> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://academy.pathfindr.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reading Material

> A practical, easy-to-follow guide for getting the best results from prompting in Copilot.

export const Quiz = ({question, options, correctIndex, explanation}) => {
  const [selected, setSelected] = useState(null);
  const [showResult, setShowResult] = useState(false);
  const handleSelect = index => {
    if (showResult) return;
    setSelected(index);
    setShowResult(true);
  };
  const isCorrect = selected === correctIndex;
  return <div className="my-8 p-6 rounded-2xl border border-zinc-200 dark:border-zinc-700 bg-gradient-to-br from-zinc-50 to-white dark:from-zinc-900 dark:to-zinc-800 shadow-sm">
      <div className="flex items-center gap-3 mb-4">
        <div className="flex items-center justify-center w-10 h-10 rounded-xl bg-blue-100 dark:bg-blue-900/40">
          <span className="text-xl">📝</span>
        </div>
        <div className="flex flex-col">
          <p className="font-semibold text-zinc-800 dark:text-zinc-100 m-0">Knowledge Check</p>
          <p className="text-xs text-zinc-500 dark:text-zinc-400 mt-0.5 m-0">Select the best answer</p>
      </div>
      </div>
      
      <p className="text-zinc-700 dark:text-zinc-200 font-medium mb-5 text-lg leading-relaxed">{question}</p>
      
      <div className="space-y-3">
        {options.map((option, index) => {
    const isSelected = selected === index;
    const isCorrectOption = index === correctIndex;
    let optionStyles = "border-zinc-200 dark:border-zinc-600 hover:border-blue-400 hover:bg-blue-50 dark:hover:bg-blue-900/20";
    if (showResult) {
      if (isCorrectOption) {
        optionStyles = "border-green-500 bg-green-50 dark:bg-green-900/30";
      } else if (isSelected && !isCorrectOption) {
        optionStyles = "border-red-500 bg-red-50 dark:bg-red-900/30";
      } else {
        optionStyles = "border-zinc-200 dark:border-zinc-700 opacity-60";
      }
    }
    return <button key={index} onClick={() => handleSelect(index)} disabled={showResult} className={`w-full text-left p-4 rounded-xl border-2 transition-all duration-200 ${optionStyles} ${!showResult && 'cursor-pointer'} ${showResult && 'cursor-default'}`}>
              <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
                <div className={`flex-shrink-0 w-6 h-6 rounded-full border-2 flex items-center justify-center text-xs font-bold ${showResult && isCorrectOption ? 'border-green-500 bg-green-500 text-white' : showResult && isSelected && !isCorrectOption ? 'border-red-500 bg-red-500 text-white' : 'border-zinc-300 dark:border-zinc-500 text-zinc-500 dark:text-zinc-400'}`}>
                  {showResult && isCorrectOption ? '✓' : showResult && isSelected ? '✗' : String.fromCharCode(65 + index)}
                </div>
                <span className="text-sm text-zinc-700 dark:text-zinc-200 leading-relaxed">{option}</span>
              </div>
            </button>;
  })}
      </div>
      
      {showResult && <div className={`mt-5 p-4 rounded-xl ${isCorrect ? 'bg-green-100 dark:bg-green-900/40 border border-green-200 dark:border-green-800' : 'bg-amber-100 dark:bg-amber-900/40 border border-amber-200 dark:border-amber-800'}`}>
          <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
            <span className="text-xl">{isCorrect ? '🎉' : '💡'}</span>
            <div className="flex flex-col">
              <p className={`text-sm font-semibold m-0 mb-1 ${isCorrect ? 'text-green-800 dark:text-green-200' : 'text-amber-800 dark:text-amber-200'}`}>
                {isCorrect ? 'Correct!' : 'Not quite right'}
              </p>
              <p className="text-sm text-zinc-600 dark:text-zinc-300 m-0 leading-relaxed">{explanation}</p>
          </div>
          </div>
        </div>}
    </div>;
};

export const GlossaryRow = ({title, description, children, flip = false, titleClassName = "text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight text-zinc-950 dark:text-white", descriptionClassName = "mt-3 text-base leading-7 text-zinc-700 dark:text-zinc-300"}) => {
  return <div className="not-prose my-12">
      <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-[1fr_1.6fr] gap-10 items-start">
        {}
        <div className={flip ? "sm:order-2" : "sm:order-1"}>
          <div className={titleClassName}>{title}</div>
          {description ? <div className={descriptionClassName}>{description}</div> : null}
        </div>

        {}
        <div className={flip ? "sm:order-1" : "sm:order-2"}>
          <div className="rounded-2xl overflow-hidden bg-transparent pointer-events-auto">
            {children}
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>;
};

<iframe title="vimeo-player" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1146470220?h=63d79ce3b9" className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" allowfullscreen />

## What you'll learn

A prompt is the instruction you give to Copilot. The clearer your direction, the better the response. This module shows you how to structure prompts that get useful results on the first try.

<CardGroup cols={4}>
  <Card title="Structure prompts" icon="square-1">
    Use frameworks to organise your requests
  </Card>

  <Card title="Apply patterns" icon="square-2">
    Copy proven formats for common tasks
  </Card>

  <Card title="Enrich inputs" icon="square-3">
    Add files, references, and context to your prompts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automate tasks" icon="square-4">
    Set up scheduled prompts and saved prompts
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## What is a prompt?

A prompt is the way you tell an AI what you want and how you want the result to look. A good prompt doesn't just say what to do. It often includes context, tone, format, or constraints to guide the result.

Think of it as having a conversation with a very knowledgeable assistant who needs clear directions to help you best.

The more precise you frame your request and prompt, the more accurate your responses can be.

***

## Essential prompting frameworks

These four frameworks cover most workplace prompting scenarios. Pick the one that matches your task type.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Copilot Recommended Framework — Microsoft's official approach" icon="microsoft">
    Use this framework when you want to follow Microsoft's recommended structure for Copilot prompts.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Goal">
        What do you want from Copilot?

        <Info>
          Example: "I want a list of 3-5 bullet points to prepare me..."
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Context">
        Why do you need it and who is involved?

        <Info>
          Example: "...for an upcoming meeting with \[person], focusing on their current state and what they're looking to achieve."
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Expectation">
        How should Copilot respond to best fulfil your request?

        <Info>
          Example: "Respond with a tone that is friendly but authoritative..."
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Source">
        What information or samples do you want Copilot to use?

        <Info>
          Example: "...and focus on email and Teams chats with \[people] over the last two weeks."
        </Info>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="CLEAR Framework — Great for most interactions" icon="lightbulb">
    Use CLEAR when you need Copilot to produce something specific, like a report, email, or summary.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Context">
        What is the purpose or situation?

        <Info>
          Example: "Our sales team is struggling with quarterly targets"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Length">
        How long should the response be?

        <Info>
          Example: "I need a concise 2-page proposal for senior management"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Examples">
        What style or format should it follow?

        <Info>
          Example: "Follow our standard business case format with executive summary"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Audience">
        Who will read this?

        <Info>
          Example: "Sales director, regional managers, and C-suite executives"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Request">
        What exactly do you want as output?

        <Info>
          Example: "Create a competitive analysis and action plan to improve Q3 performance"
        </Info>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="PREP Framework — Great for creating content" icon="pen">
    Use PREP when you need Copilot to write or create something from scratch.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Purpose">
        What is the goal of this content?

        <Info>
          Example: "Train a new employee on workplace safety"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Role">
        Who should Copilot act as?

        <Info>
          Example: "Act as a workplace safety trainer"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Expectations">
        What format or style should it follow?

        <Info>
          Example: "Create a checklist with explanations for each point"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Parameters">
        What constraints should it consider?

        <Info>
          Example: "Maximum 15 items, use simple language, include emergency procedures"
        </Info>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="STAR Framework — Great for problem-solving" icon="wrench">
    Use STAR when you need Copilot to help you work through a challenge or make a decision.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Situation">
        What is the current business challenge?

        <Info>
          Example: "Our customer support team is overwhelmed with 40% more tickets since product launch"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Task">
        What needs to be accomplished?

        <Info>
          Example: "Need to reduce response times to under 4 hours while maintaining quality scores above 85%"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Action">
        What options are you considering?

        <Info>
          Example: "Consider automation, staffing options, or process improvements"
        </Info>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Result">
        What outcomes define success?

        <Info>
          Example: "Want to achieve target response times within 8 weeks. Help me evaluate these options and create an implementation roadmap."
        </Info>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Accordion title="Test your understanding">
  <Quiz
    question="Which framework works best for making a business decision?"
    options={[
"CLEAR",
"PREP",
"STAR",
"Any framework works the same"
]}
    correctIndex={2}
    explanation="STAR is designed for problem-solving and decision-making. It helps you lay out the situation, task, possible actions, and desired results so Copilot can give you practical recommendations."
  />
</Accordion>

***

## Common prompting patterns

These five patterns work across most business tasks. Copy the structure and swap in your own details.

<GlossaryRow title="Step-by-step request" description="Use this when you need Copilot to break down a process into clear, followable instructions. Works well for onboarding guides, how-to documents, and training materials. You can adjust the audience to control the level of detail.">
  ```text theme={null}
    Create a 
    step-by-step 
    guide for [task] that 
    [audience] can follow easily.
  ```
</GlossaryRow>

<GlossaryRow title="Role-play prompt" description="Use this when you want Copilot to respond from a specific perspective or expertise. Works well for getting advice, feedback, or content that sounds like it came from a specialist. You can combine roles for more nuanced responses.">
  ```text theme={null}
    Act as a [role] 
    and help me with [task] 
    for [context].
  ```
</GlossaryRow>

<GlossaryRow title="Compare and contrast" description="Use this when you need to evaluate options or make a decision between alternatives. Works well for vendor selection, strategy choices, and tool comparisons. You can add criteria to focus the analysis on what matters most.">
  ```text theme={null}
    Compare 
    [option A] and [option B] 
    for [specific use case], 
    focusing on [criteria].
  ```
</GlossaryRow>

<GlossaryRow title="Improvement request" description="Use this when you have existing content that needs refinement. Works well for drafts, presentations, and communications you want to polish. You can specify the aspect to improve so Copilot focuses on what matters.">
  ```text theme={null}
    Review my 
    [content type] and 
    suggest improvements 
    for [specific aspect].
  ```
</GlossaryRow>

<GlossaryRow title="Template creator" description="Use this when you need a reusable format for recurring tasks. Works well for reports, meeting agendas, and standard communications. You can specify requirements to ensure the template captures everything you need.">
  ```text theme={null}
    Create 
    a template for [purpose] 
    that includes [requirements] 
    and can be used 
    for [context].
  ```
</GlossaryRow>

<div className="mt-8" />

<Accordion title="Test your understanding">
  <Quiz
    question="Your response is too long. What should you include in your prompt?"
    options={[
"Ask for 'a short response'",
"Specify length requirements like 'in 3 bullet points' or 'summarise in one paragraph'",
"Tell Copilot to be concise",
"All of the above work equally well"
]}
    correctIndex={1}
    explanation="Specific length requirements give Copilot a clear target. Vague instructions like 'short' or 'concise' are interpreted differently each time."
  />
</Accordion>

***

## Enriching your prompts

Text is not your only input. Copilot can work with your Microsoft 365 data, files, and references to give you faster, more accurate results.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Work vs Web toggle">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/pathfindr/0Og7YOK8gX91P7mj/images/copilotWorkWeb.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=0Og7YOK8gX91P7mj&q=85&s=d5b80df6229bb535c8f6fba2296824b1" alt="Copilot Work vs Web toggle" title="Copilot Work vs Web" style={{ width:"100%" }} width="1920" height="1080" data-path="images/copilotWorkWeb.webp" />

    Switch between two data sources depending on your task.

    *Work mode*

    searches your Microsoft 365 data including emails, Teams chats, documents, and calendar events. Use this for internal tasks.

    *Web mode*

    searches the public internet for current information and general knowledge. Use this for external research.

    *Try this:*

    Toggle to Work mode and ask Copilot to summarise your recent emails from a specific colleague.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reference with slash commands">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/pathfindr/0Og7YOK8gX91P7mj/images/copilotSlashCommand.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=0Og7YOK8gX91P7mj&q=85&s=3f48bc16c395a2ee6308a0fea71f62cf" alt="Copilot slash commands" title="Copilot references" style={{ width:"100%" }} width="1920" height="1080" data-path="images/copilotSlashCommand.webp" />

    Use the '/' command to reference specific files, people, or meetings.

    Type '/' followed by a file name, person's name, or meeting to attach context directly to your prompt.

    Copilot can then search relevant emails, documents, and Teams messages.

    *Try this:*

    Type '/\[colleague name]' to prepare for a meeting by pulling recent communications with them.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Tip>
  Combine Work mode with slash commands for the most relevant results. Reference a specific document with "/" and Copilot will use it as context for your request.
</Tip>

<Accordion title="Test your understanding">
  <Quiz
    question="A response does not match your needs. What should you try first?"
    options={[
"Start a completely new conversation",
"Provide an example or template of what you want",
"Switch between Work and Web mode",
"Report the issue to Microsoft"
]}
    correctIndex={1}
    explanation="Examples and templates give Copilot a clear reference point. Showing what you want is often more effective than describing it. Try saying 'Format this like a business email' or 'Use a structure similar to this example.'"
  />
</Accordion>

***

## Advanced techniques

Once you are comfortable with the basics, these techniques help you tackle more complex tasks.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Chain prompting" icon="link">
    Break complex tasks into smaller steps. Complete one step before moving to the next.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="First prompt">
        "Help me brainstorm topics for a presentation about climate change"
      </Step>

      <Step title="Second prompt">
        "Now help me create an outline for a presentation about renewable energy solutions"
      </Step>

      <Step title="Third prompt">
        "Create detailed content for the first three slides of this outline"
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Iterative refinement" icon="rotate">
    Start broad, then narrow down based on the response you receive.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Initial">
        "Help me plan a team building event"
      </Step>

      <Step title="Refine">
        "Focus on indoor activities for 15 people with a budget of \$500"
      </Step>

      <Step title="Finalise">
        "Create a detailed timeline for a cooking class team building event"
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Constraint setting" icon="sliders">
    Add specific limitations to get focused results.

    ```text theme={null}
        Write a product description for wireless headphones with these constraints:
        - Maximum 100 words
        - Highlight 3 key features
        - Use conversational tone
        - Include a call-to-action
        - Target audience: fitness enthusiasts
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Multi-perspective prompting" icon="users">
    Ask Copilot to analyse from different viewpoints.

    ```text theme={null}
        Analyse the decision to work remotely from three perspectives:
        1. Employee benefits and challenges
        2. Employer costs and benefits
        3. Impact on team collaboration
        
        Provide balanced insights for each perspective.
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Scenario planning" icon="map">
    Explore different possibilities before committing to a plan.

    ```text theme={null}
        Help me plan for three scenarios for our product launch:
        1. Best case: High demand, no technical issues
        2. Worst case: Low demand, technical problems
        3. Most likely: Moderate demand, minor issues
        
        Provide action plans for each scenario.
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Accordion title="Test your understanding">
  <Quiz
    question="When should you use chain prompting?"
    options={[
"When you need a quick one-line answer",
"When your task is complex and has multiple stages",
"When you want Copilot to remember your preferences",
"When you need to compare two options"
]}
    correctIndex={1}
    explanation="Chain prompting breaks complex tasks into manageable steps. You complete one step, review the output, then move to the next. This approach gives you more control over the final result."
  />
</Accordion>

***

## Automating your prompts

Copilot can run prompts automatically and save your favourite prompts for reuse. These features save time on repetitive tasks.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Scheduled prompts">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/pathfindr/vxED2dxssEHZg3yn/images/schedulingPrompts.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=vxED2dxssEHZg3yn&q=85&s=e8011636604a41a2e3c4aabb30e7f091" alt="Copilot Work vs Web toggle" title="Copilot Work vs Web" style={{ width:"100%" }} width="1920" height="1060" data-path="images/schedulingPrompts.webp" />

    Run prompts daily, weekly, or monthly without manual input. Copilot sends you results when the task completes.

    <Note>
      *Limitation:*

      You can only schedule a prompt to run up to 15 times. After it reaches this limit, you will need to set it up again.
    </Note>
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prompt Gallery">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/pathfindr/vxED2dxssEHZg3yn/images/promptGallery.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=vxED2dxssEHZg3yn&q=85&s=db1883822340106f9c8d644b2ab0a280" alt="Copilot Work vs Web toggle" title="Copilot Work vs Web" style={{ width:"100%" }} width="1920" height="1060" data-path="images/promptGallery.webp" />

    Save and organise your favourite prompts for quick access. Copilot provides a gallery filled with premade templates.
  </Card>
</Columns>

### Build your own gallery

Hover over your submitted prompts and select "Save Prompt". You can then edit, organise, and share them as needed.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/pathfindr/vxED2dxssEHZg3yn/images/savePrompt.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=vxED2dxssEHZg3yn&q=85&s=8a39c76601b6609f3bc5526d34f02c1b" alt="Save Prompt" width="1920" height="423" data-path="images/savePrompt.webp" />
</Frame>

To access the Prompt Gallery, select "See more" underneath the chat window and select "Prompt Gallery" to browse premade templates for common tasks.

***

## Quick checkpoint

Good prompting is like briefing a capable colleague. The clearer you are about what you need, the better Copilot can help. Start with the frameworks, practise with different patterns, and refine your approach based on what works for your tasks.

You are done with this module when you can do the following:

<CardGroup cols={4}>
  <Card title="Structure prompts" icon="circle-check">
    You can apply at least one framework to a real task
  </Card>

  <Card title="Apply patterns" icon="circle-check">
    You have used a prompting pattern from this module
  </Card>

  <Card title="Enrich inputs" icon="circle-check">
    You have tried Work mode or slash commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Refine outputs" icon="circle-check">
    You have used follow-up prompts to improve a response
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<div className="mt-8" />

<Card title="Ready to practice?" icon="chess-knight-piece" href="/participant/promptYourWayToSuccess/challenge-2">
  Complete the challenge by building a prompt using what you have learned
</Card>