What Makes Feedback About the Work Useful?

When you share a draft, feedback can slide from “I like this” to “I would have made it differently.” Neither tells you much about whether the work is doing what you hoped.

Imagine showing someone two openings to a story. Instead of asking which they prefer, you might ask what they expect to happen next—or what feels unclear. But even that depends on the experience you’re trying to create.

What question helps you get feedback about the audience’s experience without handing over the steering wheel?