Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot

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Stop slogging through your inbox and start leading your day. If you’re losing hours to repetitive tasks, staring at blank pages, or sifting through endless email chains, you’re not alone. The workplace is evolving, and AI is no longer just a buzzword. It’s a practical, time-saving tool that empowers professionals to reclaim their schedules and refocus on high-impact work. Microsoft Copilot, built into tools you already use like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, is here to help you work smarter, not harder.

This webinar is designed for beginners who want a clear, practical introduction to using Microsoft Copilot in everyday work scenarios. You’ll discover how to turn Copilot into a digital assistant that drafts reports, summarizes meetings, analyzes data, and helps you overcome creative roadblocks. Plus, we’ll walk through essential ethical considerations to ensure your AI use is responsible, accurate, and aligned with your professional standards. Whether you’re looking to gain back five hours a week or finally make sense of your data, this program is your launchpad into the AI-powered workplace.

Your Benefits for Attending:
  • Navigate the AI landscape: Define what Microsoft Copilot is and understand how it securely interacts with your data.
  • Master the art of prompting: Use the "Goal, Context, Source, and Expectation" framework to craft prompts that deliver the right results.
  • Common use cases: Explore high-impact Copilot use cases that enhance your productivity across tasks and tools.
  • Reclaim your calendar: Let Copilot summarize long Outlook threads and Teams meetings, so you're never behind.
  • Supercharge content creation: Create first drafts in Word and transform them into polished PowerPoint presentations instantly.
  • Simplify data tasks: Use natural language to analyze trends and build visualizations in Excel without writing complex formulas.
  • Work responsibly: Learn how to fact-check AI outputs and apply ethical best practices with a human-in-the-loop approach.

This webinar is a valuable opportunity to boost your productivity and efficiency using tools you already have. Whether you’re a busy professional or new to AI, you’ll walk away with actionable skills to get more done with less effort.

Level: Beginner
Format: Live webcast
Instructional Method: Group: Internet-based
NASBA Field of Study: Computer Software & Applications (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
  1. Introduction
  2. Who I’m Not 00:01:37
  3. Who I Am 00:02:18
  4. Agenda 00:04:45
  5. Get The CheatsheetPprompt Library For This Course 00:05:15
  6. About AI 00:05:49
  7. Artificial Intelligence 00:06:45
  8. Recent AI Developments 00:08:39
  9. What is Copilot? 00:10:50
  10. AI Tool Comparison 00:13:48
  11. Importance 00:15:18
  12. Tom Preseton Werner Quote 00:20:36
  13. AI Prompting 00:22:38
  14. Prompt Engineering 00:24:45
  15. The S.P.I.C.E.S. Framework 00:26:51
  16. SPICES Example - Structure 00:30:41
  17. SPICES Example - Information 00:31:13
  18. SPICES Example - Constraints 00:31:37
  19. SPICES Example - Steps 00:31:57
  20. Other Prompting Tips 00:32:38
  21. Perfect Prompt Checklist 00:37:42
  22. Example 00:39:54
  23. Research 00:41:54
  24. Summarize 00:44:25
  25. Writing 00:48:24
  26. Compiling 00:51:53
  27. Preparation 00:54:07
  28. Building 00:57:11
  29. Analysis 00:59:34
  30. Formulas 01:03:45
  31. Code 01:08:04
  32. Images 01:11:21
  33. AI Tips 01:15:30
  34. Best Practices 01:16:34
  35. Be Responsible 01:21:26
  36. Troubleshooting 01:23:52
  37. Limitations 01:24:16
  38. Practicing – The Crawl 01:27:22
  39. Practicing – The Walk 01:27:56
  40. Practicing – The Run 01:28:36
  41. Practicing – The Analyst 01:29:09
  42. Glossary 01:29:46
  43. Key Takeaways 01:30:36
  44. Get The CheatsheetPprompt Library For This Course 01:38:26
  45. Did You Enjoy This? 01:38:57
  46. Thank You  01:37:46
  47. Presentation Closing 01:39:25
  • Derek Henry, CPA, CFE

    Derek Henry, CPA, CFE

    Derek is an accomplished speaker, trainer, consultant, and developer with over 20 years of experience in public accounting, corporate accounting/finance, and software pre-sales. Over that time, he has taught, managed, and mentored hundreds of people on how to work with more efficiency, accountabilit [...]

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CPE Credit

Continuing Professional Education

Aurora Training Advantage is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, and cancellation please contact our offices at 407-542-4317 or [email protected].

You must answer all questions during the webinar, view the recording completely and pass the test at the end with 70% correct answers to receive CPE credit.

ATATX Credit

Aurora Training Advantage is offering continuing education points designed to recognize dedication to training and excellence in accounting.

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IAAP Credit

Aurora Training Advantage has reviewed the content of this program and believes it aligns with the CAP Body of Knowledge. We estimate this program may qualify for 1 recertification point(s), based on 1 point per 1 hour of eligible training. Final determination of applicability rests with the CAP designee, who is responsible for documenting alignment for recertification purposes.

  • API - Application Programming Interface 00:14:16, 01:29:56
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) 00:03:27, 00:05:49, 00:10:57, 00:20:06, 00:59:21, 01:07:51, 01:23:28, 01:27:26
  • ChatGPT 00:06:49, 00:10:01, 00:10:59, 00:14:00
  • Formula 01:03:47, 01:35:57
  • LAMBDA Function 01:04:12
  • Large Language Model (LLM) 00:10:04
  • Microsoft Copilot 00:01:15, 00:06:29, 00:14:34, 00:44:40, 01:13:01, 01:20:08
  • Prompt 00:04:56, 00:10:16, 00:13:27, 00:22:47, 00:26:55, 00:32:38, 00:37:44, 01:20:26, 01:38:42
  • Prompt Engineering  00:24:45
  • VBA - Visual Basic for Applications 01:08:27

API - Application Programming Interface: An application programming interface is a way for two or more computer programs or components to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial intelligence is intelligence demonstrated by machines, as opposed to the natural intelligence displayed by humans or animals.

ChatGPT: ChatGPT, which stands for Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a large language model-based chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched on November 30, 2022, notable for enabling users to refine and steer a conversation towards a desired length, format, style, level of detail, and language used.

Formula: A formula is an expression which calculates the value of a cell.

LAMBDA Function: The LAMBDA function provides a way to create a custom function in Excel. Once defined and named, a LAMBDA function can be used anywhere in a workbook. LAMBDA functions can be very simple, or quite complex, stringing together many Excel functions into one formula. A custom LAMBDA function does not require VBA or macros.

Large Language Model (LLM): A large language model (LLM) is a deep learning algorithm that can perform a variety of natural language processing (NLP) tasks. Large language models use transformer models and are trained using massive datasets — hence, large. This enables them to recognize, translate, predict, or generate text or other content.

Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft Copilot is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Microsoft. Based on a large language model, it was launched in February 2023 as Microsoft's primary replacement for the discontinued Cortana.

Prompt: ChatGPT prompts are the textual inputs (e.g., questions, instructions) that you enter into ChatGPT to get responses. ChatGPT predicts an appropriate response to the prompt you entered.

Prompt Engineering: Prompt engineering, primarily used in communication with a text-to-text model, is the process of structuring text that can be interpreted and understood by a generative AI model. Prompt engineering is enabled by in-context learning, defined as a model's ability to temporarily learn from prompts

VBA - Visual Basic for Applications : Visual Basic for Applications is a computer programming language developed and owned by Microsoft. With VBA you can create macros to automate repetitive word- and data-processing functions, and generate custom forms, graphs, and reports. VBA functions within MS Office applications; it is not a stand-alone product.

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Webinar Survey Overall Rating

This webinar received a total of 15 survey responses. Attendees have given an average rating of 4.2 stars out of a possible 5, reflecting the quality and value of the content presented.

Average rating

4.2 / 5
Webinar Presentation
How many of the objectives of the event were met?
4.1 Stars
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4.1 Stars
Overall, how satisfied were you with this event?
4.1 Stars
Speaker Performance
Overall, how satisfied were you with this presenter?
4.3 Stars
How closely did the presenter follow the schedule?
4.3 Stars

Reviews From Webinar Survey

Our webinars are crafted to deliver exceptional value and insight to business professionals. Below, you'll find genuine feedback from attendees.

Teri W.
January 22, 2026
5.0 / 5
Webinar Rating:
5.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
5.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
Great speaker. I was worried I would get bored due to the length but I was interested the whole time. I would like to attend a training on AI specifically for Accountants & using it to help in Excel.
Patricia J.
January 22, 2026
3.8 / 5
Webinar Rating:
4.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
3.5 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
It was said that the course was 2 CPEs, however the certificate only says 1.
Shelley H.
January 21, 2026
5.0 / 5
Webinar Rating:
5.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
5.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
Presenter great. Presenter knowledgeable and able to relate to real world experience. Made everything more useful. Would recommend the webinar and the presenter.
Jennifer D.
January 21, 2026
3.4 / 5
Webinar Rating:
2.7 Stars
Speaker Rating:
4.5 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
Overall a good presentation. I would have liked to see more personnel related matters in the demonstrations such as employee evaluations, response to employee self ratings and corrective action plans but the information provided gave me a decent head start. Thank you
April E.
January 20, 2026
4.0 / 5
Webinar Rating:
4.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
4.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
The links to copilot did not work.It would be helpful to have the excels to try along with while you present.
Loretta M.
January 20, 2026
5.0 / 5
Webinar Rating:
5.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
5.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
The presenter was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and provide very useful tools, suggestions and takeaways.
Kurt C.
January 20, 2026
4.6 / 5
Webinar Rating:
4.3 Stars
Speaker Rating:
5.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
I enjoyed the presentation and learned quite a lot. I look forward to implementing what was covered.
Amanda S.
January 20, 2026
5.0 / 5
Webinar Rating:
5.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
5.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
One of the best instructors I've ever had! Such great content.
Robert S.
January 20, 2026
5.0 / 5
Webinar Rating:
5.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
5.0 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
None.
Lisa F.
January 20, 2026
4.2 / 5
Webinar Rating:
4.0 Stars
Speaker Rating:
4.5 Stars
Do you have any other comments, questions or concerns?
This was a great overview of MS Copilot. It gave some good hints, tips and direction without getting into the technical weeds. I'll be able to use what I learned.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered productivity assistant built on large language model (LLM) technology and integrated directly into the Microsoft 365 suite—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Unlike standalone AI chatbots, Copilot is embedded in the tools professionals already use daily, allowing it to access the content of your documents, emails, meetings, and data with appropriate organizational permissions. Copilot can draft reports in Word, summarize email threads in Outlook, generate slide decks from documents in PowerPoint, analyze spreadsheet data in Excel using plain language, and recap meeting highlights in Teams—all without switching applications. It operates within Microsoft's security and compliance framework, meaning it accesses only the content the user has permission to view. For beginners, Copilot requires no coding or technical background—the primary skill needed is writing clear, specific prompts that tell Copilot what to create, summarize, or analyze.
Effective prompting is the most important skill for getting high-quality results from Microsoft Copilot. The SPICES framework (Structure, Persona, Information, Constraints, Examples, Steps) provides a practical approach to crafting prompts that deliver accurate, useful outputs. A strong prompt typically includes: a clear goal (what you want Copilot to produce), relevant context (who it's for, what it's about), the source material (a document, dataset, or previous email), and your expectations for format, length, and tone. For example, instead of prompting 'Write a summary,' a better prompt would be: 'Summarize this meeting transcript in 5 bullet points for a VP-level audience, focusing on decisions made and next steps assigned.' Specificity reduces guesswork and significantly improves output quality. Iterating on prompts—treating Copilot as a collaborative assistant rather than a one-shot tool—also helps refine results. The more context and constraints you provide, the more aligned Copilot's output will be with your actual needs.
Microsoft Copilot in Outlook is one of its most immediately practical applications for busy professionals. Copilot can summarize long email threads into a concise overview—highlighting key decisions, outstanding questions, and action items—so you can catch up on a conversation without reading every message. It can also draft reply emails based on a brief description of your intended response, matching your tone and incorporating relevant context from the thread. For scheduling, Copilot can help compose meeting invitations, prepare agendas, and identify the best meeting time based on calendar availability. In high-volume inboxes, Copilot can prioritize which emails need attention and suggest actions for each. These capabilities can save significant time each week, allowing professionals to process email more efficiently without sacrificing thoroughness. The key is learning to trust Copilot's drafts as starting points, then editing for accuracy, nuance, and personal voice before sending.
Yes—one of Microsoft Copilot's most accessible features for non-technical users is its ability to analyze data in Excel using plain, conversational language. Rather than constructing complex formulas or pivot tables manually, users can simply ask Copilot questions like 'What were our top five products by revenue last quarter?' or 'Show me a trend line for monthly expenses over the past year,' and Copilot generates the appropriate calculations, charts, or summaries. Copilot can also identify patterns and outliers, suggest data cleaning steps, and write Excel formulas or LAMBDA functions on demand. For professionals who use Excel regularly but lack deep spreadsheet expertise, Copilot democratizes data analysis, enabling faster, more confident insights without requiring formula mastery. Users should always verify Copilot-generated outputs against raw data, as AI models can occasionally misinterpret data structure or produce unexpected results—applying a 'human-in-the-loop' approach ensures accuracy.
Using Microsoft Copilot responsibly requires maintaining a human-in-the-loop approach and applying critical judgment to all AI-generated outputs. Key ethical best practices include: always fact-checking Copilot's outputs before sharing them externally, especially for data, statistics, or legal and financial content that could be incorrect; being transparent with stakeholders when AI tools contributed to work product; respecting organizational data governance policies about what content can be input into Copilot prompts; and understanding that Copilot may perpetuate biases present in its training data. Professionals should treat Copilot as a capable assistant—not an infallible authority—and invest the editorial judgment to review, refine, and take ownership of anything it produces. Organizations should establish clear internal guidelines about acceptable Copilot use cases, confidentiality considerations, and how AI-assisted work should be attributed or disclosed. Beginning with low-stakes tasks (such as internal drafts or meeting summaries) and gradually expanding use as confidence builds is a pragmatic onboarding approach.