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Minute Taking Essentials

Course Length:

6 hours (1 day)

Learning Objectives

In this course, you will learn how to effectively take and manage meeting minutes, ensuring that all important details are accurately captured and organized. You will: 

  • Understand the Role of a Minute Taker: Learn the responsibilities and significance of a minute taker  
  • Prepare Before the Meeting: Discover how to prepare effectively for meetings 
  • Develop Effective Note-Taking Techniques: Explore methods for capturing key points, decisions, and action items without losing important details 
  • Format and Structure Minutes: Gain insights into organizing your notes into a clear and concise format that is easy to read and reference, making the minutes useful for all stakeholders. 
  • Utilize Technology for Minute Taking: Learn about various tools and software that can aid in taking and distributing minutes, ensuring accuracy and accessibility. 
  • Edit and Finalize Minutes: Understand the importance of reviewing and revising minutes for clarity, completeness, and accuracy before distribution, ensuring that all details are correct. 
  • And more… 

Target Student

This course is suitable for professionals in various organizations, including any government agency, who are responsible for or are interested in effective minute taking. 

Course Outline

Minute taking is a crucial skill for ensuring that meetings are productive and that decisions are clearly recorded for future reference. This course on minute taking equips participants with the tools and techniques needed to effectively document meetings, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and usefulness. 


Section 1: Understanding Minutes 

The Importance of Minute Taking in Meetings 

What Are Minutes? 

Why Are Minutes Important? 

Different Types of Minutes 

Legal Requirements for Minutes 

The Impact of Privacy Legislation 

Understanding Quorum in Meetings 

 

Section 2: The Role of a Minute Taker 

Responsibilities of a Minute Taker 

Skills Required for Effective Minute Taking 

Challenges Faced by Minute Takers and How to Overcome Them 

The Minute Taker’s Toolbox 

 

Section 3: Preparing for a Meeting 

Understanding the Agenda 

Liaising with the Chairperson 

What To Do Before, During, and After the Meeting 

Handling Late Arrivals and Early Departures in Meetings 

Meeting Agreements 

 

Section 4: Taking Minutes 

Techniques for Notetaking 

Deciding What to Include and What to Leave Out 

Using Templates for Minute Taking 

Minute Styles (Informal Minutes, Action Minutes, Formal Minutes) 

What to Record (Recording Motions and Resolutions) 

Utilizing Technology for Minute Taking (Teams/Zoom Transcription, CoPilot, ChatGPT, Outlook, OneNote) 

 

Section 5: Writing and Distributing Minutes 

Transcribing Your Notes into Minutes 

Proofreading and Editing Minutes 

Getting Approval for Minutes 

Distributing Minutes to Attendees 

Techniques for Preparing  

Writing Guidelines 

 

Section 6: Overcoming Challenges and Continuous Improvement 

Common Challenges in Minute Taking and How to Address Them 

Strategies for Handling Difficult Situations During Meetings 

Importance of Feedback and Reflection for Continuous Improvement 

Developing a Personal Action Plan for Enhancing Minute Taking Skills 

Minute Taking Essentials

Upcoming Classes

All Public classes are held online
with a live instructor
Dates Price Qty
November 12, 2024
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET
$595.00 Online
February 4, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET
$595.00 Online
March 13, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET
$595.00 Online
May 6, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET
$595.00 Online
* Applicable taxes will be applied on checkout

Groups of 6 or more? Consider private training

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Have questions about this course? See below or reach out to our training coordinators.

The Great Canadian Training & Consulting Company Advantage

When you train with us, your training will not just check a box. We make sure it is GREAT!

  • Experienced Trainers
  • Learn or Come Back Free Policy on Public Classes
  • 24/7 After Training Support

All of our courses include:

PDF Reference Guide

Want a summary of what you’ve learned? Save paper and use your PDF Reference Guide, accessible on any of your devices.


Certificate of Completion

Boost your credentials with a Certificate of Completion, confirming the skills you’ve acquired with us.


24/7 After-Training Support

Receive a 30-day after-training support voucher, offering assistance as you apply your new skills on the job. Need help with a specific step? We’re here to provide extra support and clarity even after you’ve left the class!


Want even more?
Check out our add-ons

Printed Reference Guide

While we love technology, we understand that there is something about having a paper copy. Add a printed reference guide to your training, which we will have shipped to your location.


Extended After-Training Support

Extend your support beyond the standard 30 days for ongoing assistance.


Can I customize my course?
OF COURSE!

Customized to meet your unique needs

We can customize your training to fit your exact needs, whether it's making small adjustments or creating entirely new courses. From setting specific objectives and including your own files to addressing unique challenges, we're here to help. We can even tailor the training to align more closely with how you work and to fit perfectly into your schedule. Our goal is to provide training that's as unique as your goals.


Access to your recorded session for 60 days

You can request your private session be recorded. You can have access for 60 days to revisit what you’ve learned.