We are all leading the witness.

We are all leading the witness.
Look at these questions:
• Do you have any questions?
• What questions do you have?
• What is your main question?
• Your wondering what it costs, right?

Each question is similar, but the subtle differences matter.

Each question narrows the response a little more.
Each nudges the answer in a direction.
Quietly steers the conversation.

Sometimes on purpose.
Sometimes accidentally.

In human conversation, our attention creates natural stakes.
If the direction feels wrong, the other person can push back.
They can redirect the conversation.
They can even opt out.

It is a dance.
Two people shaping the conversation together.

Chatbots feel similar, but they're not.
They're not dancing.
It is call and response.
They respond to our prompts.
Both what we meant to ask, and the subtext we didn't even know we were sending.

We think we're in control...
but the witness now being led is us.