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