Prompting: How to get the most out of Copilot

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is based on a powerful large language model (LLM) that is capable of understanding and generating human language. A particular advantage of Copilot is its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps and the data stored there. For example, you can retrieve information from documents, emails, presentations and other internal data sources without leaving the application. Your privacy is protected, as your company data is not used for external training purposes.

A prompt is essentially a specific instruction or question that you give to an AI system such as Copilot in order to receive a precise and helpful response. Think of a prompt as a detailed request in which you clearly communicate what you expect from the AI. A well-thought-out prompt leads to better results, as the AI can better understand and respond to your request.

To get the most out of Copilot for Microsoft 365, it's important to carefully craft your prompts. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Clear goal
   : A good prompt should have a clear goal. Before you make a request, think carefully about what result you expect. This helps the AI understand your intention and respond accordingly.
   
   For example: Hey Copilot, please create an argument for why our company should implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 in all departments.
    
2. Context information
   : The more complex your request is, the more important it is to provide the relevant context. This may include specialist knowledge or background information that the AI should take into account.
   
   For example: Hey Copilot, please create an argument for our management team as to why our company should implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 in all departments. This specifically concerns the use of Copilot in development, project management, human resources, sales and marketing.
    
3. Precision
   : Formulate your prompt as precisely as possible. Avoid ambiguities that could confuse the AI. Technical terms should only be used if they contribute to clarity.
   
   For example: Hey Copilot, please create an argument for our management team as to why our company should implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 in all departments. This specifically concerns the use of Copilot in development, project management, human resources, sales and marketing. Assume that the management team is familiar with the term Copilot, but does not know exactly how it works.
    
4. Expectations
   : Specify the style and tone in which the response should be written. This helps Copilot to match the desired writing style.
   
   For example: Hey Copilot, please create an argument for our management team as to why our company should implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 in all departments. This particularly concerns the use of Copilot in development, project management, human resources, sales and marketing. Assume that the management is familiar with the term Copilot, but does not know exactly how it works. Write the text in a professional style and with a friendly, factual tone.
    
5. Source reference
   If your request requires specific sources or data, please indicate this clearly.
   
   For example: Hey Copilot, please create an argument for our management team as to why our company should implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 in all departments. This particularly concerns the use of Copilot in development, project management, human resources, sales and marketing. Assume that the management team is familiar with the term Copilot but does not know exactly how it works. Write the text in a professional style with a friendly, factual tone. Use the results of our Copilot test group from the attached Word document.

A well-thought-out prompt can make the difference between a response that meets your expectations and one that falls far short. By following the tips and guidelines below, you can significantly improve the quality of the content generated and ensure that the AI understands and implements your requirements as accurately as possible.

Two:

• Engage in conversation: Provide Copilot with feedback on the quality of its responses so that the AI can better understand your preferences.
• Use examples: Use clear example sentences in quotation marks to show the AI what you have in mind.
• Pay attention to spelling and grammar: Correct spelling and grammar help the AI generate better quality answers.

Don'ts:

• Avoid slang and jargon: This can lead to inappropriate or unprofessional responses.
• Avoid contradictory instructions: Multiple or contradictory pieces of information in a prompt can confuse the AI and lead to poor results.
• Do not abruptly interrupt the conversation: abrupt changes of topic disrupt the writing process. Complete one task before starting a new one.

Useful tips for working with AI

• Always use AI responsibly: Ensure that the use of AI always follows ethical, respectful and lawful principles.
• Check and verify the AI's answers: AI systems are powerful, but not infallible. Therefore, critically check the accuracy of the generated answers.
• The same prompt can generate different responses: Due to the way large language models (LLMs) work and evolve, the results can vary for identical prompts.