Writing effective prompts is the key to unlocking the full potential of Copilot. Just as there are best practices for clear communication with people, there are techniques to help you craft prompts that get you more precise results from Copilot. Here are some of our top tips for writing effective prompts.
Copilot prompting and why it’s important
Microsoft Copilot prompting refers to the process of giving structured instructions (or “prompts”) to Microsoft Copilot—an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more. Effective prompting helps users get better AI-generated responses, whether for document creation, data analysis, coding, or business insights. Prompting is important as it can save time, enhance productivity, improve accuracy and helps users unlock the full potential of Copilot, from generating creative content to automating workflows.
Provide clear and detailed instructions
A well-structured prompt should include your goal (what you want Copilot to do), relevant context, specific instructions on how Copilot should respond, and any necessary reference materials (such as a file or email). Consider the difference between these two prompts:
Prompt 1: Write a blog post about recent trends in cyber security
Prompt 2: Craft a 1,500-word blog post for a general audience interested in cyber security trends this year. Focus on benefits of good cyber security practices in the workplace. Include real-world examples, innovative technologies, and insights from reputable sources. Conclude with a reflection on the importance of these practices and a call for collective efforts to embrace them.
The second prompt provides much more guidance, leading to a richer, more focused response.
Structure your prompts
The sequence of instructions in your prompt affects Copilot’s response. Later parts of a prompt tend to be emphasized more than earlier ones. Experimenting with different structures can help you refine your results. For example:
Prompt 1 (instruction-context-example): Craft a blog post outlining the benefits of meditation. Meditation has been a practice for centuries and is known for reducing stress. For instance, mindfulness meditation has shown positive effects on mental health.
Prompt 2 (context-example-instruction): Meditation has been a practice for centuries and is known for reducing stress. Mindfulness meditation, for example, has shown positive effects on mental health. Given this, craft a blog post outlining the benefits of meditation. Try both approaches and observe the differences in the generated responses.
Use positive instructions
Copilot is designed to take action, so telling it what to do is more effective than telling it what not to do. If you need to refine a response, consider using “if-then” instructions for clarity and specificity.
Refine your prompts
Your first result may not always be the best. If the output isn’t quite right, tweak your prompt and try again. Here’s an example of how refining a prompt improves the response:
Round 1: Write about advancements in cyber security services
Round 2: Write a technical article discussing recent advancements in cyber security for a non technical audience
Round 3: Compose a detailed article for non technical users, exploring recent advancements and innovations in cyber security. Discuss the principles behind these technologies, their efficiency improvements, and real-world applications. Refer to recent industry reports for accurate and up-to-date information.
Each iteration adds more specificity and guidance, leading to a more useful and accurate output.
Review and verify Copilot’s responses
Copilot is powered by Large Language Models (LLMs), which generate responses based on patterns in data. While highly sophisticated, LLMs can produce biased, incorrect, or inappropriate content. Always review and fact-check the responses to ensure accuracy and appropriateness before using them.
Writing well-structured prompts is an essential skill for maximising Copilot’s capabilities. By including detailed instructions, structuring prompts effectively, using positive guidance, iterating when needed, and verifying responses, you can achieve more precise and useful results. If you would like to know more about effective prompt writing or about how Copilot could benefit your business, contact our team who can help.
