9 subtle ways psychopaths communicate differently, according to science

A single conversation could be all you need to spot a psychopath.

For years, scientists have known that psychopaths' brains are different from normal ones. Brain scans show reduced activity in areas that regulate impulses, emotions, aggression, and morality.

But since you probably don't have brain scans at your disposal, there are some other ways to tell if you might be dealing with a real-life psychopath.

A new study examining existing literature on psychopaths discovered that they may be detected through subtle differences in the way they hold conversations. Here are nine specific communication patterns psychopaths use:

How Likely Are You to Talk to a Psychopath?

Before you start declaring everyone around is a psychopath, know that only about one in 100 people is likely to be one--unless you're talking to people in prison. Some experts estimate up to 25 percent of prison inmates may be psychopaths.

If you encounter a psychopath, don't panic. Most of them aren't serial killers. In fact, some of them are successful CEOs and business leaders. But knowing whom you are dealing with can prevent you from being manipulated.