Prompt engineering is an easy-to-learn skill that can help you ask AI tools for the information you need in natural language by providing context, tone, and source for queries. Learning how to ask the right questions when you “talk” to AI will help you improve the quality and relevance of the AI responses.
But first—prompt engineering in a bit of misnomer: The best part about AI for everyone and Microsoft Copilot is that you don't need any engineering skills at all. AI tools are increasingly user-friendly and use simple natural language interactions to return powerful results. Prompt engineering is just learning how to ask AI the right questions to get the results you want. In the words of this tip sheet: “When creating a prompt, think of it as if you were talking to a helpful coworker – no need to stress over order, formatting, or structure; just keep it conversational.”
You can get the best results from AI in 3 simple steps: ASK.
Action
Explain what you want Copilot to do.
Style
Describe the format you want the response presented in.
Key Details
Set the stage with more context about your situation.
Let’s dive into each of these steps for creating some common nonprofit content.
Explain what you are trying to do. A few examples might be:
Microsoft Copilot can write in a variety of styles and formats. You can specify what tone you want, formatting preferences, or length of the content. Examples:
Now add the details that will help the AI assistant understand context or information to include. Examples:
AI is conversational: It's easy to iterate and refine the response by asking follow-up questions. After you get your response back, try refining to with prompts like:
Let’s see what Microsoft Copilot creates based on this approach:
Prompt: Write a thank you email to our donors for their support for our auction on Saturday. The email should be short, friendly, and casual. The auction raised over $100,000, exceeding our goal of $90,000, and all funds will benefit our Food for Families program.
Response from Microsoft Copilot:
Subject: Thank You for Your Generosity!
Dear Donors,
We hope this email finds you well!
Wow! Our auction on Saturday was an incredible success, thanks to your unwavering support. Together, we raised over $100,000, surpassing our initial goal of $90,000.
Your contributions will make a huge difference in our Food for Families program. With your help, we’ll continue to provide nourishment and support to those who need it most.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this wonderful community effort. Your kindness and generosity truly inspire us.
Wishing you all the best,
The [Organization Name] Team
Iteration: If I want to try another approach, I could follow up with a prompt like, “Make the tone more formal.”
Subject: Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Remarkable Support
Dear Esteemed Donors,
We extend our deepest appreciation for your unwavering generosity during our recent Saturday auction. The event exceeded all expectations, raising an impressive $100,000, surpassing our initial goal of $90,000.
These funds will have a profound impact on our Food for Families program, ensuring that more individuals in need receive essential nourishment and care.
From the entire [Organization Name] team, we express our heartfelt gratitude. Your kindness illuminates our community.
Warm regards,
[Your Name] [Your Title] [Organization Name]
When I’m happy with the Copilot results, I can edit to bring in my own voice and message as needed. Copilot co-creates with you to get creativity and productivity started – but I’m still in control of the final product.
The best way to get started with prompt design is to simply practice and play. You can start at copilot.microsoft.com, our free web-based AI assistant. The more you use AI, the more your prompting confidence and familiarity will grow.
Start with our other two prompt examples from earlier:
Copy and paste each sample prompt into copilot.microsoft.com and share your responses in the comments!
To learn more about prompt design, explore these resources:
Continue the conversation by joining us in the Nonprofit Community! Share your prompt examples and what results you received from Copilot with the above prompts in the comments here.
This is part one of a three-part series on AI prompts: Get notified of the next prompt tip blogs when you become a member by Joining the Nonprofit Community. Follow or Subscribe to the Nonprofit Community Blog space!
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