If you've been wondering about Microsoft Copilot, you're not alone. With AI reshaping how we work, understanding this tool can transform your daily tasks from time-consuming to time-saving. Let's explore how Copilot can make your workday more productive - and maybe even more enjoyable. 

3 Key Applications of Microsoft Copilot 

Think of Copilot as your productivity partner, ready to help streamline your workflow and enhance your effectiveness. One of the areas we have found to be an ideal and easy starting point for Copilot is around meetings and documentation. These approaches will help you make the most of AI assistance, giving you more time to focus on what matters most.

Copilot acts as your always-on assistant, helping you stay organized before, during, and after every discussion. 

1. Before the Meeting

We've all faced the blank screen dilemma. Copilot within Word, PowerPoint, and even Outlook helps by turning rough ideas into structured content, making document creation and management more efficient. Using simple natural prompts, you can generate and refine business communications, reports, and presentations in no time. 

• Review related documents and past meeting notes 
• Suggest agenda items based on ongoing projects 
• Summarize key background information
• Craft a proposal or presentation to update the client

2. During the Meeting

Meetings should focus on collaboration and strategic thinking—not frantic note-taking. Within Microsoft Teams, you can: 

• Capture conversations in real time
• Identify key discussion points and decisions
• Track action items and assignments automatically
• Monitor follow-ups and deadlines

3. After the Meeting

Once the meeting is concluded, you can now utilize Copilot to: 

• Generate comprehensive, organized summaries
• Distribute action items to team members
• Set calendar reminders for upcoming deadlines
• Link related documents and resources for easy access 

With Copilot handling the details, you can focus on what really matters—engaging in productive, meaningful discussions. 

Example of Copilot writing a meeting recap: 

Source: Microsoft.com 

Example Prompts for Common Tasks

Email Communication (Copilot in Outlook)

• "Draft a professional email to reschedule a client meeting for next week, expressing our apologies for the change."
• "Write a follow-up email summarizing the key points from today's project meeting with Action Items highlighted."
• "Create a welcome email for new team members introducing our department's core functions." 

Presentations (Copilot in PowerPoint)

• "Create a 10-slide presentation outline for our Q1 financial results, focusing on revenue growth and market expansion."
• "Design an executive summary slide highlighting our three main project milestones."
• "Generate speaker notes for my product launch presentation that emphasize customer benefits." 

Reports and Documents (Copilot in Word)

• "Write a project status report covering timeline, budget, and key accomplishments from the past month."
• "Create a technical specification document template with sections for requirements, architecture, and testing."
• "Draft meeting minutes from the recording of yesterday's strategic planning session." 

Once Copilot generates content, you can refine it with follow-up instructions: 

• "Make the tone more formal."
• "Condense this into bullet points."
• "Add specific examples for each section."
• "Include data visualization recommendations." 

This interactive approach allows you to generate content quickly while keeping full control over the style, tone, and structure—saving time without sacrificing quality. For more prompt examples, check out Microsoft’s Prompt Gallery.  

Real Success Stories  

According to Microsoft, companies using Copilot are seeing impressive results. Of the early adopters, 64% report spending less time processing and drafting emails, users said they can get caught up on missed meetings 4 times faster, and 85% said Copilot helps them get to a goof first draft faster. The real value? More time for strategic thinking and creative problem-solving, the kind of thing only humans can do. 

Understanding Copilot Options and Features 

Microsoft offers two paths to AI assistance:  

1. Microsoft 365 Basic Copilot Features

Microsoft 365 comes with basic AI assistance at no additional cost. These foundational features include: 

• Basic document formatting assistance
• Elementary writing suggestions and corrections
• Simple task automation capabilities 

2. Microsoft Copilot Premium ($30/user/month)

Copilot Premium offers advanced features across the entire Microsoft 365 suite: 

• Advanced content generation and editing
• Real-time meeting transcription and summaries
• Natural language data analysis in Excel
• AI-powered presentation design
• Intelligent email drafting and organization
• Cross-application integration and workflows 

Implementing Copilot in Your Organization 

At Lutz, we help organizations understand and evaluate potential implementations of AI tools that make a real difference in day-to-day operations. Whether you're just starting with AI or ready to take your productivity to the next level, Lutz Tech is here to help. Contact us to learn how Copilot can transform your workday.

Want to learn more about AI and Microsoft Copilot? Watch our recent webinar covering an overview of AI applications, including Copilot, and how they can help elevate your workflow, increase productivity, and foster collaboration within your team.

• Maximizer, Deliberative, Consistency, Adaptability, Relator

Tony DeSantis

Data Analytics Shareholder

Tony DeSantis, Data Analytics Shareholder, began his career in 1999. With over two decades of experience in data analytics and forensics, he has honed his skills in interpreting complex data sets and designing impactful visual reports. 

Leading Lutz's Data Analytics offering, Tony specializes in data management and the application of artificial intelligence to simplify business processes and create solutions that directly impact their bottom line. He values the firm's unique blend of technical skills and business expertise, which enables them to provide well-rounded solutions to their clients.

 

At Lutz, Tony is passionate about mentoring and developing emerging talent within the firm. Additionally, he has been actively involved in various policy committees, contributing his expertise to shaping the firm's strategic direction. As the leader of the data analytics team, he consistently strives to make the complex simple for clients, helping them uncover the stories hidden in their information.

 

Tony lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife and four children. Outside the office, you can find him attending and coaching his kids' sporting events and other activities.

402.496.8800

tdesantis@lutz.us

Connect on LinkedIn

• Strategic, Individualization, Futuristic, Ideation, Arranger

Ryan Wade

Tech Director

Ryan Wade is a Tech Director at Lutz. He began his career in 1999. His primary responsibility is to manage the software solutions practice, including team administration and client relationship management. Ryan is also the lead on Lutz's online client portal, Threadworks.

402.778.7958

rwade@lutz.us

Connect on LinkedIn