Meeting Notes Format

What is the best way to take meeting minutes and how to format them? There are lots of different ways to record meeting minutes but what really matters is the meeting notes format that you’ll be using to organize your meeting minutes.

Meeting Notes Format or Getting Organized
Remember preparation is everything, preparing for a meeting correctly will guarantee your meeting’s success and your success as a leader or an essential part of a team. Take a look at these free templates or this sample for ideas on how to get started with your meeting notes format.

A Few Thing to Remember:

1. The meeting minutes should begin with giving an account of when, where, who was present and how the meeting took place.
2. Then outline the goals of the meeting, or the main points that are presented in the agenda.
3. For each point expand on what took place at the meeting: the important points that were made and the goals or assignments that were given to be completed before the next meeting.
4. Write down a conclusion and highlight any important dates and deadlines that are to be noted before the next meeting.

Meeting Minutes Examples
Different organization use different meeting notes formats, some are very unofficial while others have guidelines and formats that you will have to adhere to. Take a look at these meeting minutes examples and compare them with what takes place at your workplace.

Meeting Minutes Samples
To choose what your meeting notes format is going to be start by taking a look at what others have been doing and prepare a meeting notes format that best works for you. Ask co-workers for a sample of their meeting notes, search for meeting notes in your Intranet and check out this meeting minutes sample which will help you create your own meeting notes format.

Typing or Writing Meeting Notes?
This is an ongoing argument; if you type your notes then you will be more effective and get every word down but you might not be “present” at the meeting because you’ll be focused on typing and thinking about what you’re typing. Also many psychological studies (check out this article) have shown that when we write things down we remember and understand them better. In addition if you’re listening actively then you can always add any info that you’ve missed when writing your final draft before sending it out.

Before you rush to your next meeting remember to go over the agenda, grab a pen and paper and make sure you look prepared, this will also help you feel prepared. The meeting notes format you choose to use should be something that you’ve carefully put together yourself because each person is different and your “custom made” meeting notes will help you be a lot more productive in the future. Good luck!