Writer-Centric POV Playlist: You're writing a legally ambiguous memo to your C-Suite colleagues while on...substances

Introduction

You're choosing your words very, very carefully. Every sentence is technically correct—but deliberately vague. This playlist was built for the writer channeling a high-stakes, high-power voice while penning a memo that’s just ambiguous enough to protect your character (and maybe implicate someone else). It’s all about control, tone, and plausible deniability.

But the thing is, the...substances—they're starting to kick in.

You've got to be meticulously measured, perfectly vague, and full of subtle implications but you're also *this close* to being implicated on some drug charges.

This playlist was created for the writer channeling their inner corporate strategist, legal fixer, or white-collar antihero—who maybe has a problem with...snow. You're working on a scene where the stakes are high, reputations are on the line, and every word of that memo could make or break a career—or a cover up. Just cover up that residue, okay?

For a shadowy executive issuing calculated warnings. For a compliance officer trying to sound cooperative while withholding just enough. Expect understated tension, ambient control, and steady, composed vibes that match the energy of characters who are playing a very careful game.

This one’s for when you’re not saying everything—just enough to keep the wolves (and dealers) at bay.

And scroll down for writing tips!

The Set List

1. Goodbye Stranger (2010 Remastered)

Supertramp Breakfast In America

2. The Man Who Sold the World

David Bowie The Man Who Sold the World

3. Rapture (Remastered 2001)

Blondie Autoamerican (Remastered 2001)

4. Andante in C Minor

Nicholas Britell Succession: Season 1 (HBO Original Series Soundtrack)

5. Helicopter

Bloc Party Little Thoughts - EP

6. Paranoid Android

Radiohead OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017

7. Requiem in D Minor, K. 626: III. Dies irae (feat. Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor)

Nikolaus Harnoncourt & Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mozart: Requiem, K. 626

8. Where Is My Mind?

Pixies Death to the Pixies

No Church In The Wild

9. No Church in the Wild

JAY Z & Kanye West Watch The Throne (Deluxe)

10. Take Five

The Dave Brubeck Quartet Time Out

Tips for Writing a Legally Ambiguous Memo Scene:

1. Precision Without Clarity

Legally ambiguous memos are crafted to sound intelligent and thorough—while revealing as little as possible. The language dense enough to bury implications under polite professionalism. Use terms like “pending review,” “internal alignment,” or “further clarification may be needed” to give the illusion of motion without making promises.

2. Passive Voice Is Your Frenemy

Want to write a sentence where no one gets blamed, but something clearly went wrong? Passive voice is your best friend. It distances the subject from the action while keeping the tone formal and non-confrontational. Use it sparingly and strategically. Too much sounds suspicious. Just enough sounds careful.

Example:

• Active: “John deleted the financial records.”

• Passive: “The financial records appear to have been removed.”

3. Use Strategic Vagueness

Say just enough to imply awareness—but never enough to commit to an action, outcome, or admission. This is the art of CYA, otherwise known as Cover Your Ass[ets].

Common phrases:

• “At this time, we are not aware of any wrongdoing.”

• “It is currently unclear whether standard protocol was followed.”

• “Further investigation may be warranted.”

4. Obscure With Jargon (But Don’t Overdo It)

Bureaucratic and legal language can be used to overwhelm and distract. Include just enough industry speak and acronyms to make it sound official—but keep it readable enough that readers don't entirely check out. Use acronyms, legal terms, and departmental references to signal authority while remaining opaque.

Example:

• “As per alignment with Q1 compliance strategies and ESG guidelines, mitigation protocols are currently under internal evaluation.”

5. Imply Consequences Without Naming Them

Instead of spelling out problems or threats, hint at underlying risk. This keeps deniability intact while making it clear something’s wrong. The implication does the heavy lifting. Let the reader’s imagination do the rest.

Examples:

• “The timeline of events may have contributed to misalignment across departments.”

• “Additional transparency measures will be considered moving forward.”

6. Layer in Corporate Politeness

Everything should sound cordial and professional—even if you're low-key throwing someone under the bus. The more serious the situation, the more pleasant the tone becomes. It’s almost sinister.

Use phrases like:

• “To avoid further miscommunication…”

• “In the interest of transparency…”

• “We appreciate your patience during this process…”

7. Redirect the Responsibility

Need to bury something? Pass the buck—but gracefully. Refer to other departments, external consultants, or upcoming reviews. Keep your character insulated—either by assigning responsibility to a faceless committee or redirecting to a future decision.

Examples:

• “Legal is currently reviewing the documentation.”

• “We’ve looped in Compliance for further recommendations.”

8. End with a Calm, Cautious Wrap-Up

No matter how chaotic the content, the ending should soothe. The final paragraph should sound like a PR sedative—enough to ease nerves while saying almost nothing concrete.

Something like:

• “We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

• “We are committed to ensuring best practices moving forward.”

• “Further updates will be provided as necessary.”

  
  

Links to My Playlist Profiles

YouTube Music Profile  | Spotify Profile

In all seriousness, if you need help with substance use, contact The National Drug Helpline 24/7 at drughelpline.org or (844) 289-0879. There's more to you than your addiction.

Keep the synergy,

Katherine Arkady