If you’ve been wondering how to take flawless meeting notes, there are some things you can do. The first thing to remember is to start with the medium you feel most comfortable with. Paper is not the only option; digital templates are also great. Also, start by writing down the key points of what was said, and don’t write down everything.

Using A Digital Template

Taking meeting notes is a complicated task. First, you need to make sure that you capture all relevant information. You also need to include action items and the next steps to ensure you get the most value out of your meeting time. Using templates for meeting notes can help you accomplish these tasks easily and save you time.

When you use a digital template, you will have an organized set-up for your notes. The template will prompt you to fill in all the relevant details. The layout will also be familiar to the recipient, making it easy for them to find important information. Another benefit of using a digital template is that it helps you stay focused since taking notes requires intense concentration. With so many distractions on our digital devices, it can be difficult to stay focused. Avoid playing games, browsing the web, or checking social media while you take notes. You should also turn off notifications to focus fully on taking notes.

A digital template will also allow you to organize your meeting notes. It is also easier to share meeting notes with others. This can make the meeting more collaborative, which can improve the success of the meeting. Furthermore, you will be better prepared to ask questions if you have an agenda.

Reiterating Key Points

It’s essential to be confident and clear in your meeting notes. Reiterating key points is an effective way to ensure your notes are accurate. In addition, it will ensure that you don’t forget to mention important details or decisions. It’s also an excellent way to ensure everyone understands the plan and decisions.

When writing meeting notes, remember that the objective is to summarize the key points of the meeting in three to four sentences. You should also include any action items that were discussed in the meeting. You should also include a deadline for completing these actions. In this way, the notes will help follow up on the issues raised in the meeting.

Using A Cornell Note-Taking System

Using a Cornell note-taking system to write down important points is a great way to ensure that you have the most influential meeting notes. This system encourages you to split up your notes by key points or takeaways on the right-hand side of the page and basic notes on the left-hand side. This structure lets you quickly scan your notes and highlight the essential points. In addition, Cornell notes also encourage you to use a mind map, a graphic representation of your ideas that connects crucial points or takeaways to create a birds-eye view of the meeting.

One of the best things about Cornell notes is its easy-to-understand page layout. The main part of each page starts with a giant I and then the course name, date, and subject. Subheadings and questions are also included on the page. You can quickly flip to another subject without losing your notes. Then, you can quickly review your notes after the meeting. You can also use Cornell notes to review your notes before an exam or class. Additionally, in order to prevent your notes from becoming messy, you could also consider using stationery items like an erasable pen or a correction tape, to make edits, corrections, or updates to your notes without having to worry about messy cross-outs, thus making it easier for you to refine your notes.

Avoid Writing Down Everything That’s Been Said.

Meeting notes aren’t legal transcripts of what’s said at a meeting, but they serve a purpose. Board meetings, for example, need to be recorded in writing for the board’s legal records. When writing your meeting minutes, avoid switching between the present and past tense, and focus on the outcome of the discussion rather than personal observations or opinions. You should also avoid using verbatim quotes. Remember that your minutes are not legal transcripts, so they should not contain your opinions or observations.

When taking meeting notes, you should capture key ideas, key takeaways, and action items. Rather than writing down everything said, focus on critical points that can spur action in your business. Remember that meeting notes are a record of the meeting, so keep them concise and focused on what is important to your business.