Quick Start Guide to Prompting with Microsoft Copilot 365

A Few Points to Keep in Mind 

  • Review and verify responses you get from Copilot.  Copilot is built upon Large Language Models (LLMs), advanced tools designed to predict and generate text. Occasionally, Copilot responses can include incorrect content, due to the vast and diverse nature of LLMs.  Evaluate Copilot’s responses and cross-reference with trusted sources when needed.

  • Using the same prompt multiple times can result in different responses. LLMs are built upon neural network, which introduces some randomness. Even with the same input prompt, most likely, you will get slightly different results each time.

  • Use Copilot in a respectful, ethical, and lawful manner. Avoid using Copilot for any purpose that might cause harm to yourself or others.

Copilot prompts are instructions or questions you use to tell Copilot what you want. Prompts can include four parts: the goal, context, expectations, and source.
  • Goal What do you Copilot? e.g. I want a list of 3-5 bullet points to prepare me...
  • Context Why do you need it and who is involved? e.g. ...for an upcoming meeting that focuses on the current state and what we're looking to achieve.
  • Expectation  How should Copilot best respond to fulfill your request? e.g. Respond with a tone that is friendly but authoritative...
  • Source What information or examples do you want Copilot to use? e.g. ...and focus on email and Teams chats over the last two weeks.

Ready to be Inspired?

Visit Microsoft's Prompts to try webpage.