How To Write Better Copilot Prompts

In this week's newsletter, we will dive 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

There is a difference between a vague prompt and a well-constructed prompt. Here is a basic prompt: "Tell me what to do at Disney World." While the response is informative, it lacks personalization and essential 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 a 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. You can add, "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.

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