Effective Minute Taking

Course duration – 1 day

”Accuracy, Brevity and Clarity.”

Business scenario

Meetings are a vital tool for communicating and planning within any organisation. Successful use of this time requires good preparation and accurate records of matters discussed and decisions made.

Who will benefit?

Those required taking factual minutes of meetings, from large formal committee meetings to informal team briefings. ’Minute takers’ who need additional confidence and skill to produce accurate, clear and professional minutes.

Course objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Link the preparation and planning of meetings with accurate minutes
• Skilfully develop your preferred method of taking notes
• Improve the layout and format of your agenda and minutes to enhance clarity
• Identify the relevant and key points from a meeting; learn how and what to select
• Enhance your concentration through effective listening skills
• Save time by adopting new techniques on drafting and writing up your minutes

Course content

Meeting preparation and agenda setting

Knowing the purpose and advantages of a clear agenda
Understanding how an agenda can be used to improve minute taking
Establishing a partnership with the chairperson
Creating a checklist for essential preparation for a meeting

The purpose of minutes

Establishing the purpose of minutes within your organisation
Matching minutes with the intended audience and their use
Understanding the different types of minutes

Essential writing skills

Working through note taking tips and techniques to speed up the process
Pulling out key points and relevant facts
Knowing and adopting the ABC of writing
Creating clarity through accurate punctuation

Key listening skills

Recognising and overcoming your barriers to listening
Developing positive listening skills through the use of practical listening techniques

Course features

The course is practical and interactive, with the emphasis on creating a supportive environment in order to build confidence. Individual and group exercises take place throughout the course which will enable you to try out new techniques, explore your areas of strength and build on your development areas.