| name | verify-before-send |
| category | kata |
| description | Read every line of Copilot output before sending, sharing, or pasting. Specifically check facts, names, numbers, dates, quotes, and any cited source. Use for every external-facing or decision-supporting output. Triggers: any send / share / publish action; before pasting Copilot output into a channel or email. |
Verify Before Send
Copilot is fluent. Fluent is not the same as correct. The cost of a hallucinated stat in an exec memo is much higher than the cost of a 60-second verification pass.
Quick Reference (verification pass order — fastest cuts first)
| Order | Check | Why first |
|---|
| 1 | Names & titles | Hallucinated people are the most embarrassing defect |
| 2 | Numbers & dates | Each must trace to a source |
| 3 | Quotes | Open the source; verify verbatim |
| 4 | Citations & links | Click them; do they resolve? |
| 5 | Omissions | What's missing that the audience needs? |
| 6 | Tone | Read aloud; does it sound like you? |
When to Use
- Anything going to a person who isn't you.
- Any output containing: numbers, dates, names, titles, quotes, citations, links.
- Anything that supports a decision, even informally.
- Any output you'd be embarrassed to see screenshotted.
How to Use
Run the verification pass in this order — fastest cuts first:
- Names & titles — Are they real, spelled right, current?
- Numbers & dates — Trace each one to a source. If you can't, remove it.
- Quotes — Open the source. Did the person actually say that?
- Citations & links — Click them. Do they resolve to what's claimed?
- Omissions — What did Copilot leave out that the audience needs?
- Tone — Read it aloud. Does it sound like you, or like nobody?
If any step fails, fix or remove. Never ship "probably right."
Examples
| Don't: Skipped | Do: Verified |
|---|
| "Variance commentary cites $4.2M shortfall" — sent | Open the latest report -> confirmed $4.17M -> corrected |
| Recap names "Priya owns risk mitigation" — sent | Confirmed Priya wasn't even at the meeting -> reassigned |
| "Per the Gartner study…" — sent | Couldn't find the study -> cut the sentence |
| "Click here for details" link sent | Opened the link -> 404 -> fixed before send |
Critical Rules
- Names and numbers carry the most defect risk. Check them first.
- Trace every number to a source you opened. Memory of a number ≠ verification.
- Quotes get opened, not assumed. Copilot paraphrases that look like quotes are common.
- Click every link. "I'll check it later" — you won't.
- Never ship "probably right."
Common Pitfalls
- Skim-reading because the prose flows nicely — fluency masks defects.
- Trusting Copilot's confidence. It is always confident.
- Verifying numbers but not the direction (revenue up vs. down).
- Forgetting to verify dates that look right by season ("last quarter" vs. actual range).
- Citation that links to the right doc but the wrong section.
Anti-Patterns
- Skim-reading because the prose flows nicely.
- Trusting Copilot's confidence. It is always confident.
- "I'll check the link later." You won't.
- Verifying only the parts you wrote yourself.
Verify-Before-Send Checklist
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