Multi-step prompts and refinement

1. Multi-step prompts and refinement

Welcome back! In the last video, we used the GCSE framework. In this video, you'll learn to use the GSCE framework to tackle multi-step prompting, adjust tone, and refine prompts so Copilot gives you what you need.

2. Why go beyond the basics?

Sometimes your task isn't simple. Maybe you're updating a client report that needs background research, a draft, and a short leadership summary. Or prepping a team briefing in Excel, where you filter sign-in data, highlight trends, and build a chart. Breaking big tasks into smaller steps helps Copilot work more effectively.

3. Multi-step prompting

Multi-step prompting is about breaking things down. Instead of asking Copilot to do everything at once, guide it step by step. For example: "Give me a list of marketing ideas for the product launch".

4. Multi-step prompting

Then pick one idea and say: "Draft a short campaign plan around this".

5. Multi-step prompting

Finally: "Summarize the plan in five bullet points for my manager". Each step adds precision.

6. Adjusting tone and detail

You can also tell Copilot exactly how formal, casual, or detailed you want it to be. For example, you might say: "Write this summary in a formal business tone". Or you could ask: "Explain in simple terms for a non-technical audience". This is all part of the Expectation in the GCSE framework, setting the style and detail so the output fits your needs.

7. Refining prompts

Think of prompt refinement like editing a rough draft - you're improving clarity each time. After Copilot responds, you can follow up with requests like: "Make it shorter", "Add an example", or "Use bullet points instead of paragraphs". This back-and-forth is called a prompt-response loop. Refinement is what transforms a rough first attempt into something polished and truly useful.

8. Example in Word

Let's walk through an example together. You've recently joined the EcoGreen launch team, and your manager has asked you to share regular updates with the wider group. This week, you need to draft a short internal newsletter highlighting recent EcoGreen project progress. Your goal is clear: capture the latest progress in a way the team can quickly understand. The context is that this newsletter should include completed milestones, upcoming deadlines, and a short "team spotlight" section to keep it engaging. For the source, we'll use the attached document, EcoGreen_ProjectNotes document, so Copilot has accurate details from which to work. Finally, the expectation is that the output should be formatted with headings and subheadings, and the tone should be friendly and engaging, just like an internal team update. After Copilot generates the draft, you could refine it by saying: "Add a short motivational quote at the top."

9. Example in Excel

Let's look at another example in Excel. Imagine you're preparing a team briefing on EcoGreen's event registrations. First, you might ask Copilot: "Show total registrations by region as a summary table". Next, refine your request: "Now display the same data in a pie chart". Then follow up: "Create a bar chart instead, sorted high to low". By comparing two different visualizations of the same data, you can see which chart communicates the trend more clearly.

10. Multi-step vs. refinement

Multi-step prompting helps you build a precise, complete analysis by guiding Copilot step by step. It's about tackling a bigger task in smaller stages, like building blocks. Refinement, on the other hand, is what you do once you already have a draft. That's where you polish it; making it shorter, changing the tone, or adding details until it's just right. Think of it this way: multi-step prompting is about how you get there, and refinement is how you finish.

11. Let's practice!

Now it's time to practice these prompting skills directly in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app.

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