Role of Deception in Interpersonal Communication

The use of deceptive messages is a communication strategy that, unlike using messages created by other methods, relies on creating or perpetuating false impressions upon other people. Normally, we are encouraged to


Communicate in a clear and accurate manner to help get our message across.


Categorizing deceptive acts is not an exact science, and different researchers have come up with different classifications over the years, from broad to more specific. Deception is generally divided into five categories: fabrication, exaggeration, half-truths, omissions, and misdirection. Fabrication is conveying false information to cover up the truth. Exaggeration includes embellishing and distorting details and overstating the message with unnecessary points. Half-truths refer to acts where the deceiver controls the information so that only part of the truth was revealed, or the information is a mix of both fiction and truth. Omission is a deliberate evasion of the truth, done by remaining silent when asked about something known. Misdirection tries to change the topic so that the deceiver can avoid telling the truth or even the effort of creating a lie. Letting the receiver draw the wrong conclusion is also a component of misdirection.


Because of the wide variety of actions available, a person trying to deceive another doesn't need to predetermine which method he will be using. The first step in deception is to determine whether it is acceptable or necessary at the present time. It is only when a person has chosen to go ahead with the deception that he chooses what deception to use. Personal habits, preference for a certain method, situational factors, and relation factors all influence what the person will do next.


Time is also an important element in the act of deception. Most such acts aren't planned beforehand. When the deceiver has little time to prepare, or is being directly questioned, he is more likely to choose a lie. A better-prepared deceiver might choose a strategy that combines both omission and misdirection instead.