these interactions—nonverbal cues can often tell you a lot more than words.

Interestingly, he admits he might be among the biggest exaggerators, saying, “Lawyers are often labeled as the biggest liars.” He notes that the nature of legal practice can sometimes encourage dishonesty.

When asked if he ever lies, he responds, “Only when it seems necessary, or when honesty might lead to more pain.”

He believes that his four years of sobriety have helped him tell fewer lies, though he maintains he’s never intentionally lied in court. “I can raise reasonable doubt based on evidence, but I wouldn’t claim to have lied under oath,” Cogdell remarked, adding that opinions may differ on that point.