I can’t tell you how many times I heard this in school. The instructor would ask us to read a quote or a story, then ask “What do you think is the author’s hidden meaning?”
I admit that I’m actually quite shallow. And in school, when I was younger, I was shallower than a mouse’s wading pool. I just wanted to understand what point the author wanted to make…and I hoped he or she made it so simple I grasped it right away.
Deeper meanings are great. But for most of what I read, I simply want to be served the main point on a nice paper plate without a fancy display. Just tell me want you want me to know…don’t make me guess.
What do you think most readers prefer? An eloquent set-up, or just the main food for thought?
Take a look at Rix’s new book: How to Sell Ideas With the Minute Message
