daBongo LMS AI Training Courses

Lesson Content

The brief-first workflow.

Before asking for any draft, write a brief containing:

1. What this communication is (email, message, announcement)
2. Who it is to (manager, client, colleague, customer)
3. What you want the recipient to do or feel
4. The most important points to include (2-4 specific things)
5. The tone (formal, warm, direct, apologetic)
6. Any constraints (length limit, things to avoid)

Then ask for the draft. The brief takes 60-90 seconds and saves more time in editing.

Making it sound like you.

• Specify your natural voice: "I write in a direct, conversational style – not overly formal. Short sentences. No buzzwords."
• Give examples: "Here is a previous email I wrote to this person: [paste]. Match this tone."
• Ask for multiple options: "Give me three versions – one formal, one conversational, one brief."
• Edit, do not accept verbatim: Your personal edits are what make it sound authentically yours.

The perspective-shift check.

Before finalizing any important communication:

"Here is the email I am about to send to my manager: [draft]. Read this as my manager – what might she misunderstand, find confusing, or react negatively to? What is missing that she would expect?"

This simple check catches tone issues and missing context that you miss when you are too close to the content.

When NOT to use Copilot for communications.

• Highly personal communications: condolence messages, personal apologies, sensitive relationship conversations – these should come from you, in your voice
• Anything requiring professional legal review: legal notices, termination letters, settlement communications
• Communications where you would be misrepresenting your voice significantly to someone who knows you well

AI-assisted communications are your responsibility.

Every communication sent under your name is your professional and legal responsibility – regardless of how it was drafted. Review every Copilot draft before sending and edit anything that does not accurately represent your position and intent.