Ensure that meetings are worthwhile and productive by gaining the skills and the confidence to record accurate and concise meeting notes.

This course is anyone who may have to take minutes as part of their job role. The techniques of good minute taking are often taken for granted, but it is a skill like any other and takes careful preparation to perform correctly.

We look at how best to effectively record the key elements of a meeting, making use of handouts, group work and a Course Workbook.

Course Objectives

At the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

· Effectively prepare for meetings where they are the minute taker.

· Identify and overcome common obstacles to effective listening.

· Select and use an appropriate note taking technique.

· Note the relevant points from discussions.

· Produce a clear, concise and appropriately worded set of minutes.

· Follow conventions for the format of minutes.

Course content

· The basic principles of minute taking. A look at the different type of minutes that can be taken, and the reasoning behind each.

· Prepared for the meeting. A review of the elements that should be considered prior to a meeting where you are due to take minutes. There is also a focus on the different roles of people in the meeting and how this relates to the minute taker. Also, the duties and responsibilities of the meeting Chair - and the important relationship between you.

· Agenda preparation. Understanding the Agenda, and how it clues you in to the meeting scope and purpose.

· Good listening skills. The barriers there might be to actively listening during meetings and how to overcome these. There is also a review of how to work back from a decision to identify the important elements to record.

· Note taking. A review of all the different methods of note taking, the benefits and pitfalls to each and identifying the best type to use.

· Writing the minutes. A practical examination of the structure and layout of minutes.

· The ABC of good writing. Accurate, Brief and Clear. Providing a structured approach to ensuring the minutes are written well and are:

· Narrative minutes.  Summary, Decision and Action. Some exercises to test and improve narrative writing skills. Also, how to create an Introduction,

· Minute taking practical. Applying the skills they have learnt throughout the day in a practical activity.

· Reviewing and checking the minutes. A review of the participants progress with suggested improvements and what worked well.

This training is available as in-house or online training for your own staff

We will be happy to arrange a  session of this course for up to 12 of your staff, at a time that suits best for you. The costs can be as low as £25 per attendee.

For a no-comitments chat contact us on training@civicostraining.org or call 07415 652 522