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We all have trouble talking straight sometimes. It could happen when you’re explaining what happened to the last of the Cool Ranch Doritos. More seriously, it could happen at an interview when you’re explaining a hole in your resume. Or during a sales presentation when you’re trying to sound more squared away than you really are.
Usually we’re not lying (except about the Doritos) – we’re just having trouble with the truth. Instead of thinking, we open our mouths. Before we know it, we sound like we’re made of smoke and mirrors.
Avoiding this common sin takes self-discipline, practice, and intent. Here are six tips to review before your next conversation with just about anyone:
1. If you don’t know the answer to something, say “I don’t know.”
2. If you’re nervous, say “I’m a little nervous, this is why…”
3. If you need help, say “I need help with this.”
4. If someone has accomplished more than you, say “You’ve got more experience than I do…” then slowly say what you've achieved.
5. If you’ve never done something before, admit it by saying “I’ve never done that.” Don’t make up experiences!
6. If you don’t have anything to say, don’t say anything.
Telling the truth can be hard. Avoiding exaggerations, embellishments, or lies isn’t.
It's hard to come up with a list of recommended reading on this topic - you could do worse than brushing up on Aesop and certain tales by Beatrix Potter!
Back in 1759 Major Robert Rogers wrote out 19 Standing Orders for his Rangers fighting the French. The fourth one: "Tell the truth about what you see and you do. There is an army depending on us for correct information. You can lie all you please when you tell other folks about the Rangers, but don't never lie to a Ranger or officer."
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