Taking notes while in a meeting is not always easy. Whether to make a report or a report, to write on paper everything that is said requires a certain technique.

Here are my tips for taking effective notes in meetings, simple tips to put in place that will save you a lot of time.

Taking notes in a meeting, the main difficulties:

As you may have noticed, there is a noticeable difference between speech rate and writing speed.
Indeed, a speaker speaks on average 150 words per minute while in writing we do not usually exceed 27 words per minute.
To be effective, you have to be able to listen and write at the same time, which requires a certain concentration and a good methodology.

Do not neglect the preparation:

This is certainly the most important step, because of it depends the quality of your note taking in meeting.
It is not enough to arrive in a meeting with your notepad under your arm, you have to prepare yourself and for this are my advice:

  • retrieve the agenda as soon as possible,
  • find out about the different topics that will be discussed during the meeting,
  • take into account the addressee (s) of the report and their expectations,
  • do not wait for it last moment to prepare you.

In your preparation, you will also need to choose the tool that suits you best for taking notes.
If you prefer paper, consider using a small notebook or notepad and get a pen that works properly.
And if you are rather taking digital notes, remember to check that you have enough battery on your tablet, laptop or smartphone.

Note the essential:

You are not a superhero so do not expect to write everything down.
During the meeting, note that what is important, sort through the ideas and select only the information useful for the realization of your report.
Also remember to note what is not memorable such as dates, figures or the names of speakers.

Use your words:

It is not necessary to transcribe word for word what it says. If the sentences are long and complex, you will have trouble keeping up.
So, take note-taking with your words, it will be simpler, more direct and allow you to write your report more easily.

Prepare your report immediately after the meeting:

Even if you have taken notes, it is important to immerse yourself in the report right after the meeting.
You will still be in the "juice" and therefore more able to transcribe what you have noted.
Reread yourself, clarify your ideas, create titles and subtitles.

Here you are now ready to take notes efficiently at the next meeting. It's up to you to adjust these tips to your way of working, you'll only be more productive.