What makes a good prompt

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Copilot by crafting clear, detailed prompts. Good prompts lead to better results, saving you time and improving the quality of your work.

Start with Your Goal

Begin by stating what you want Copilot to do. Be specific about the output you need, such as:

  • Draft an email
  • Create a presentation slide
  • Generate a list of items

Provide Context

Help Copilot understand the situation by including relevant details:

  • Why you need this content
  • Who else is involved
  • Any background information that matters

Set Expectations

Guide Copilot on how to respond by adding:

  • Desired length (short summary, detailed explanation)
  • Format (bullet points, paragraph, table)
  • Tone (formal, friendly, persuasive)

Include Sources

If you want Copilot to reference specific information, point it to:

  • Chats or emails
  • Documents
  • Site pages

Keep the Conversation Going

Your first prompt doesn’t have to be perfect. Treat it as the start of a dialogue—follow up with clarifications or additional details to refine the output.