How to Change Copilot Start Message in Microsoft Copilot Studio

Unlock the full potential of your chatbot agent by personalizing the introductory message it delivers to users. Whether you are a developer or a creator, learning how to customize this aspect of your Copilot agent in Microsoft Copilot Studio can dramatically increase user engagement and enhance your brand’s tone from the very first interaction.

What You’ll Learn

In this tutorial, you’ll discover how to:

• Navigate the topic structure in Microsoft Copilot Studio.
• Locate and edit the “Conversation Start” topic for your Copilot agent.
• Customize the message that sets the tone for each new interaction.

Why This Matters

Customizing your Copilot agent’s start message allows you to create a more engaging, and personalized user experience right from the beginning. This is crucial for setting a positive first impression, making users feel at ease, and aligning your chatbot’s voice with your company’s brand and policies. This guide is perfect for both newcomers and experienced Power Platform users wanting to refine their digital communication tools.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Navigating to the Conversation Start Topic

1. Open Microsoft Copilot Studio: Begin by accessing Microsoft Copilot Studio where your agents and their topics are managed.
2. Discover the Topic Structure: Your agents are segmented into various topics representing different purposes. Navigate these by selecting the Topics section.
3. Find the Conversation Start Topic: By default, the studio might display custom topics. Click on All to display every topic associated with your agent. The Conversation Start topic should appear as the first option if no other changes have been made.

Customizing the Start Message

4. Edit the Message Node: Within the Conversation Start topic, identify the Send a Message node, which dictates what is displayed when a user initiates a conversation.
5. Configure the Message: Click the node to edit. This is where you can input your customized message. Feel free to integrate company policies, necessary disclaimers, or a personalized greeting.
6. Save Your Changes: Once your new message is set, make sure to hit Save to apply the changes.

Testing Your Changes

7. Test Your Agent: Refresh the test pane in Copilot Studio to see your updated start message in action.
8. Verify Personalization: Keep an eye out for how the agent delivers a personalized experience, such as displaying the signed-in user’s name if that functionality is enabled.

Tips and Best Practices

• Keep It Concise: While customization is key, ensure that the starting message is clear and not overly verbose.
• Use Variables Wisely: If you want the bot to address users by name, explore variable setups in your configuration.

---

Conclusion

Changing the start message of your Copilot agent allows you to present a tailored and professional introduction to users. This enhancement not only reinforces your brand’s voice but also improves interaction consistency and engagement. As you refine these skills, you’ll be better equipped to leverage Microsoft Copilot Studio’s capabilities for dynamic user experiences. Explore further customizations like variable uses for even more personalized interactions. Happy customizing!