Minute Taking

The ability to take clear and concise minutes that accurately reflect the decisions taken and actions agreed at important meetings is an essential requirement for anyone working in the public sector.

The aims of this highly practical seminar are to provide participants with the skills and tools to become effective minute-takers and to build personal confidence in their own abilities.

The workshop-style seminar covers the A to Z of taking minutes, from preparing effectively for a meeting to reviewing the finished minutes. Participants learn about best practice, including how to create an effective agenda, how to listen more effectively and ways to note salient points quickly and clearly. To achieve this, participants experience every stage of the minute-taking process, using guided role-play.  They are requested to bring along a set of minutes, for editing practice.

During this course, particpants will learn how to:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of the minute-taker
• Prepare effectively for a meeting
• Use a template to take clear, concise notes
• Listen more effectively (and understand what to leave out)
• Use simple techniques to transform their writing style
• Incorporate useful phrases
• Create an efficient structure and layout
• Edit and proofread minutes

Who should attend?

• Anyone who takes minutes but has never received formal training
• Anyone who would like to polish their minute-taking skills
• Public sector employees who will have to take minutes in the future and want to be able to understand and apply best practice

About the Speaker

Sarah Marriott is a veteran trainer and former journalist. She has worked as a feature writer and a sub-editor in The Irish Times and written a guide to correct usage: Common Errors in Written English. Click here to find out more about Sarah