Yet how will they deal with their differences in an environment that expects and demands they remain civil to each other?įrancine Prose once said, “When we humans speak, we are not merely communicating information but attempting to make an impression and achieve a goal. Plus, a bonus for completing the job early sounds amazing. They must work together for the good of the project and the company. The above scenario paints a road of emotional turmoil for Tom and Melissa. “If you finish the project before the three-month period, I’ll have a handsome bonus for each of you.” I expect we will see great achievements from Tom and Melissa.” He gestured at the two. I look forward to combining our goals to make the new program successful.” “Thank you for all you’ve done for the project. Tom’s head pounded at the thought of what lay ahead. The idea of working alongside you for the next three months is a bonus. Tom approached the CEO and shook his hand. Your attention to detail is just what we need. I’m thrilled you’ll be working right alongside Melissa. She is ready to give the presentation, but I want to announce the other person who will be helping her drive this forward.” He paused. “Melissa has developed an innovative program to streamline our inner office communications. “Melissa, I have a quick announcement to make.” Melissa continued to the head of the table, but the CEO stopped her. He bit back his urge to respond with sarcasm. “My proposal seals the deal with the company, and I know my raise and promotion is in the works,” she said. She stopped at Tom’s chair in the boardroom and bent to his ear. Shows the reader that the writer respects their intelligence.Allows the reader to play a role in determining the dialogue’s meaning.Reveals another layer of plot and/or pushes the plot forward.Adds stress, tension, and conflict to the scene.Provides information to the reader without telling.The underlying message is only for a select few. They haven’t the courage to directly express what is on their hearts or minds.They fear the wrong people understanding the real conversation could cost them.Dialogue written without layers reduces the reader’s engagement in the story.Ĭharacters might use subtext to show discretion: The result might satisfy the tummy, but the experience is tasteless. Why not have the characters state the obvious instead of flirting with the real topic? Isn’t it a waste of time for the writer and the reader? But communication that fulfills only one purpose is like serving a meal with no salt. Characters engaged in the conversation know the hidden meaning it’s an unspoken conversation below a verbal conversation and more valuable than the spoken word. And it always deepens the story with unpredictable outcomes and emotion. Through subtext, writers can provide information laced with sarcasm, heartbreak, or humor. And we’ve all done it, right? The subtext is the real conversation hidden by surface talk and is the core of the communication. Today’s post is by author DiAnn Mills ( refers to characters who talk about one thing but really mean something else, and they both know it.
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