How To Write Better Copilot Prompts (Copilot Chronicles Ep. 1)

In this episode of Copilot Chronicles, Amelia Roberts dives into the essentials of crafting the perfect prompt for Copilot. By learning the fundamentals of prompt engineering, you can maximize the quality and relevance of the responses you receive.

Step 1: Key Elements of a Strong Prompt

There are four main components to a well-crafted prompt:

• Goal: Define what you aim to accomplish. For example: "I want to plan a family vacation to Disney World."
• Context: Provide relevant background details to help Copilot tailor its response. Example: "We are a family of four with two kids, aged 7 and 10, visiting in the summer of 2025."
• Expectations: Outline specific requirements for the response. Example: "I would like a detailed outline of top attractions for young children, family-friendly restaurants, and any special events or parades."
• Source: If necessary, specify where Copilot should gather information from. Example: "Please use the official Disney World website and recent visitor reviews."

Step 2: Testing a Simple Prompt vs. a Detailed Prompt

Amelia demonstrates the difference between a vague prompt and a well-constructed prompt. Initially, she inputs a basic prompt: "Tell me what to do at Disney World." While the response is informative, it lacks personalization and important details like age-appropriate attractions and dining suggestions.

By contrast, using a detailed prompt with all four elements yields a much more tailored response. The Copilot now provides recommendations for rides, shows, restaurants, special events, and tips specific to her family’s planned visit in the summer of 2025.

Step 3: Iterating on the Prompt

One of the powerful features of Copilot is the ability to build on existing prompts. Amelia adds, "Can you provide a schedule and locations for character meet-and-greets?" Copilot seamlessly integrates this request into the previous response, saving time and enhancing the plan.

Step 4: Final Thoughts

By using this structured approach to prompt engineering, you can significantly improve the quality of responses from Copilot. The result is a personalized, actionable, and relevant output, which saves time and enhances productivity.

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Copilot and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.