Just getting started with Microsoft Copilot in your RIA or financial advisory firm? One of the best ways to build confidence is to try a few simple, high-impact tasks.
Microsoft has a helpful list of 10 common prompts to help new users discover what Copilot can do. Each of these actions taps into everyday workflows like meetings, email, content creation, and research, making them a great place to start. You can view the full list on their website here: Top 10 Things to Try First with Microsoft Copilot.
1. Recap a Meeting
Use Copilot in Teams to generate a summary of key topics, action items, and outcomes. You’ll save time and avoid having to rewatch recordings.
Prompt: “Draft an email with notes and action items from our meeting.”
2. Summarize an Email Thread
Instead of scrolling through a long thread, use Copilot to summarize the key points.
Prompt: “Click on the Summarize icon in Outlook.”
3. Draft an Email
Let Copilot create a first draft. You can specify the tone, length, and purpose.
Prompt: “Draft an email to [name] that informs them the Project X is delayed one week. Make it short and casual in tone.”
4. Summarize a Document
Copilot can extract and organize the key points from long documents so you don’t have to.
Prompt: “Give me a bulleted list of key takeaways from this document.”
5. Ask About a Topic or Project
Need a quick catch-up? Ask Copilot to collect updates and information across your email, calendar, and chats.
Prompt: “Tell me what’s new about Project X mentioned by email, chats, and files.”
6. Generate Ideas
Copilot can help kickstart creative thinking for marketing, proposals, or social posts.
Prompt: “Suggest 10 compelling taglines based on this file.”
7. Jumpstart My Writing
Whether you’re stuck on wording or starting from scratch, Copilot can help generate your first draft.
Prompt: “Generate three ways to say [X].”
8. Research a Quote or Comment
Can’t quite remember where someone said something? Copilot can search across your Microsoft 365 content.
Prompt: “Summarize what [person] said in recent meetings or emails about [topic]. “
9. Revise a Draft
Ask Copilot to rewrite or reword existing content to match tone, length, or clarity needs.
Prompt: “Rewrite with Copilot.”
10. Translate a Message
If you work with international clients or documents, ask Copilot to translate.
Prompt: “Translate the following text into French.”
Explore More: The Copilot Prompt Gallery
Microsoft has built a searchable Copilot Prompt Gallery with examples across Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. You can filter by app or scenario, and copy prompts directly into your workflow. It’s a helpful way to learn new capabilities, especially for tasks you may not have realized Copilot can help with.
These 10 starting points are simple but powerful ways to build familiarity with Copilot’s capabilities. The more specific your prompt, the better your result—so don’t be afraid to guide it.
Prefer a guide you can keep on hand? Download the Copilot Prompt Guide
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