Opening speech

Dear participants at the lying conference!

Good afternoon everyone! I’m Doc Philippe Rochat. Welcoming guests to a conference hosted by
Emoy Infant and Child Lab is one of the most important things to do as the conference organizer.

With a spring in my step, anticipation in heart and a lilt to my heart, I would like to tell you that I
have addressed many gatherings in my time but every time I do it, it’s an honor to be given this
opportunity. My heartfelt thanks for all of you for being here and giving me the chance to speak to
you.

As everyone knows , despite deception being a permanent fixture of international politics, the
study of how and why do state actors deceive remains tenuous. While our previous sessions were
focused primarily on the development of lying, theater’s contribution to the conflict between truth
and deceit, today will be mainly about the topic “why do leaders lie” which will
conclude with theoretical limitations and future areas of research for this newly emerged issue
topic.

The one-day workshop gives us a platform to presenting the most recent knowledge in a field of
research, and discussing these findings with colleagues from all around the world. We brought
together prominent thinkers and researchers in the social sciences, arts and entertainment to
discuss the concepts of lying and deception from evolutionary, developmental, clinical,
economics, political and entertainment points of view. On behalf of the Lab, our coordinator Kate
Coblin will introduce more information of our recent achievements to you.

I wish the conference will be successful and productive, and wish you to have a very pleasant and
memorable experience in the Emory Conference Center. Now it's my great honor to declare the
commencement of the International lying Conference!