Copilot prompts and creating presentations

I'm documenting my journey to create Dandelion Applied AI 's Microsoft Copilot 365 training. We're using the business version, which can be different to the version that comes with personal accounts. My first week I've looked at:

1. Answering the query 'how to use Microsoft Copilot' (taken from Answer The Public)
2. Putting ChatGPT and Copilot head-to-head on creating a presentation
3. Providing some tips on using Microsoft Copilot 365 in PowerPoint
4. Practical ways I've used Microsoft Copilot this week

We focus on AI being a tool and not replacing humans. Fully AI written content is not recommended, our approach is AI assisted content - it can do half the work. Remember to check all AI outputs for accuracy, and if you're using it to write, inject in plenty of personality.

Let us know in the comments how you're progressing with using Microsoft 365 Copilot. Suggestion for questions to answers or tasks for the head-to-head are welcome.

How to use Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot can be accessed via a web app or within different Microsoft apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel or Outlook. Access will be dependent on licences and the organisation’s setup. It is briefed using prompts, which can be a conversation, and use everyday language.

Creating effective prompts

We use DICE (Direct + Input + Context + End Result) as a simple, memorable framework for creating effective prompts. This closely aligns with Microsoft’s approach, which includes four components: Goal + Context + Expectations + Source.

• D - Direct (Goal): Clearly state what you want to achieve.
• I - Input (Source): Define the data source or key inputs needed.
• C - Context (Context): Provide details about the situation or background.
• E - End Result (Expectations): Specify the desired output format and any specific requirements.

Prompt example

Poor prompt: Write interview questions for the marketing manager role.

Better prompt: Act as an HR manager and write interview questions for the marketing manager role. Provide 20 competency-based questions to assess the criteria outlined in the job description (attached file).

There are example prompts provided by Microsoft, which can be accessed by the ‘view prompts’ icon in the Microsoft Copilot prompt box.

ChatGPT v Copilot: Create a presentation

Task summary

Create a five-slide presentation for a specific audience based on a PDF report. The presentation should contain a mix of text, picture and chart slides.

NB: our prompt is around 200 words, using the DICE format. If you'd like a copy comment or DM me.

How did they do

Overall ChatGPT did slightly better. Both ChatGPT and Copilot created a reasonable outline based on the PDF and the audience. ChatGPT’s outline flowed better, while Copilot provided more detailed speaker notes.

It could then be exported it as a basic PowerPoint. Then it needed to be manually pasted into a slide template or a design theme added, after that designer could be used to layout the slides. ChatGPT had indicated a title slide. Both were able to provide charts to add into the presentation, but the formatting was odd on Copilot’s chart. For both tools I had to ask for the chart twice.

Once in PowerPoint, Copilot was able to provide limited help. I quite often got ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t do that’ – with it explaining it was there to answer questions. That said for a slightly different task, PowerPoint Copilot offers some useful features, which could help speed up creating a presentation.

More info

Read the blog for a more detailed review and tips on better prompting for the task, including reducing the risk of hallucination.

Get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot in PowerPoint

Here are a few simple prompts to try:

• Get a first draft of a new slide: "Add a slide about <describe> for <audience> in the same style and tone as the other slides."
• Improve the structure: "Add an agenda slide"
• Check if you're getting your point across: "What are the main takeaways from this presentation?" or "Summarise this presentation"

Remember AI is there to assist not replace us, so it can help with first drafts, generate ideas and suggest improvements. We need to still be accountable to check what it produces and edit it.

Practical ways I've used it this week

Here are a couple of ways I've used it this week:

• Image creation: I tried out the Visual Creator agent (use '@Visual Creator' in the prompt box as a short cut) to make the Wizard Clippy image for the newsletter. I wanted to provide an image of Clippy to help guide it, but we seem to have lost the functionality to upload images (online it says it was on the 2024 Q4 roadmap to introduce). The images produced were ok, but didn't capture the original Clippy look. ChatGPT did the best job here (tried Midjourney as well).
• Searching for an email: I have switched to the new Outlook format and now find it difficult to find emails with attachments earlier in the chain (just me?). I'd change back, but I would lose access to Copilot. Luckily Copilot is good at finding them, so tend to now describe what I'm looking for and it gives me a link to the email.

I find myself heading to ChatGPT for more complex activities (ironically like getting feedback on this newsletter). Plus, OpenAI gave us a new 'Tasks' feature last week, which means you can now schedule it to do things. Currently I have set up a Friday Haiku for a fun test, I'm also exploring some more business applications.

Questions and comments welcome

I'd like to hear about how others are getting on with Microsoft 365 Copilot - so let me know in the comments. I'll also try to answer questions and happy to take suggestions on tasks to try.