Edition Six
How to Unlock the Full Potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot
A guide for users who want to leverage the power of generative AI to transform their work
Microsoft 365 Copilot is a revolutionary tool that uses generative AI to help you create high-quality content in minutes. Whether you need to create a document, a presentation, a blog post, or summarise your meetings, Copilot can assist you with smart suggestions and relevant examples. All you need to do is provide a prompt that describes what you want to create, and Copilot will generate the output for you.
But how can you make the most of this amazing technology? How can you craft effective prompts that elicit the best results from Copilot? How can you use Copilot to enhance your productivity, creativity, and knowledge? And how can you overcome the common challenges that might prevent you from adopting Copilot successfully?
In this article, we will answer these questions and share some expert tips for getting the most out of Microsoft 365 Copilot. We will also share some real-world statistics and personal examples that showcase how Copilot is transforming the workplace for users.
Best practices for crafting effective prompts, including do's and don'ts
One of the most important skills for using Copilot effectively is crafting good prompts. A prompt is a short text that describes what you want Copilot to generate for you. The quality of your prompt will directly affect the quality of the output that Copilot produces. A good prompt should be clear, specific, and relevant, while a bad prompt should be avoided, as it can lead to inaccurate, irrelevant, or inappropriate output.
- Provide enough context and detail to help Copilot understand your goal and intent.
- Use natural language and proper grammar and punctuation.
- Use examples, keywords, or templates to guide Copilot's generation.
- Check the output for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness, and provide feedback to Copilot if needed.
- Provide too much or too little information, as it can confuse or overwhelm Copilot.
- Use jargon, slang, abbreviations, or symbols that Copilot might not recognise or interpret correctly.
- Use vague, generic, or ambiguous terms that Copilot might interpret differently than you.
- Accept the output blindly, without verifying or editing it, as it might contain errors, inconsistencies, or biases.
Real-world examples illustrating the difference between basic and detailed prompts, and the impact on output quality.
Writing a document about the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for business customers and partners.
Basic prompt
Write a document about the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Output
Copilot generates a generic and vague document that lists some common benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot, such as saving time, improving quality, and enhancing creativity. The document does not address the specific needs or interests of business customers and partners, and does not provide any evidence or examples to support the claims.
Detailed prompt
Write a document about the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot for business customers and partners, focusing on how it can help them create high-quality content for various scenarios, such as marketing, sales, development, and research. Provide statistics, testimonials, and case studies to illustrate the benefits.
Output
Copilot generates a specific and relevant document that addresses the needs and interests of business customers, and provides statistics, testimonials, and case studies to illustrate the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot. The document covers various scenarios where Copilot can help and explains how Copilot can help them achieve their goals and solve their challenges.
Writing a blog post about the latest features and updates of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Basic prompt
Write a blog post about the latest features and updates of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Output
Copilot generates a bland and boring blog post that simply lists the latest features and updates of Microsoft 365 Copilot, without explaining what they are, how they work, or why they are useful. The blog post does not engage the readers or encourage them to try the new features and updates.
Detailed prompt
Write a blog post about the latest features and updates of Microsoft 365 Copilot, highlighting how they can help users create better content, faster and easier. Use a friendly and conversational tone, and include screenshots, examples, and tips to show the readers how to use the new features and updates.
Output
Copilot generates a lively and engaging blog post that highlights how the latest features and updates of Microsoft 365 Copilot can help users create better content, faster and easier. The blog post uses a friendly and conversational tone, and includes screenshots, examples, and tips to show the readers how to use the new features and updates. The blog post also invites the readers to share their feedback and suggestions and encourages them to try the new features and updates.
The broader benefits of M365 Copilot, such as development assistance and acting as an intelligent, always-available resource, reducing the need for traditional search engines
Intelligent, always-available resource: Copilot can act as an intelligent, always-available resource, by providing you with answers, insights, and suggestions for any topic or question you might have. Copilot can help you research, study, and learn new things, by giving you relevant and reliable information, sources, and references. Copilot can help you explore, discover, and create new possibilities, by giving you inspiration, ideas, and alternatives. Copilot can also help you communicate, collaborate, and share your work, by giving you feedback, comments, and recommendations.
Reduced need for traditional search engines: Copilot can reduce the need for traditional search engines, by giving you direct and personalised access to the vast knowledge and information that is available on the web. Copilot can save you time and effort, by giving you the most relevant and useful results, without requiring you to type keywords, browse through pages, or filter through ads. Copilot can enhance your experience and satisfaction, by giving you the most accurate and appropriate results, without exposing you to irrelevant, outdated, or biased information.
Expert examples of how M365 Copilot enhances productivity
As a user of Microsoft 365 Copilot, I have personally experienced how Copilot enhances my productivity and helps me achieve more and do better every day. Here are some personal examples of how Copilot has helped me with my work:
1.
→ Using Copilot to quickly learn and share new information with the sales team
As a Workspace Specialist, I need to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and solutions that are relevant to our customers and teams. Copilot helps me quickly learn and share new information with my sales team, by providing me with concise and comprehensive summaries, reports, and presentations on any topic or question I might have. For example, when I wanted to learn more about the benefits of generative AI for business, I simply asked Copilot to write a summary for me, and Copilot generated a clear and informative summary that I could easily share with my sales team.
2.
→ Transforming Microsoft tutorial videos into sales enablement decks in under 30 minutes
As a Workspace Specialist, I need to provide my sales team with effective and engaging sales enablement materials that can help them sell solutions to their customers and prospects. Copilot helps me transform Microsoft tutorial videos into sales enablement decks in under 30 minutes, by providing me with relevant and attractive slides, bullet points, and images that capture the key messages and features of the solutions.
3.
→ Attending and summarising meetings you can't attend in person, boosting productivity and ensuring you stay informed
As a Workspace Specialist, I need to attend and participate in various meetings with my customers, prospects, partners, and colleagues. However, sometimes I can't attend all the meetings in person, due to scheduling conflicts, travel restrictions, or other reasons. Copilot helps me attend and summarise meetings I can't attend in person, by providing me with accurate and concise transcripts, notes, and action items that capture the main points and outcomes of the meetings.
Expert Reflection
"In my own experience, M365 Copilot has become an indispensable tool. Whether it’s generating insightful reports, creating engaging presentations, or keeping up with meetings I couldn’t attend, Copilot has consistently enhanced my productivity. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a catalyst for achieving more in less time.
By embracing Microsoft 365 Copilot, you’re not just adopting a piece of technology; you’re unlocking a world of possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and success in your business endeavours"
Volkan Bilgic, Workspace Solution Specialist, Ultima
