#329 - Reptile Question Sequencing - The Risk Is In The Setup

Bill Kanasky, Jr., Ph.D. talks about a deposition topic that doesn't get enough attention: the question sequencing in a Reptile deposition. Bill describes how the setup questions that precede the transition point to Reptile/Edge questions lull the witness's brain into a state of safety which prevents them from recognizing the subtle transition to the dangerous Reptile/Edge questions. The witness's brain becomes comfortable with the basic, simple, fact-based questions being asked and doesn't realize when the questions change from safe to risky. Most attorneys prepare their witnesses for the "standard" Reptile safety questions. What's missing is that these Reptile questions about safety are actually the secondary threat - the setup questions are the primary threat and this is what witnesses need to understand and be prepared for. Detecting the transition to the risky Reptile questions is difficult, however, with neurocognitive training, can be done. Watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/vNjF1kqzS8U