The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Oblique offers imply information rather than explicitly stating it. They allow spects to be smart and infer elements of the story without spoon-feeding them every single detail.

Nicholas is at the cash register making a purchase. He reaches into his back pocket, and a worried look comes over his face. He frantically checks all of his pockets. “I know I had it when I came in. Can you call security?”

Nicholas hasn’t said that his wallet is missing or stolen, but his oblique offers imply the idea.

Oblique offers are an elegant way to communicate information, but if spects don’t understand what’s being implied, clarify the situation with a defined offer. Clarity is more important than finesse.