Concise Minute-Taking

This course will guide delegates step by step through the minute taking process, equipping them with ideas for successful preparation, listening, analysis and note-making. The event is highly participative and provides an opportunity for every delegate to take notes in an agreed format.

From formal AGMs to weekly staff gatherings, as a minute taker you will be expected to provide an accurate record of meetings to ensure that the right amount of detail for follow up decisions is recorded - as well as a clear summary for future action and reflection.

Target Audience:

You will benefit from this course if you are expected to take accurate and professionally produced notes or minutes.

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• list what you need to do to prepare for meetings prior to, during and after the event
• state the role and responsibilities of a chairperson
• demonstrate setting a well structured agenda
• state common obstacles to effective listening and demonstrate your own listening skills
• identify a method of note-taking that suits your preferred style
• select the important and relevant points from a discussion
• state agreed accepted conventions for the format of minutes
• produce an accurate set of minutes, clearly and concisely.

• The meeting - what you should do before, during and after.
• The role and responsibilities of a chairperson.
• Styles of agenda.
• Setting the agenda.
• Barriers to listening.
• Listening and summarising a conversation.
• Using subject and viewpoint.
• Methods and style for taking notes.
• Simplifying expressions and editing redundant expressions.
• Styles of minutes.
• Sections of minutes.
• Recording decisions and actions.
• Practising minute taking.