Write an effective prompt

Prompts are instructions that ask Microsoft Copilot Chat to create, summarize, edit, or transform content. Clear language and relevant context help Copilot Chat understand what you need.

Include the right prompt ingredients

An effective prompt can significantly enhance Copilot Chat's output, ensuring accurate and contextually appropriate responses. To get the best response, it’s important to focus on four key elements when phrasing your prompts: the context, goal, source, and expectations, as described in the following list:

1. Provide context: Why do you need it and who is involved? Provide context and details about your goal, such as preparing for a client meeting or trying to write an all-hands speech. Specify the focus, like a particular client or topic. Unlike traditional search, Chat responds best to detailed prompts.

2. Describe a goal: What do you want Chat to do? Specify the desired output, whether bullet points, an essay, an email, or a brainstorming draft. Generative AI excels at imitation, so provide examples to guide its response.

3. Define a source: Where should Chat look for information? Direct Chat to relevant sources, such as web content, text or files you provide, or organizational data available to you. Specifying the sources helps it focus its response.

1. Set expectations: How should Chat deliver the answer? State your expectations for how it should deliver its response. What audience is it aimed at? What kind of tone are you thinking for this assignment? Usually, this involves some explanation about who you are and what you’re trying to achieve.

The following diagram highlights these key elements in action:

A clear goal is the foundation of any prompt, but adding context, expectations, and sources can make Chat’s responses more accurate. Just like giving directions at work, relevant details matter. Clear, concise, and specific instructions significantly improve the quality of output—the way you structure your prompt determines the results you get.

Prompt and iterate

Effective prompting often requires iteration and conversation. Review Chat's initial response, then use follow-up prompts to clarify details or refine the output. Continue this process until the response meets your needs.

Add references to your prompts

To make your prompts more specific and actionable, you can reference files and people directly within your prompt using special symbols. These references help Chat understand the context and retrieve the most relevant information, so you spend less time explaining what you mean.

Use voice features in Chat

Voice features give you alternatives to typing prompts and reading responses. These options support hands-free workflows and make Chat more accessible.