Prompting in Word and PowerPoint

1. Prompting in Word and PowerPoint

Hello again! In this video, we'll apply your prompting skills in Word and PowerPoint to draft, summarize, and format content more effectively.

2. Word and PowerPoint

Word is perfect for drafting and summarizing written content. PowerPoint is your go-to for turning ideas into structured visuals. Copilot works differently for each app, so knowing how to tailor prompts for each app will save you time and frustration.

3. Using GCSE in Word

Let's try an example in Word. From the M365 Copilot chat page, click the Apps option on the left. In this section, we can see all the available apps within M365. We can click on the Word icon, and a new browser tab will open that takes us to the Word homepage, where we can create a new blank document. Imagine you've been asked to draft a project report - a task most professionals face regularly. Instead of starting from a blank page, you can guide Copilot using the GCSE framework. Goal: Draft a one-page summary of the Q2 marketing campaign results. Context: Focus on the campaign objectives, overall reach, and engagement outcomes. Source: Use the attached file, Q2_Project Progress update dcoument. Expectation: Present the summary in a formal business tone, with clear headings for each section. That's your starting point.

4. Word output refinement

If Copilot's draft misses detail, refine by asking: "Add a short executive summary and include engagement rate as a percentage". This is the same iterative approach you practiced previously.

5. Using GCSE in PowerPoint

Now let's look at PowerPoint. Imagine you've been asked to create a launch presentation for the new EcoGreen product. Instead of starting from a blank deck, you can use Copilot's narrative builder feature. It helps you shape a storyline, modify the structure, and build a polished presentation from scratch. Goal: Create a 5-slide deck introducing the EcoGreen product. Context: Focus on product benefits, target audience, and the launch timeline. Source: Use the EcoGreen_LaunchNotes.docx file as the reference. Expectation: Present the content in a professional, polished design style. One thing to keep in mind: Copilot often starts with a title slide and then builds agenda-style bullets for each section.

6. PowerPoint output refinement

After Copilot creates the slides, don't stop there. Refinement prompts let you adjust one element at a time. For example, you could say: "Add a slide with customer testimonials" or "Make the headings more engaging". Think of this as fine-tuning. You're not rebuilding the entire deck - you're making targeted edits. You can refine visuals, like adding an image or chart, or you can refine content, like shortening text or adjusting tone.

7. Key takeaways

So let's summarize some best practices for prompting with Copilot across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Always set a clear goal that fits each app's strengths.

8. Key takeaways

Reference specific files or sections as your Source so Copilot knows exactly where to look.

9. Key takeaways

Refine outputs in small, focused steps instead of trying to fix everything at once.

10. Key takeaways

Save your most effective prompts; you'll often reuse them in similar projects.

11. Key takeaways

And finally, apply the GCSE framework for each new slide, section, or document. It keeps your prompting structured and consistent, no matter how complex the task becomes.

12. Let's practice!

Now you'll get hands-on practice with real Word and PowerPoint files using Copilot's in-app features. Good luck!

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