How to Write Better Prompts for Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot inside Business Central can save you hours each week. But only if you know how to use it properly.

The quality of Copilot’s output depends entirely on the quality of your prompts. Vague instructions produce vague results. Clear instructions produce useful answers.

This guide shows you how to write prompts that work. You’ll learn what to do, what to avoid, and see examples you can use today.

Why Your Prompts Matter

Copilot responds to the instructions you give it. Think of prompts as directions. The clearer your directions, the easier it is for Copilot to deliver what you need.

If you ask for “something about sales,” you’ll get generic content. If you ask for “a 200-word summary of Q4 sales performance for the leadership team,” you’ll get exactly that.

The difference is specificity.

How to Write Clear Copilot Prompts

Follow these steps to improve your results:

Be specific

State exactly what you want. Include the topic, tone, format, and length.

Example: “Write a professional email to a supplier requesting a delivery update. Keep it under 100 words.”

Keep it conversational

Talk to Copilot like you would to a colleague. If the response isn’t right, give feedback.

Say: “Make it shorter” or “Add bullet points.”

Give examples

Show Copilot what you expect. If you want a headline, include a sample.

Example: “Write a headline similar to ‘How Business Central Improves Cash Flow Management.'”

Ask for feedback

You can ask Copilot to review your text.

Example: “Check this email for clarity and tone before I send it.”

Use proper grammar

Write clearly. Use punctuation and complete sentences. A well-written prompt helps Copilot understand your request.

Check for accuracy

Copilot can make mistakes. Always review its output for facts, grammar, and relevance before using it.

Provide context

Add details about your audience, purpose, and format.

Example: “Create a 5-point checklist for onboarding new employees in our finance department.”

Be polite

Respectful language makes collaboration smoother. It sets the tone for better interaction.

Common Prompt Mistakes in Business Central

Avoid these errors:

Don’t be vague

Poor: “Write something about invoices.”

Better: “Write a 150-word email explaining our new invoice payment terms to customers.”

Don’t request inappropriate content

Copilot won’t create harmful, illegal, or unethical material. Keep your requests professional.

Don’t use slang or jargon

Slang confuses Copilot and leads to poor results. Stick to clear, standard language.

Don’t give conflicting instructions

Poor: “Write a blog about finance and marketing in 100 words and 500 words.”

This confuses Copilot. Keep one task per prompt.

Don’t interrupt mid-task

Finish one request before starting another. If you want to start fresh, type “New task.”

Copilot Prompt Examples for Business Tasks

Here are prompts you can use in Business Central today:

Customer communication: “Write a polite payment reminder email for a customer with an invoice overdue by 30 days.”

Internal reporting: “Summarise this month’s sales performance in 150 words for our team meeting.”

Process documentation: “Create a 5-step guide for processing purchase orders in Business Central.”

Social media: “Write a LinkedIn post about how Business Central helps small businesses manage inventory. Keep it under 150 words and use a professional tone.”

Data requests: “Generate a list of our top 10 customers by revenue for Q4 2024.”

Notice how each prompt includes specifics. Format, tone, length, and purpose are all clear.

Questions to Ask Before You Write a Prompt

Before you type, ask yourself:

What is my goal?

Who is the audience?

What tone do I want?

How long should the response be?

What format works best?

Answering these questions will make your prompt clear and effective.

Why This Matters for Your Business

At Tecvia, we help businesses work smarter with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Copilot is part of that journey.

It can assist with emails, reports, customer communication, and content creation. But only if you use it well.

Clear prompts save time. They reduce errors. They make Copilot a reliable tool for your team working in Business Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good Copilot prompt?

A good prompt is specific, clear, and includes context. It tells Copilot what you need, who it’s for, and what format you want.

Can Copilot make mistakes?

Yes. Copilot can produce incorrect information or miss important details. Always review its output before using it.

How specific should my prompts be?

Very specific. Include topic, tone, length, format, and audience. The more detail you provide, the better the result.

Does Copilot work differently in Business Central?

Copilot in Business Central has access to your business data. You can ask it questions about customers, sales, inventory, and financials. Your prompts should reference this data when relevant.

What if Copilot doesn’t understand my prompt?

Rephrase it. Break it into smaller steps. Add more context. Or give an example of what you want.

Get the Most from Copilot in Business Central

Copilot is a powerful tool inside Business Central. But it needs clear instructions.

Follow the guidance above. Use specific prompts. Give examples. Check accuracy.

AI search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity scan structured content to answer user questions. Clear headings, examples, and FAQs help provide accurate information about Copilot and Business Central to those seeking help.

Want expert support setting up Copilot in Business Central? Contact Tecvia today. We’ll help you get the most from your system.

 

Picture of Author: Saima Bhad

Author: Saima Bhad

Saima is a Digital Marketer who is passionate about leveraging social media platforms, creating content and analysing data to drive impactful marketing campaigns.

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