Microsoft Copilot in Microsoft 365 (practical AI applications)

Overview

The course is workshop-based and focuses on practical uses of Copilot in the most important Microsoft 365 applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. Participants will learn how to integrate AI into various areas of work—from creating documents, through data analysis, to communication, meetings, and information organization. A key element is the ability to formulate effective commands (prompts) and critically verify AI outputs to a business standard.

Course objectives

The aim of the course is to show how to fully leverage artificial intelligence (Microsoft Copilot) within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to work faster, more efficiently, and more creatively. Participants will learn how Copilot supports everyday tasks, reduces time-consuming activities, and facilitates decision-making in individual and team work.

Target audience

The course is intended for people working in the Microsoft 365 environment who want to increase productivity with AI, in particular: specialists and managers (sales, HR, finance, administration, projects), project teams, people creating documents, presentations and customer communication, as well as communication within the organization.

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with working in Microsoft 365 applications (Word/Excel/Outlook/Teams). It is recommended that participants have access to a Microsoft 365 environment with an active Copilot if the course is to be delivered in a fully hands-on mode using the tool (a condition dependent on the organization’s licensing policy).

Learning outcomes and validation

After the course, the participant:

• selects the right way to use Copilot for a task (creation, analysis, summarization, communication, work organization),
• creates effective prompts that account for the goal, context, audience, and format,
• automates and shortens the preparation of documents, reports, presentations, and communications,
• uses Copilot in Outlook/Teams to organize work and post-meeting follow-ups,
• critically verifies AI output and adjusts it to a business standard (quality, consistency, style).

Validation of outcomes is carried out through practical tasks completed during the course (min. 3 exercises) and assessment of results based on a quality checklist (goal, completeness, format, consistency). Optionally, a short knowledge quiz (pre/post) can be used.

Methods and materials

Training methods:

• hands-on workshop in Microsoft 365 applications
• exercises and business mini case studies
• trainer feedback and review of results

Materials for participants:

• a set of sample prompts for Word / Excel / PowerPoint / Outlook / Teams / OneNote
• quality checklists and format templates (report, offer, meeting notes, follow-up, action plan)

Organizational notes

Technical requirements for remote delivery: a computer with access to Microsoft 365, a stable internet connection, a microphone (camera recommended). The link and access instructions are provided to participants before the course starts.

Word

Automation of document creation, generating content based on commands and input materials, speeding up the preparation of reports, offers, and summaries.

Excel

Data analysis with the help of AI, quick creation of summaries, charts, and reports, intelligent suggestions and insights for business data.

PowerPoint

Quick creation of professional presentations, suggestions for slide structure and content, organizing the narrative and tailoring the message to the audience.

Outlook

Better email and calendar management, message prioritization, thread summaries, drafting replies in different tones and formats.

Teams

Summaries of meetings and conversations, generating notes, action items and task lists, organizing team collaboration.

OneNote

Intelligent creation and organization of notes, quick summaries, checklists and action plans, consistent knowledge documentation.

Negotiations and analysis (practical bonus)

Supporting decision-making processes, analyzing information, preparing arguments and conversation scenarios for business discussions.

Module 1. Copilot in Microsoft 365 – the fundamentals of effective work

• Copilot capabilities and limitations; the most common mistakes when using AI.
• Principles of effective prompts: goal, context, audience, format, style.
• Quality checklists and substantive review of results.

Module 2. Word – documents, reports and offers

• Generating and editing content, summaries, organizing the document.
• Creating an executive summary version / a client version / an internal version.
• Standardizing language and consistency (tone, style, structure).

Module 3. Excel – data analysis and reporting

• Questions to ask of the data: interpretation, insights, recommendations.
• Summaries and visualizations that support decisions.
• Creating a management message based on a data sheet.

Module 4. PowerPoint – presentations and storytelling

• Building a presentation from scratch and based on a document/brief.
• Presentation logic: problem – solution – plan – next steps.
• Tailoring content to the audience (board, client, team).

Module 5. Outlook and Teams – communication, meetings, collaboration

• Email prioritization, thread summaries, quick replies.
• Meeting summaries, notes, decisions, tasks and follow-up.
• Assigning task owners and organizing collaboration.

Module 6. OneNote – notes and knowledge management

• Note structures: projects/clients/meetings.
• Summaries, checklists, action plans.
• Sharing and standardizing the documentation of information.

Module 7. Analysis and negotiations – practical case

• Preparing arguments, counterarguments and conversation scenarios.
• Decision option analysis: risks, alternatives, priorities.
• Ready-to-use formats: agenda, meeting notes, summary, follow-up.