Introduction

• Why have meetings and why take minutes

• The difference minutes can make

• Why minutes must be clear and accurate

Becoming a minute-taker

• What is the role of a minute taker?

• Skills required by a minute taker

• The tasks of the effective minute taker

Preparation before a meeting

• The role of the chair and how to work with your chair

• Discussing the meeting with the chair before it starts

• Understanding the aim of the meeting

• Preparing the agenda

The meeting

• Effective listening and understanding

• Analysing what is being said

• Taking notes and deciding what to record

• Impartial recording of the meeting and points made

• Identifying individual contributors

• Maintaining your concentration throughout the meeting

Writing up the minutes

• The difference between informal and formal minutes

• Choosing which style is appropriate for a meeting

• Transcribing your notes

• How much details to include

• Structuring the minutes

• Writing in a clear, concise style of English

• Good use of grammar and language

• When to use jargon and abbreviations

• Formatting the minutes in an easy to read and digest layout

Editing the minutes

• Assessing the minutes - what are they trying to achieve

• Ensuring the minutes are actionable

• Getting input from other attendees

• Distributing the minutes

Questions and answers