Summary feature
Guide to using the summary feature in Word via Copilot
Microsoft 365 offers a wide range of tools designed to better organise your work day. One such feature is the summary tool in Word, which, when used effectively, can significantly reduce your administrative workload, leaving you more time for other important tasks.
CSG are Microsoft solution partners, meaning we have proven our skills to provide expert support to your business when it comes to Microsoft 365 and Copilot. Here’s how you can make the most of the Summary feature with the help of Copilot along with a detailed video demo:
Accessing the summary feature
To get started, open your document in Microsoft Word. Navigate to the Review tab on the ribbon, and you’ll find the summarise option. This tool leverages AI to condense your document into a concise summary, highlighting the key points.
Step 1: open your document
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document you want to summarise.
Step 2: navigate to the review tab
On the ribbon at the top of the Word window, click on the Review tab.
Step 3: in the Review tab, look for the summarise option. This might be under a section like “Proofing” or “Tools,” depending on your version of Word.
Step 4: select the text to summarise
Highlight the text you want to summarize. If you want to summarize the entire document, you can skip this step.
Step 5: click on summarise
Click on the summarise button. Word will process the text and generate a summary.
Step 6: review the summary
A summary will appear, highlighting the key points of the selected text. Review the summary to ensure it captures the main ideas effectively.
Step 7: adjust the summary length (optional)
If you need a shorter or longer summary, you can adjust the length using the options provided. Some versions of Word allow you to specify the percentage of the original text to include in the summary.
Step 8: save or use the summary
Once you’re satisfied with the summary, you can copy it to another document, save it, or use it as needed.
If you have Copilot integrated into your Microsoft 365 suite, you can streamline this process even further:
Using Copilot for summarisation
Step 1: open the Document
Launch Word and open your document.
Step 2: invoke Copilot
Type or say, “Copilot, summarise this document.”
Step 3: review the Summary
Copilot will generate a summary for you to review.
Step 4: adjust as needed
If necessary, ask Copilot to refine or adjust the summary.
Using Copilot to generate Summaries
With Copilot integrated into your Microsoft 365 suite, generating summaries becomes even more efficient. Simply ask Copilot to summarise the document for you. For example, you can type or say, “Copilot, summarise this document.” Copilot will then analyse the content and provide a brief yet useful summary.
Benefits of using the Summary feature
- Reduces admin time: by quickly generating summaries, you can save a significant amount of time that would otherwise be spent reading through lengthy documents. This allows you to focus on more strategic tasks.
- Enhances productivity: with less time spent on administrative tasks, you can allocate more time to creative and high-value activities, boosting your overall productivity.
- Improves focus: summaries help you quickly grasp the main points of a document, making it easier to stay focused and make informed decisions.
Why Copilot is the right way to use AI at work
- Allows more time to be creative: Copilot allows you to quickly organise your routine tasks, such as summarising documents. Copilot frees up your mental bandwidth, allowing you to channel your creativity into more meaningful work.
- Increases efficiency: Copilot’s AI capabilities ensure that tasks are completed quickly and accurately, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall efficiency.
- Supports work-life balance: with Copilot taking care of administrative tasks, you can achieve a better work-life balance, as you spend less time on mundane tasks and more time on what truly matters.
The Summary feature in Word via Copilot is a smart way to maximise your Microsoft 365 license. It not only reduces your administrative workload but also enhances your productivity and creativity. By allowing Copilot to handle the routine tasks, you can focus on what you do best, making your workday more efficient and enjoyable.