Lab Setup:

In this module, we’ll create prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot that reference files. First, let’s upload all required files to OneDrive to ensure they’re accessible throughout the lab.

Uploading Files to OneDrive

Follow the steps below to upload all files needed to OneDrive:

  1. Log into the virtual machine provided by your tenant provider as the local Administrator account with the password Pa55w.rd.
  2. In the Windows taskbar, select Microsoft Edge.
  3. In the address bar, enter https://www.office.com.
  4. Under Welcome to Microsoft 365, select Sign in.
  5. At the Sign-in prompt, enter userx@yourtenant.onmicrosoft.com (username and tenant provided by your tenant provided) and select Next.
  6. At the Enter password screen, enter the password (provided by tenant provider) for the User account, then select Sign in.
  7. If prompted to Stay signed in, select Don’t show this again and then Yes.
  8. In Microsoft 365, select Apps.
  9. Within Apps, select OneDrive.
  10. In OneDrive, in the top-left corner, select + (add new) > File upload.
  11. In File Explorer, select This PC > Local Disk (C:) and open the ResourceFiles folder.
  12. Select all files within the ResourceFiles folder, then select Open to upload them to OneDrive.
  13. When the upload is complete, you should see Uploaded 29 items to My files in the bottom center of the screen.
  14. Leave Edge open and move on to the next task.

Referencing Files in Copilot

When using Copilot, you may find that some files aren’t immediately available in the suggestions. This occurs because certain Copilot experiences only reference files from the Most Recently Used (MRU) list, while others let you browse OneDrive directly. To ensure a file appears in the MRU list, simply open it in the relevant Microsoft 365 app, and it will be added automatically.

[!IMPORTANT] Microsoft 365 Copilot can only work with files saved to OneDrive. Files stored locally on your PC will need to be moved to OneDrive for Copilot to access them.

Introduction

For Communications professionals, the ability to deliver clear, compelling, and timely messaging is at the heart of effective engagement—both internally and externally. In today’s fast-paced, content-rich environment, Communications teams are tasked with not only crafting the right message but also ensuring that it’s delivered across the right channels, at the right time, and to the right audience.

This module introduces you to the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot. It explores how Communications professionals can use strategic prompting to streamline content creation, enhance messaging consistency, and manage workflows more efficiently. For Communications professionals, becoming proficient with Copilot isn’t just a helpful skill. It’s a transformative shift that can redefine how you approach everything from drafting executive speeches to managing corporate announcements. Whether you’re editing a press release in Word, coordinating campaign assets in SharePoint, building internal newsletters in Outlook, or preparing leadership briefings in PowerPoint, Copilot becomes a powerful extension of your Communications toolkit.

This module equips Communications professionals with the techniques and use cases needed to elevate their impact. As a professional in the Communications field, your ability to effectively use Microsoft 365 Copilot is essential for:

  • Streamlining content creation. Copilot can help draft press releases, internal memos, leadership messages, and more. For example, it can help you refine tone, restructure content, and even align copy with your brand voice.

  • Enhancing editorial workflows. Copilot supports Communications professionals in editing and reviewing high-volume content. For example, it can summarize lengthy drafts, identify inconsistencies, and suggest improvements to clarity and tone.

  • Improving stakeholder alignment. Copilot enables seamless collaboration across departments. For example, it can generate summaries from meetings or email threads to ensure your messaging stays on track and aligned with leadership priorities.

  • Optimizing communication plans. Copilot helps Communications teams organize complex projects. For example, it can help build timelines, track message approvals, and coordinate publishing schedules across platforms.

By the end of this module, you should be ready to use Copilot to lead your Communications function with greater efficiency, impact, and strategic clarity.

Copilot prompting

One of the primary keys to effectively using Copilot is the quality of your Copilot prompts. A good Copilot prompt is built around the following four key elements that make your request clear, actionable, and tailored for the best results:

  • Goal. Clearly state what you want Copilot to do. For example: “Generate three to five bullet points summarizing the latest project updates.”

  • Context. Provide background information so Copilot understands why you need this request and who or what is involved. For example: “Prepare these bullet points for a meeting with Client X about their ‘Phase 3+’ brand campaign.”

  • Sources. Specify where Copilot should look for information (documents, emails, Teams chats, and so on). For example: “Focus on emails and Teams chats since June.”

  • Expectations. Define how you want the response delivered—tone, style, or level of detail. For example: “Use simple language so I can get up to speed quickly” or “Explain it as if I were a pirate.”

Keep these four elements front and center as you practice creating prompts—they’re the foundation for getting clear, accurate, and useful results from Copilot. Implementing these elements as you write prompts in these exercises can build real-world skills, so writing effective prompts becomes second nature.