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Refining Your Output

How to shape your first draft into a final deliverable—using conversation for broad changes and the editor for precision

Sidekick Build gives you a strong first draft, but it's a first draft. The real power of Build is what happens next—the back and forth where you shape the output into something that's truly yours.

After getting your first draft, you can ask Sidekick to adjust the whole thing, expand specific sections, or change direction entirely (although, if that's the case, you might just want to start a new session). You work together until it feels right.

Two tools make this happen: Conversation and the Report Editor, and you'll probably want to use both.

Use Conversation for Broad Changes

When you need to adjust tone, length, structure, or add entire sections, stay in the conversation.

Example: Tightening the Whole Thing

Let's say your draft is solid, but it's too long. Your leadership team wants something they can skim in 5 minutes.

Just tell Sidekick:

This is good, but it's too detailed for my audience. Can you tighten the narrative and make it more executive-friendly? Focus on key takeaways, not methodology.

Hit send. In minutes, Sidekick produces a revised version—same data, same structure, but shorter and more focused on what matters to decision-makers.

Example: Adding a Missing Section

As you scroll through, you realize there's no section for next steps. But you know your stakeholders will ask.

Tell Sidekick: 

Can you add a section at the end with recommended next steps? Include 3-4 actionable items based on the data we've presented.

 

Sidekick won't give you generic recommendations; it will build on what's already in your deliverable, using the data and context to suggest next steps that actually make sense.

Use the Report Editor for Precision

When you're happy with the structure and ready for finer control, open the report in the mySidewalk platform. Click Open Report in the top right of your screen (or use the dropdown to download as a Word document).

The Report Editor gives you full control:

  • Edit specific wording. Click the edit button on any text block and adjust the language.
  • Add new content. Click the plus icon to insert text, images, buttons, dividers, or additional data visualizations.
  • Adjust visualizations. Hover over any chart or graph, click Edit, and fine-tune—reorder data, change labels, apply your color scheme, make it yours.

Sidekick gives you the structure and substance. The Report Editor gives you the final say. Small adjustments make a big difference. Suddenly the visuals look and feel like they came from you.

When to Use Which

Use Conversation when you want broad changes:

  • Tone
  • Length
  • Structure
  • Adding new sections

Use the Report Editor when you want precision:

  • Customizing visualizations
  • Specific word choices
  • Adding a sentence
  • Inserting something only you know