Duration – One day

Aim
Minutes are the formal record of what was decided at a meeting. The accuracy and clarity of minutes are extremely important for documenting meetings as it provides the solid foundation in good listening techniques, writing and editing skills and ensures the final document is completely professional.

Objectives
By the end of this course participants will:

• Be able to write an agenda
• Understand the importance of preparation before taking notes at a meeting
• Be able to use three different methods for taking notes during a meeting
• Write clear, accurate and concise minutes from their notes
• Improve the style of their minutes
• Have an opportunity to put their newly developed skills into practice

Programme

Course objectives and introductions

Minutes & Agendas
• The various types of minutes and their uses
• Identifying the difficulties experienced by minute writers so that they can be overcome

Preparation and Planning
• A checklist of actions and information to be gathered before the meeting to increase effective minute taking
• How to write an effective agenda

Taking the notes for minutes
• Three easily managed methods of taking minutes which allow minute takers to listen to the meeting
• Identifying the important points in a complex meeting
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• How to be selective

Improving the style of minutes
• How to avoid ‘minute speak’
• Incorporating the elements of good style in minutes
• Presentation of minutes in a professional format

Practical exercise in minute taking
• Participants will have the opportunity to put the learning points of the course into practice

Action Session
• Participants will commit to actions they can take to improve their minutes and agenda writing

Who should attend?
This course is designed for those who wish to develop their skills in setting agendas and taking minutes.