How to Lie Better: Richard Wiseman, Magician & Psychologist
- Ryan Joyce
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Learn how to use Richard Wiseman’s insights on deception to elevate your magic performances. Discover why “keeping it plausible” is key!
Biggest Takeaways
Sanctioned Deception: Lies feel less stressful when “allowed."
Focus on Verbal Cues: Micro-expressions and ums/ahs are more reliable giveaways than flashy gestures.
Keep it Plausible: Believable deception creates the most convincing magic.
Richard Wiseman: How to Lie Better
Richard Wiseman, a magician and psychologist, recently shared expert insights on the art of lying during an interview with The Guardian.
While his tips were tailored to contestants on The Traitors, they’re packed with golden nuggets magicians can use to craft more convincing performances.
Sanctioned Lies
First, Wiseman emphasizes that sanctioned lies—ones people feel justified in telling—are far easier to pull off.
Magicians are already masters of this concept, using “permitted deception” to create wonder.
His advice reminds magicians to lean into the joy and permission audiences grant when they agree to be fooled.
Wiseman also debunks common beliefs about physical "tells."
Eye contact or hand gestures aren’t as reliable as we think. Instead, verbal cues like “ums and ahs” or missing details often expose a lie.
💡For magicians, this highlights the importance of verbal precision and clarity in patter.
Keep it Plausible
Lastly, Wiseman’s mantra, “Keep it plausible,” is a direct callout to magicians.
"Good liars are normally fairly bright, actually, because they’ve thought through all of that," he explains.
Whether crafting your script or building your character, keeping the magic grounded in plausibility ensures stronger audience engagement and belief in the illusion.
As Wiseman notes, self-control is essential.
“You get used to not panicking,” he says, referencing how magicians often face high-pressure moments.
Remaining composed, even when a trick doesn’t go as planned, is a skill worth practicing.
That's It!
Explore our blog for more tips on the Art of Magic or to learn about Famous Magicians who’ve mastered these skills.
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