Minute Writing

Do you dread being asked to take the minutes? Will the people who read your minutes say they accurately reflect what actually happened in the meeting? In this workshop you will learn the most up-to-date minute taking techniques being used anywhere in the world. You'll find out about the modern trends, as well as how to make your job easier if you are in a more traditional organisation.

This interactive program is not a writing course – it's a minute taking course - and there is a big difference. You will learn how to carefully take minutes in a way that will make people say "Wow! Why haven't we ever done this before?" The program is not based on writing skills, as they have very little to do with your ability to take minutes. The major skill is understanding the meeting processes and then knowing what to capture and what can be left out. Once you understand the meeting aspect, then the minutes will be quick and easy. This program will give you those skills so that you are motivated to attend meetings and keen to take the minutes!

Who should attend

Anyone who takes minutes or records decisions at any type of meeting, formal or informal, large or small.

Learning objectives

• Use clear and systematic guidelines when preparing for meetings.
• Liaise effectively with meeting conveners and chairpersons.
• Use practical guidelines on taking notes at meetings, including what to include and what to leave out.
• Write clear, accurate and concise minutes from your notes and do it quickly and efficiently.
• Practise the skills of effective minute writing.

Course outline

• Tips and strategies to make it easier for yourself.
• What to record and what not to record.
• When and how you should interrupt to clarify points.
• How to deal with a difficult chairperson or disruptive meeting participants.
• If and how much you can participate in the meeting.
• Quick and easy short cuts to make the minute taking easier.
• How to make sure the minutes are read and people come prepared.
• Your legal responsibilities.
• Recording motions in formal meetings.
• How to design action plans.
• How to design effective agendas.
• How to format minutes.
• How to actually enjoy taking minutes.
• How NOT to spend hours transcribing.

Course dates