Subtext aka the implied meaning is something you’re seeing a lot more of nowadays.
People saying one thing but meaning the complete opposite.
I don’t know what it is. Maybe everyone is becoming a lot more introverted.
Maybe it’s just the weather.
Or maybe everyone just needs a little time out.
“I’m fine” doesn’t mean they’re fine.
It usually means the opposite. The person is upset, angry, or hurt but doesn’t want talk about it.
“We should do lunch sometime.”
Which might sound genuine off the rip.
But we all know it’s often a polite brush-off with no real intention to meet.
I mean you don’t wanna come out for burritos? More for me I guess?
Subtext is fun though
If you’re writing dialogue for a character it can draw the reader in.
Use contradictions between words and actions:
“Sure, everything’s great,” she said, shredding the napkin into tiny pieces.
Leave statements incomplete:
“If you’d just listen—”
“I always listen.”
“Like that time when—”
“Don’t.”
Create context gaps viewers must fill:
“You know what day it is.”
“I thought we agreed never to mention that again.”
Or if you’re writing advertising copy:
Plant Easter eggs that reward close attention
“Some secrets are worth keeping. Others are worth sharing.” (For a social media app)
Use double meanings that click on a second viewing
“It runs in the family” (Could be for: genetics testing, shoes, or hereditary diseases)
Layer multiple interpretations
“What else aren’t they telling you?” (Creates paranoia while positioning your brand as transparent)
The key is to:
Never explain the subtext
Reward pattern recognition
Make solving the puzzle satisfying
Leave room for multiple valid interpretations
Create "aha" moments that make people feel cleverLittle bonus for writing VSLs:
“Like you, I used to believe what my doctor told me about cholesterol.
[Subtext: The medical establishment isn’t telling the whole truth]
I followed all the rules. Avoided eggs. Chose low-fat everything. Took the prescribed medications.
[Subtext: You’re doing everything “right” but still failing]
Then last October, while organizing my father’s garage, I found an old leather journal. What I discovered inside changed everything…
[Subtext: Secret knowledge passed down/hidden from public]
To tie it all together. Subtext is a powerful way to communicate your message and there’s honestly an art to crafting writing that drips with it.
I’ll write a more in depth post on this but this was just a quick off the cuff idea to get your brain-meats going.
Now I’m off to go get some burritos before 22:00
Stephen Walker
https://stphnwlkr.com/theleague
P.S. I guess I can grab some burritos for the squirrels cause they’ve been spying pretty hard lately…
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Stephen Walker
Unit 146317
PO Box 7169
Poole
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United Kingdom