Prompting 101

Think about the last vague request someone sent you at work. You probably had to ask what they needed, who it was for, and which document they meant. Copilot has the same problem, except it can't read the room or fill in the missing context safely.

This module gives you a practical way to write the request. Over five lessons, you'll work with the four elements in Microsoft's guidance, learn how to correct a weak first answer with focused follow-ups, and use distinct patterns for summarizing, analyzing, creating, and editing. The examples work across Copilot surfaces, from Chat to Excel. You'll also build a small library so the prompts that have passed your checks are easy to find next time.

Good phrasing doesn't make Copilot infallible. An answer may read smoothly and still contain a false statement. Each lesson therefore pairs the prompt pattern with a source check you can run before the output reaches a colleague or informs a decision.

You'll finish every lesson with a prompt you can copy and test in your own work.