4.5 (1125 reviews)
The task of the minute taker is to produce an accurate record of the meeting and agreed actions to be taken. This is a lot tougher than it sounds. There are many different skills required to accomplish this task - listening skills, note taking, strong vocabulary and grammar. In this course you will learn techniques to improve your minute taking skills.
Course Overview
Duration:
1/2 Day
Audience:
This half-day workshop helps minute-takers understand their role and the best techniques for producing minutes that include all the essential information needed.
Prerequisites:
There are no particular requirements for this course.
Course Content
Learning Outcomes
- Listen for what matters
- identify key elements that must be captured in the minutes
- distinguish between discussion, decision and actions - Capture clear concise notes
- use simple structures for note taking during meetings
- record information accurately using plain, professional language - Organise minutes professionally
- format the minutes using clear, consistent layout
- present decisions, actions and responsibilities in a readable way - Finalise and distribute minutes
- review minutes for accuracy and clarity before distributing
- distribute minutes appropriately and maintain version control
How you will Benefit
- Build confidence with simple, practical techniques for workplace meetings.
- Reduce overwhelm - learn to distinguish what needs to be captured.
- Improve accuracy with clear structures for notes, decisions, and actions.
- Produce minutes that are easy to read, finalise, and distribute.
- Strengthen team communication through consistent, professional record‑keeping.
- Support managers with minutes that clearly show outcomes and responsibilities.
Welcome, Purpose and Expectations
- What are minutes? What they are not.
- Role of the minute-taker in everyday workplace meetings.
- Common challenges and how this course will help.
- Minute taker competencies
- communication
- writing and summarising meeting notes
- emotional intelligence
What to capture: Listening for what matters
- How to identify key points, decisions, and actions
- Distinguishing discussion vs. outcomes
- Understanding meeting purpose to guide your notes
- Quick filters: what to ignore, what to summarise, what to write verbatim
Simple, Practical Note-Taking Techniques
- Easy structures for capturing notes in real time
- Using headings and cues to stay organised
- Plain‑language recording (no jargon, no transcripts)
- Examples from real workplace meetings (not formal committees)
Before, During and After the Meeting
- Preparing for success (agenda, roles, expectations)
- Working with the Chair or meeting lead
- Confirming key points during the meeting
- Reviewing and distributing minutes efficiently
- Version control and naming conventions (light‑touch, practical)
Turning Notes into Clear, Professional Minutes
- Converting rough notes into a clean, readable record
- Structuring minutes for everyday meetings
- Writing decisions and actions clearly
- Ensuring responsibilities and deadlines are visible
Using Digital Tools Effectively
- Pros and cons of laptops, tablets, and templates
- Tips for staying focused while typing
- Using shared documents in Teams/Zoom meetings
- Using chat without distraction in online meetings
- Avoiding over‑reliance on recordings
Practice Activity: Capture, Summarise and Finalise
A short, realistic workplace scenario where participants:
- listen to a short discussion
- take notes using a simple structure
- turn notes into a short set of minutes
- compare with a model example
Wrap-up and Action Plan
- Key takeaways
- Personal improvement goals
Delivery Options
Public Courses
Live online - learn by doing.
Our Live Online courses are conducted through a dedicated learning platform that enables us to provide instructor-led, hands-on training to develop real skills, in real time. Each participant logs into their own virtual environment setup specifically for the course. This is a fully interactive experience - just like in a classroom. No passive lectures. No videos to follow - real time hands-on practice with your instructor guiding you every step.
Instructor:
- provides real-time live hands-on instruction and demonstration,
- provides step-by-step practical activities for participants,
- can assist participants on their screen, if necessary,
- can share participant screens to enhance discussion.
Participants:
- receive hands-on instruction, step-by-step exercises and skill-builder activities,
- see the instructor screen while working on their own environment,
- can interact with the instructor and the group of participants,
- can ask questions at any time,
- join the course from any location with internet using a Course Invitation.
- no need for any software, just a computer with internet and a browser.
- no downloads on installs necessary on the participant computer.
Inclusions:
- E-Book Training Manual/activity booklet will be provided
- Certificate of Completion
- Post-course support to the level of the course
- Access to any training exercises used during the session
Session Times:
- Full Day Course: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
- Half Day Course: 9:00 am-12:30 pm or 1:30 pm-5:00 pm
Private Courses
Private sessions can be arranged through our Live Online platform for group training. Group training content and duration can also be tailored to your needs. To discuss your training requirements, contact our Course Scheduling team.
Classroom
Classroom sessions are delivered at a nominated location (Private courses only).
Requirements:
If training is being delivered on your site:
- A computer is required for each participant, configured with appropriate software (if necessary).
- If participants are using laptops, ensure power cords are provided for use during the session.
- The instructor will bring their own laptop - please provide power
- Screen/Projector for trainer to connect their laptop to. Please indicate the connection method - hdmi or wifi.
Inclusions:
- Training Manual/activity booklet
- Certificate of Completion
- Post-course support for queries relating to the course content.
Available Minute Takers Workshops
| Event | Event Date | Location | Individual Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Minutes Skills for Accurate and Professional Records | 05-08-2026 | Live Online | $440.00 | |
| Essential Minutes Skills | 10-09-2026 | Live Online | $440.00 | |
| Essential Minutes Skills | 21-10-2026 | Live Online | $440.00 | |
| Essential Minutes Skills | 04-12-2026 | Live Online | $440.00 | |
| Essential Minutes Skills | 18-01-2027 | Live Online | $440.00 |
Brochure