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Effective minute taking
Synopsis
To produce excellent minutes you need to be prepared, take good notes, understand the purpose of the minutes and have a sound grip on the basics of good written communication.
The course addresses all of these points.
Outcomes
As a result of attending the course, you will be able to:
- develop a well-organised approach to taking minutes
- prepare more effectively, including liaising with the Chair
- plan before writing (actions or matter of record?)
- select an appropriate format
- ensure the writing suits the readers
- produce minutes that are concise, clear and easy to read
- use techniques which will help you to present complex proposals clearly and succinctly
- summarise effectively
- review your work effectively
Content
Identifying the problems
- 'Have a go' minute taking exercise
- What goes wrong?
The basics of good writing
Practical techniques to improve minute taking
- Formal requirements
- Action based minutes – identifying actions and outcomes
- Matter of record – recording arguments and key points
- Personal assertiveness as minute taker
- Abbreviation
- Use of templates, styles, presentation, layout
A clear guide to good practice
- What will I do differently in future?
| Format
The course uses a video of a meeting as the basis for exercises and discussion. The tutor uses feedback on delegates' work to bring out and reinforce the key techniques and learning points Duration 3 hours Delegates Anyone with responsibility for taking formal or informal minutes Maximum 12 per course Tutors |