MS-4005: Craft effective prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot

MS-4005: Craft Effective Prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Course Overview

Master the art of prompt engineering for Microsoft 365 Copilot with this comprehensive AI-agent-led course. Learn to write effective prompts that maximize Copilot's capabilities across Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, and Copilot Chat. This hands-on training focuses on the four essential elements of successful prompts: Goal, Context, Source, and Expectations.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

  • Business Professionals using Microsoft 365 daily
  • Knowledge Workers seeking to enhance productivity with AI
  • Content Creators developing documents, presentations, and communications
  • Data Analysts working with Excel and business intelligence
  • Project Managers coordinating team communications and documentation
  • Executive Assistants managing correspondence and presentations
  • Marketing Teams creating campaigns and analytical reports
  • Anyone looking to leverage AI for improved workplace efficiency

Prerequisites

  • Active Microsoft 365 subscription with Copilot access
  • Basic familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
  • No prior AI or prompt engineering experience required
  • Computer with internet access and modern web browser

Course Duration & Format

  • Duration: 4 lessons (self-paced with AI instructor guidance)
  • Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Format: Interactive AI-agent-led training with hands-on exercises
  • Delivery: Online with integrated lab environment
  • Languages: English

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand Copilot fundamentals across all Microsoft 365 applications
Write effective prompts using the four key elements framework
Create content from scratch using Copilot in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Transform and enhance existing content with targeted prompts
Analyze and query data effectively using natural language
Troubleshoot common prompt issues and refine results
Apply best practices for different use cases and scenarios
Maximize productivity through AI-assisted workflows

Course Structure

Lesson 1: Get Started with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Foundation Building

  • Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot across applications
  • Understanding the four elements of effective prompts (Goal, Context, Source, Expectations)
  • Exercise 1: Simplify and extract key information in Word
  • Exercise 2: Identify key information and summarize in PowerPoint
  • Exercise 3: Spot trends and visualize data in Excel
  • Hands-on practice with real-world scenarios

Lesson 2: Creating Information with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Content Generation Mastery

  • Moving from blank page to first draft efficiently
  • Crafting prompts for different content types and audiences
  • Exercise 1: Draft cover letters, marketing plans, and outlines in Word
  • Exercise 2: Build presentations from reference documents in PowerPoint
  • Exercise 3: Create emails, replies, and meeting agendas in Outlook
  • Exercise 4: Brainstorm ideas and reports with Copilot Chat
  • Advanced prompt techniques for content creation

Lesson 3: Transforming and Enhancing Data with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Content Optimization

  • Enhancing existing content rather than starting from scratch
  • Restructuring, reformatting, and refining documents
  • Exercise 1: Write, organize, and transform content in Word
  • Exercise 2: Add slides and organize presentations in PowerPoint
  • Exercise 3: Format, sort, and highlight data in Excel
  • Exercise 4: Rewrite and refine emails in Outlook
  • Chaining prompts for complex transformations

Lesson 4: Asking, Analyzing, and Querying Data with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Data Intelligence

  • Extracting insights from existing documents and data
  • Asking targeted questions for analysis and recommendations
  • Exercise 1: Ask for help and recommendations in Word
  • Exercise 2: Reorganize presentations for executive audiences in PowerPoint
  • Exercise 3: Analyze tables and generate formulas in Excel
  • Exercise 4: Analyze webinars and summarize notes in OneNote
  • Advanced querying techniques for business intelligence

Key Features of This Course

AI-Agent-Led Instruction

  • Personalized Learning: AI instructor adapts to your pace and learning style
  • Real-time Feedback: Immediate guidance on prompt effectiveness
  • Interactive Conversations: Ask questions and get instant clarification
  • 24/7 Availability: Learn when convenient for your schedule

Hands-On Lab Environment

  • Integrated Practice: Built-in exercises with real Microsoft 365 applications
  • Safe Learning Space: Practice without affecting your production environment
  • Immediate Application: Test prompts and see results instantly
  • Progressive Difficulty: Exercises build from basic to advanced scenarios

Practical Business Scenarios

  • Real-world Examples: Marketing reports, sales presentations, financial analysis
  • Industry-relevant Content: Scenarios applicable across business functions
  • Immediate Applicability: Skills you can use immediately in your work
  • Best Practice Templates: Proven prompt structures for common tasks

Applications and Use Cases Covered

Microsoft Word

  • Document summarization and key information extraction
  • Content creation from reference materials
  • Document restructuring and formatting
  • Writing assistance and recommendations
  • Report analysis and improvement suggestions

Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Slide summarization and content extraction
  • Presentation creation from source documents
  • Slide organization and restructuring
  • Executive-level content formatting
  • Visual content enhancement

Microsoft Excel

  • Data trend identification and visualization
  • Formula generation and analysis
  • Table formatting and organization
  • Performance data analysis
  • Chart and graph creation

Microsoft Outlook

  • Email drafting and refinement
  • Meeting agenda creation
  • Communication tone adjustment
  • Reply optimization
  • Professional correspondence enhancement

Microsoft OneNote

  • Note summarization and analysis
  • Content organization and structuring
  • Performance data interpretation
  • Meeting and webinar analysis

Microsoft Copilot Chat

  • Brainstorming and idea generation
  • Cross-application content creation
  • Complex query processing
  • Multi-step task planning

Business Benefits

Organizations investing in this training will see:

  • Increased Productivity: 40-60% reduction in time spent on routine tasks
  • Enhanced Content Quality: More professional, consistent communications
  • Improved Decision Making: Better data analysis and insights
  • Reduced Learning Curve: Faster adoption of AI tools across teams
  • Standardized AI Usage: Consistent, effective prompting practices
  • Cost Efficiency: Maximize ROI on Microsoft 365 Copilot investment

Assessment and Certification

  • Progressive Assessments: Knowledge checks after each lesson
  • Hands-on Evaluations: Practical prompt writing exercises
  • Real-world Scenarios: Applied learning with business contexts
  • Completion Certificate: Proof of prompt engineering competency
  • Skill Validation: Demonstrate effective Copilot usage

Advanced Techniques Covered

Prompt Engineering Fundamentals

  • Four-element Framework: Goal, Context, Source, Expectations
  • Prompt Chaining: Multi-step complex operations
  • Context Optimization: Providing relevant background information
  • Output Formatting: Specifying desired result structure

Application-Specific Strategies

  • Word: Document analysis, content creation, and enhancement
  • PowerPoint: Slide organization, visual formatting, audience targeting
  • Excel: Data analysis, formula creation, trend identification
  • Outlook: Communication optimization, tone adjustment, professional formatting
  • OneNote: Note organization, summarization, insight extraction

Troubleshooting and Optimization

  • Common Prompt Issues: Identification and resolution
  • Result Refinement: Iterative improvement techniques
  • Performance Optimization: Efficient prompt structures
  • Error Handling: Recovering from unsuccessful prompts

 

Category: Business and Productivity
Level: Foundational
Course Code: MS-4005
Duration: 6h 0m
Price: $99.99 for 6 months
Tokens Required: 1
Access Duration: 6 months
Lab Environment: ✓ Included
MS-4005: Craft effective prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot Achievement Badge
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Course Curriculum

Lesson 1: Get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot, Explore the possibilities with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Optimize and extend Microsoft 365 Copilot
Estimated Duration: 1 h 30 m

Hands-On Exercises

Exercise 1: Simplify and extract key information with Copilot in Word
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word to summarize and extract insights from a market analysis report. You'll learn how to refine your prompts by adding context, specifying document sections, and setting clear expectations—transforming basic prompts into precise instructions that deliver more focused and useful responses.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 2: Identify key information and summarize with Copilot in PowerPoint
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint to summarize specific sections of a presentation. You'll learn how to craft prompts that guide Copilot to focus on the right slides, apply professional formatting, and tailor the summary for a business audience—enhancing your ability to generate clear and actionable insights from visual content.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 3: Spot trends and visualize data with Copilot in Excel
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel to analyze product sales data and identify key trends. You'll learn how to structure prompts that specify the data scope, set clear analysis goals, and define expected output—enabling Copilot to deliver targeted summaries, insights, and visualizations based on your Excel tables.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Lesson 2: Creating information with Microsoft Copilot

Identify the key elements of an effective prompt and apply them to your own prompts.
Use Copilot to create new agendas, to-do lists, project plans, and more from Word, Excel, and OneNote.
Ask Copilot in Outlook to draft new emails, compose replies, and plan meetings.
Prompt Microsoft 365 Copilot to generate new ideas, new content, and FAQs from existing files.
Estimated Duration: 1 h 30 m

Hands-On Exercises

Exercise 1: Draft cover letters, marketing plans, and outlines with Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word to create marketing proposals and other professional documents. You'll practice refining your prompts by including a clear goal, relevant context, supporting source material, and specific expectations—enabling Copilot to produce structured, persuasive, and audience-appropriate drafts with minimal revision.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 2: Drafting content with Power Point
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint to generate a new presentation based on product and market data. You'll learn how to craft prompts that include a clear purpose, reference supporting documents, and define the structure and tone—enabling Copilot to create professional, audience-focused slides tailored to your goals.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 3: Draft emails, replies, and meeting agendas with Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook and Copilot Chat to create professional emails and structured meeting agendas. You'll refine your prompts by adding recipient context, relevant source information, and tone guidelines—helping Copilot generate communication that is accurate, empathetic, and action-ready for client and team interactions.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 4: Brainstorm new ideas, lists, and reports with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat to brainstorm meeting agendas and generate structured content from source documents. You'll learn how to refine your prompts by clearly stating the goal, referencing supporting files, and setting expectations for structure and tone—enabling Copilot to deliver actionable plans and well-organized outputs ready for collaboration.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Lesson 3: Transforming and enhancing data with Microsoft Copilot

Identify the key elements of an effective prompt and apply them to your own prompts.
Organize outlines and content in Word documents with Copilot.
Convert text to tables and write more confidently with Copilot in Word.
Add images, slides, and organize your presentation with Copilot in PowerPoint.
Format, sort, filter, and highlight data with Copilot in Excel.
Rewrite messages with Coaching by Copilot in New Outlook.
Estimated Duration: 1 h 30 m

Hands-On Exercises

Exercise 1: Write, organize, and transform content using Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word to transform plain text into a structured table that clearly communicates employee benefits. You'll learn to write prompts that specify your transformation goal, document source, and formatting expectations—enabling Copilot to reorganize content in a clear, reader-friendly way.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 2: Add images, slides, and organize your presentation using Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint to expand and organize a slide deck with relevant visual content. You'll practice refining prompts that define the slide’s purpose, pull insights from source slides, and format the output using concise, audience-focused design principles.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 3: Format, sort, filter, and highlight data using Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel to sort and highlight key performance data from a campaign spreadsheet. You'll learn to build prompts that combine goals, context, source tables, and formatting expectations—guiding Copilot to execute multi-step actions like filtering and spotlighting top performers.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 4: Rewrite messages and replies for tone using Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Outlook to improve the tone, clarity, and professionalism of your emails. You'll explore the Copilot Coaching and Draft tools, practicing how to guide the AI with clear improvement goals, tone adjustments, and structured expectations to produce more effective communication.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Lesson 4: Asking, analyzing and querying data with Microsoft Copilot

Identify the key elements of an effective prompt and apply them to your own prompts.
Ask Copilot how to accomplish a task in Microsoft 365 apps.
Use Copilot to answer questions and provide insights about documents, presentations, tables, and notes.
Use Microsoft 365 Copilot to ask about projects, documents, and data throughout your organization.
Estimated Duration: 1 h 30 m

Hands-On Exercises

Exercise 1: Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word for help and recommendations
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Word to review a market analysis report and evaluate whether it includes a strong call to action. You'll learn how to ask targeted questions by specifying your goal, providing document context, and setting expectations—helping Copilot deliver recommendations to strengthen business communication.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 2: Get design and organization tips with Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint to reorganize a presentation for an executive product review. You’ll guide Copilot using prompts that identify the goal of the presentation, link to supporting product documentation, and define how to structure slides with key features, benefits, and comparisons.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 3: Analyze and work with tables using Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel to create a formula that calculates campaign engagement. You'll refine prompts to include source column references, the calculation goal, and formatting expectations—allowing Copilot to generate accurate, actionable metrics for data-driven decisions.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Exercise 4: Ask questions about your notes using Microsoft 365 Copilot in OneNote
In this exercise, you'll use Microsoft 365 Copilot in OneNote to analyze notes from recent webinars. You'll craft prompts that request summaries and comparisons based on engagement and attendance data—training Copilot to surface top-performing events and their key takeaways for business reviews.
Estimated Time: 30 minutes