The Art of the Copilot Prompt + Copilot Tips

Artificial intelligence (AI), including analytical and generative types, has become increasingly discussed. With Microsoft Copilot's release to all customers in November 2023, these discussions have intensified, focusing on how AI, particularly Copilot, might affect our work, its potential benefits, and its capabilities.

An early application of artificial intelligence in Microsoft 365 was the Intelligent Meeting Recap functionality in Microsoft Teams. Initially introduced as a component of Teams Premium and currently accessible with Copilot licensing, (You may not need both licenses) it utilizes analytical and generative AI to compile an overview of crucial points, tasks, resolutions, and significant moments from a Teams meeting. This feature is designed to save time, foster better communication, and bolster teamwork within your group.

You can use Intelligent Meeting Recap to review the main topics and outcomes of a meeting without having to watch the entire recording. You can follow up on the recommended tasks and responsibilities assigned to you or others during the meeting. If needed, you can share the recap with people who missed the meeting or might want to refresh their memory. One of my favorite features includes the ability to search for specific information or keywords in the recap using natural language queries. I also search for my @mentions so that I can see where people mention my name, and the relevance.

Copilot has introduced a more interactive approach to data engagement, allowing users to request information like meeting recaps. It feels quite magical to have Copilot generate a bulleted list of conversation-specific items, while also considering relevant emails and Teams chats on the subject. However, as exciting as it seems, it’s clear that the effectiveness of Copilot can substantially differ based on the user's prompts.

The Art of the Prompt

In this post I hope to share with you what makes a good Copilot prompt. A good prompt will provide better results. To start, you need to understand what you can do with Copilot. Some of the most popular ways to use Copilot are to learn, edit, transform, summarize, create or catch-up. Step 1: So, consider the first step of creating a good prompt as knowing that you need to tell Copilot what you want. Tip: Think about prompting like you’re having a conversation, use plan and clear language and provide context.

Here are some examples of what you may use Copilot to do.

Step 2: Include the right prompt ingredients. Prompts should include a Goal, Context, Sources (when known) and Expectations. Tip: Much like a good recipe, good ingredients can provide better results. Writing a good prompt takes some effort, but with effort you will get better results.

Your Goal: In the example above, we ask for bullet points, but we could easily ask for 1, or 2 sentences or paragraphs. Context: The context probably is the most important part of a prompt because it defines the scope and purpose of your request. Other examples of context are definitions and constraints, that can guide Copilot to generate more accurate and relevant content. Without context, Copilot may produce generic or inappropriate responses that do not meet your expectations or goals. Source: Where is copilot looking? In the Microsoft example above, we are asking Copilot to look at Email and Teams Chats.

You could also point Copilot to a file. Tip: Use the forward slash / in your prompts to point Copilot to a file. Example: Ask Copilot, "Draft content combining /[file name], /[file name], and /[file name]." 

Expectations: Setting expectations further helps Copilot to understand your request. The Microsoft example above addresses the tone you expected, in this case simple language was requested, but maybe you want a professional tone. Tip: You can also close a prompt with expectations using some cue words. “Please use simple language so I can get up to speed quickly: Include details on X, Y and Z.

Step 3: Work together with Copilot. Continue your dialogue by building on your previous prompts. Copilot recalls your latest requests, allowing you to specify and enhance your inquiries.

For example, if you ask Copilot to draft an email based on a file, and then ask Copilot to add a call to action at the end of the email, Copilot will use the same file as a reference and the same tone as the previous email content.

Examples of Continuing the Conversation with Copilot.

If you want to reset Copilot and start a new dialogue, you can do so by changing the context or the source of your request. For example, you can point Copilot to a different file, ask Copilot to write for a different audience, or use a different format or style. Tip: You can also use phrases like "Forget the previous prompt" or "Start over" to clear the Copilot memory and begin a new dialogue.

Working with Microsoft Copilot is new. Using Copilot is an engagement of collaboration and learning. I hope this post will help you more effectively communicate with Copilot; enabling you to unlock a world of possibilities.

More on Copilot and Prompting Resources

Download the Microsoft Art of the Prompt PDF
Download the Do’s and Don’ts of Prompting PDF

Interested in learning and seeing Copilot in action?
KnowledgeWave has a Copilot series available for our Learning Site Members. We also run a monthly webinar specific to Copilot features and functionality across Microsoft 365. The webinar series showcases Copilot’s ever-increasing functionality. The KLS learning site is an affordable solution to maximize your Microsoft 365 and Copilot investment.

Call Us today! 800-831.8449 or Contact Us Today!

Bonus: Newer Copilot Features

Recently released, Copilot is now available in Outlook Desktop. You can use Copilot to summarize an email and help to draft an email. 

Also new in June, the Ability to use Copilot to summarize a PDF. Now Copilot treats the content of your PDF files like any other file. Ask Copilot, "Summarize /[PDF]." Or “Compare /[PDF1] and /[PDF2] and list the differences between them.