A person is preparing for an upcoming speech and wants to use generative AI to...

The most critical step in the "pre-prompting" phase is the clear identification of the objective. Before interacting with a generative AI, the user must identify the goal of the speech. This foundational step dictates every other element of the prompt, including the persona, tone, and specific constraints. For example, a speech intended to persuade a group of investors requires a radically different linguistic approach than a speech intended to toast a friend at a wedding.

By identifying the goal first, the user can construct a prompt that provides the AI with a clear "definition of success." In practical applications, this is often referred to as the "Intent" phase. If a user skips this and goes straight to writing a draft or providing samples, the AI may generate content that is stylistically correct but fundamentally misses the mark regarding the intended outcome. Clear goals allow the user to evaluate the AI's output critically—checking if the generated text actually serves the purpose of informing, persuading, entertaining, or inspiring. Without a defined goal, prompt engineering becomes a trial-and-error process rather than a strategic exercise.