Dear Willie,
My assistant at work, Bernie, has really bad breath. In all other respects he is totally spick and span so I can’t really discipline him on his hygiene without invoking an employment tribunal. I also note that he doesn’t have a girlfriend and this is likely down to his breath. How can I let him know without appearing rude?
Bill, Boston
Dear Bill,
I am about to reveal to you a secret method of influencing people subliminally. You must march up to Bernie and in your loudest voice roar, “Your breath is disgusting!”
He will, no doubt, be shocked and enquire as to your reasons for this outburst. You will then reply that you have taken up amateur dramatics and were merely rehearsing a line from your upcoming production. He will have no option but to accept this, but you will have planted in his mind the seed of doubt about the reek of his breath. There is the secret - to be subliminal, you must shout.
Willie