From day one in acting classes, the concept of choosing a strong objective for a scene or monologue is introduced and stressed.  Because an objective should kick start and then drive the scene or monologue.  A powerful one enables an actor to create and follow a through line of thoughts, emotions and actions to culmination.  Yet, even after years of training and professional work, many actors simply don't know how to find an objective that works for them.  And, for them, too often, auditions particularly are frustrating.  The forward energy falters and the scene dies.  

Study the following list of objectives.  Think about them.  By no means comprehensive, still, one or more would fit any scene or monologue you do.  They can change character, becoming comedic or dramatic, positive or negative, literal or figurative.  Learn them so they are there when you are under pressure to deliver.  Add others to create your own list. 

The list of objectives.

Note how they are simple, short, strong actions.  Some may seem the same but can be subtly different.  Always use the infinitive (or to form of the verb)

To:   smother             To:   sneak             To:   steal             To:   trick             To:    hug             To:   tease             To:   hurt         
       smash                        dig                        chase                   prod                     draw                   coax                     drag
       kill                             hide                     hook                    poke                      cling                   plead                   hang
       crush                         cower                   kick                     pull                       lift up                 beg                      wring
       break                                                     push                    seduce                                                                        cut
                                                                    slam