4.2 Add Background and Audience

After defining a goal, add background the AI cannot know by itself. Time, place, existing decisions, available budget, and required rules can all change the result.

Also identify the audience—the people who will ultimately read or use the content. A management update emphasizes conclusions, figures, and next steps. Instructions for new staff explain an unfamiliar process. An explanation for children needs familiar words and concrete comparisons.

Include only background that affects the result

More background is not automatically better. Unrelated old discussion occupies context and can introduce confusion. To decide whether a detail belongs, ask: “Would the result change significantly or become error-prone without it?”

Do not make AI guess essential facts. If the date is unknown, say “date pending; mark it as unconfirmed,” or ask AI to clarify first. Treating an unknown as unknown is safer than generating a complete-looking false detail.