Module 2: Your first good prompts
Give Copilot a clear brief
Allow 4 minutes. A prompt is the instruction you give Copilot. A clear brief says what to do and what to use.
Microsoft's prompt guidance uses four ingredients: goal, context, source and expectations. Add a role or an example when it helps the task. A role can guide tone; it does not give Copilot professional authority.
Build a brief you can reuse
| Ingredient | Your instruction |
|---|---|
| Goal | Draft a staff reminder. |
| Context | You are helping an office administrator in Hamilton. Readers are busy staff. |
| Source | Use only the notes I provide below. |
| Expectations | Use NZ English, a subject line and fewer than 100 words. Mark missing details as [confirm]. |
Show the style you want with an example: "Our usual opening is: 'A quick reminder for this week.'" Use an invented example, or one your team permits.
Read diagram as text
flowchart LR
A[Choose approved source] --> B[Give a clear brief]
B --> C[Review the draft]
C --> D[Ask for one change]
D --> E[Check before use]Improve one thing at a time
After the first answer, ask for a specific change: "Keep the facts. Cut this to 80 words. Use a calm tone." Compare both versions. If Copilot added a new fact, remove it or supply the correct source.
Try it: 2 minutes
Write a brief for your task from module 1. Include all four ingredients. Add one example sentence or a relevant role. Work on paper if you have no approved account.
Done when: someone else can tell which source and output you want.