If you’re just starting with Microsoft Copilot, you might wonder: What exactly should I ask it to do? The good news is that you don’t have to be a tech expert to start seeing real benefits.

Here are five simple prompts you can try today to boost your productivity and confidence with AI.

  1. 📨 “Summarize this email thread for me.”
  • Where to use it: Outlook
  • Why it’s helpful: Ever scanned the first paragraph of a long email chain only to find out later that the real message was buried three replies earlier? Copilot can quickly summarize the entire conversation, so you stay on track and on point.

Try it:

“Summarize this conversation and highlight any action items.”

  1. đź“ť “Help me write a professional response to this email.”
  • Where to use it: Outlook
  • Why it’s helpful: Whether you’re replying to a client or a colleague, Copilot can help you sound clear, confident, and professional.

Try it:

“Write a polite response confirming the meeting and asking for the agenda.”

  1. đź“Š “Analyze this Excel data and give me key insights.”
  • Where to use it: Excel
  • Why it’s helpful: Copilot can spot trends, calculate summaries, and suggest charts—no formulas required.

Try it:

“What are the top 3 products by sales this quarter?”

  1. 🧠 “Give me three ideas for a new marketing campaign.”
  • Where to use it: Word, Teams, or OneNote
  • Why it’s helpful: Copilot is great for brainstorming. Use it to get unstuck or spark new ideas.

Try it:

“Suggest three marketing campaigns for children’s clothes via online markets in the US that would appeal to mid-market consumers of sustainable brands. Provide each one’s strengths and weaknesses.”

  1. đź“… “Create a meeting agenda based on this Teams chat.”
  • Where to use it: Teams or Word
  • Why it’s helpful: Turn casual conversations into structured plans without starting from scratch.

Try it:

“Make a 30-minute meeting agenda from this conversation, including time estimates.”

Final Tip: Start Small, Then Explore

These prompts are just the beginning. As you get more comfortable, you’ll discover new ways to use Copilot to save time, reduce stress, and get more done.