If you’ve tried Copilot in one app, you’ve seen a quarter of the magic. Over the last four posts, we explored quick wins on using Copilot in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. This wrap‑up shows those wins summarized, and why a handful of basic skills in each app make Copilot’s help sharper, safer, and faster. I’ve also linked short, practical resources so you can level up in minutes, not months.

The tips shared in this article is based on the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on (Business or Enterprise).

What Copilot did well in each app

  • Excel — From numbers to narrative
    Copilot surfaces trends, outliers, and quick charts without formulas. It’s brilliant for “what changed and why.” From Numbers to Insights: Copilot in Excel for Everyone
    Example prompts:
    • “Summarize key trends in this table in five bullets and suggest two charts.”
    • “Highlight anomalies and propose likely causes in plain English.”
  • Word — From messy notes to clear documents
    Copilot drafts, rewrites tone, and creates executive summaries so your first draft starts at 70% done. Write Smarter in Word with Copilot: Practical Prompts, Safer Content, Better Outcomes
    Example prompts:
    • “Draft a one‑page summary from these notes. Friendly tone. Add action items.”
    • “Rewrite this section to be simpler and cut 30%.”
  • Outlook — From overwhelm to outcomes
    Copilot condenses long threads, proposes replies, and turns meetings into follow‑ups you can send. Master Your Inbox with AI: Copilot Tips Anyone Can Use
    Example prompts:
    • “Summarize this thread into decisions, risks, and next steps.”
    • “Draft a concise reply confirming owners and due dates.”
  • PowerPoint — From words to a story you can show
    Copilot turns docs into decks, tweaks tone per audience, and generates speaker notes. Your New Presentation Partner: Discover Copilot for PowerPoint
    Example prompts:
    • “Create a 10‑slide deck from this Word doc with one visual idea per key point.”
    • “Rewrite slide 4 for non‑technical execs; suggest a chart.”

Fundamental productivity skills

Even as powerful new tools emerge, strong foundational skills in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint remain essential. These applications are the backbone of modern work, and knowing how to navigate them confidently, how to structure a document, manage a calendar, analyze data, or build clear presentations, directly impacts the quality, clarity, and professionalism of your output. Foundational skills give you the ability to think, decide, and create with intention. AI can accelerate tasks, but it cannot replace your understanding of what “good” looks like. Mastering the basics of each application builds competence, confidence, and digital literacy, skills that are durable and transferable across roles and tools. Below you’ll find valuable shortcuts, tips and resources to help you on your journey of SuperZero to SuperHero.

Microsoft 365 Basics, Tips & Shortcuts

OUTLOOK — Basics, Tips & Shortcuts

Basics

  • Switch between Mail / Calendar / People / Tasks from the left app rail.
  • Use the Reading Pane to preview email without fully opening it.
  • Add colors to Calendar items to visually group meetings.
  • Use Rules & Quick Steps for automation (e.g., move receipts, forward items, categorize).

Email Etiquette (from your training pack)

  • Keep emails concise and scannable.
  • Use bullet points, not long paragraphs.
  • Use @mention when assigning tasks or asking questions.
  • End emails clearly with expectations & dates.

Outlook Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + R — Reply
  • Ctrl + Shift + R — Reply All
  • Ctrl + F — Forward
  • Ctrl + Shift + M — New email
  • Ctrl + 1 / 2 / 3 — Switch between Mail / Calendar / People
  • ? — Opens Outlook Web shortcuts menu

EXCEL — Basics, Tips & Shortcuts

Basics

  • Understand key concepts: Workbook, Worksheet, Cell, Range, Table.
  • Convert data to a Table (Ctrl + T) for easier filtering, sorting, and formulas.
  • Use AutoFill to repeat sequences like dates, numbers, or formulas.
  • Use Freeze Panes to keep headers visible.

Tips

  • Use Conditional Formatting to highlight trends or important values.
  • Learn basic formulas:
    • =SUM()
    • =AVERAGE()
    • =IF()
    • =VLOOKUP() or =XLOOKUP()
  • Keep sheets readable: bold headers, align text, apply number formats consistently.

Excel Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + Arrow Keys — Jump to data edges
  • Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys — Select data quickly
  • Ctrl + T — Convert to Table
  • F2 — Edit cell
  • Alt + = — AutoSum
  • Ctrl + Page Up/Down — Switch sheets

WORD — Basics, Tips & Shortcuts

Basics

  • Use Styles (Heading 1/2/3) instead of manual formatting.
  • Use the Navigation Pane to jump around long documents.
  • Insert Tables, Pictures, and SmartArt to structure content visually.

Tips

  • Turn on Show/Hide (¶) to see spacing and formatting marks.
  • Use Page Breaks instead of hitting Enter repeatedly.
  • Use Templates for consistent formatting (Resumes, Reports, Letters).
  • Save as PDF when sharing externally.

Word Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + B / I / U — Bold / Italic / Underline
  • Ctrl + C / V / X — Copy / Paste / Cut
  • Ctrl + A — Select all
  • Ctrl + L / E / R — Align left / center / right
  • Ctrl + Shift + > or < — Increase/decrease font size
  • Alt + Shift + Up/Down — Move a paragraph

POWERPOINT — Basics, Tips & Shortcuts

Basics

  • Use the Slide Master for consistent branding.
  • Keep slides simple: one idea per slide, minimal text.
  • Use Design Ideas sparingly; focus on clarity.
  • Use Animations only for emphasis — avoid overuse.

Tips

  • Use Sections to group slides.
  • Use Format Painter to quickly copy formatting.
  • Insert Icons & Shapes instead of stretching blurry images.
  • Convert a PowerPoint into a video for sharing.
  • 18 Best Features in PowerPoint EVER!

PowerPoint Shortcuts

  • F5 — Start slideshow
  • Shift + F5 — Start from current slide
  • Ctrl + M — New slide
  • Ctrl + D — Duplicate slide
  • Ctrl + Shift + C/V — Copy/Paste formatting
  • B during slideshow — Black screen

Useful Microsoft 365 Resources

Microsoft Learning & Training

Microsoft Resources:

Other Copilot related blogs I’ve written:

“Build confidence, boost creativity, and let Copilot do the heavy lifting. Your journey from beginner to brilliant starts with one good prompt.”

Spoiler Alert!! I use Copilot to create my Blog Thumbnails and help fact check my articles / shorten / summarise paragraphs where needed. I also use Napkin.AI to create any infographics I use. Of course I can create my own images, and I ROCK at PowerPoint, but with Copilot I can do SO MUCH MORE, SO MUCH FASTER! I’ve always wanted an assistant, now I do. #WinningAtLife

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Stay awesome, keep learning, help others.