Crafting Great Prompts with Microsoft Copilot

Looking to sharpen your prompt engineering skills and get hands-on with Microsoft 365 Copilot? Join us at our upcoming Prompt-a-thon, an interactive, expert-led session designed to help you craft powerful prompts that drive results. Learn more and register here →

1. What is a Prompt?

Prompts are the sentences or phrases you use to ask Microsoft Copilot to do something for you, such as creating, summarising, editing, or transforming content. Think of prompting as having a conversation with an assistant, using plain but clear language and providing context.

Prompts are crucial when working with Copilot, as they are the main mechanism for interacting with the tool. By explaining the work, you are trying to accomplish, you can guide Copilot to provide the most relevant and helpful responses.

Example prompts:

2. Anatomy of a Good Prompt

A good prompt includes four key elements: Goal, Context, Source, and Expectations.

• Goal: What response do you want from Copilot? This is the type of response you want Copilot to give you.
• Context: Why do you need it and who is involved? Providing additional context helps Copilot understand the background and purpose of the request.
• Source: What information sources or samples should Copilot use? Including sources ensures that Copilot has the necessary information to generate accurate responses.
• Expectations: How should Copilot respond to best meet your expectations? Setting clear expectations helps Copilot provide responses that align with your needs.

Basic prompt:

“Write an abstract for the attached article”

Good prompt:

“Write an abstract for the attached article so that it aligns with the submission guidelines for the Educational Technology Research and Development journal found at https://link.springer.com/journal/11423/submission-guidelines. Limit the abstract to 150-250 words and include a brief description of the problem or issue, research methods and design, findings, and any implications for the research”

 

3. Three Steps for Crafting Prompts

Crafting effective prompts involves three key steps:

• (1) Tell Copilot what you need (Goal):
  Clearly state what you want Copilot to do.

Example:
“Draft a detailed set of project goals for a generative AI chatbot for the IT Help Desk.”

• (2) Include additional prompt elements (Context, Source, Expectations): Provide context, sources, and set expectations to guide Copilot’s response.

Example:
“Draft a detailed set of 3 SMART project goals for a generative AI chatbot for the IT Help Desk that reduces incoming call volume about resetting passwords. Each SMART goal must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Write each goal in a complete sentence using scientific language. Include ways to measure each goal and sample timeframes that can be realistically followed.

• (3) Keep the conversation going (Iterate and follow up): Engage in a back-and-forth conversation with Copilot to refine and improve the response.

Example:
“Now create a table and add a column of Microsoft tools that can be used to measure each SMART goal to the previous response.”

 

4. Prompting DOs and DON’Ts

DOs:

DON’Ts:

5. Further reading

• Copilot Prompt Gallery
• Create effective prompts for generative AI training tools – Training | Microsoft Learn
• Seven Tips for Having a Great Conversation with Copilot

 

6. Getting the most out of M365

Ready to get the most out of your Microsoft 365 investment? Connect with our Microsoft Sales Specialist to explore the latest tools and features in M365, discover new Microsoft Surface devices, and unlock the benefits of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Let’s ensure you’re getting the best value for your business. Click here to request a meeting with our Microsoft Sales Specialist

 

7. Upcoming events

• • Prompt-a-thon
    Craft powerful prompts that drive results
    4-hour workshop at Stott Hoare
    Learn more and register here →
  • M365 Agents
    Learn how to build, customise, and deploy Copilot Agents
    1-hour webinar via Teams
    Learn more and register here →
  • Experience Microsoft Surface
    Get hands-on with the next generation of devices and modern workplace solutions
    2-hour technology showcase at Stott Hoare
    Learn more and register here →