Category: Minute Taking

  • Pros and Cons of Recording Meetings for Minute-Taking 

    Recording meetings for the purpose of minute-taking has become more common in recent years. As virtual and hybrid meetings have grown, so has the use of tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to capture entire discussions. While recordings can make it easier for minute takers to stay accurate and for teams to stay informed, there are also…

  • Meeting Minutes: What to Include and Why It Matters 

    There are several items worth including in meeting minutes. Keeping them organized and consistent helps ensure that meetings remain productive and accountable. Below are some common questions about what belongs in meeting minutes and how to record them clearly.  What information should always be included in meeting minutes? Meeting minutes should include the meeting date, time, and location; a list of attendees and absentees;…

  • How to Handle Confidential Information in Meeting Minutes 

    Confidentiality is one of the most important responsibilities a minute taker has. Meeting minutes often contain sensitive details about company operations, finances, personnel, or future plans. Protecting this information is not only professional but also helps build trust between the minute taker, the board, and the company. Everyone involved in the meeting should understand what…

  • Speed Writing Techniques for Minute Takers

    Writing with speed and accuracy is essential for minute takers to do their job effectively. The good news is that a minute taker does not need to write meeting minutes verbatim. “Verbatim” is inherently a word-for-word transcription of everything said during the meeting. That practice is time-consuming and unnecessary for a document that is meant…

  • Building a Reliable Reputation as a Minute-Taker 

    Building a reliable reputation as a minute taker is extremely important. It helps maintain client longevity and fosters trust between the client and the company. A reputation for accuracy, professionalism, and consistency can distinguish one minute taker from another, ensuring repeat business and positive referrals. There are several key habits that help build this reputation,…

  • Minute Taking for Remote and Hybrid Teams

    After the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings that were once held in person began taking place remotely. Many companies transitioned from in-person to remote work, yet they still needed to hold meetings to remain productive and on track. It’s also important to note that some organizations have always operated remotely, so the pandemic didn’t affect them in…

  • Meeting Fatigue 

    In today’s workplace, meetings have become a central feature of professional life. Since the pandemic, employees have reported attending more meetings than ever before, particularly in virtual and hybrid environments. While meetings are often necessary for collaboration, they can also contribute to stress and reduced productivity. In a recent survey, the number of meetings per…

  • How to Make Effective Action Items in Meetings 

    Action items are among the most critical outcomes of a meeting. Without them, discussions risk losing direction and failing to create meaningful impact within the organization. An action item is more than just a note! It is a clearly defined task that specifies four key elements: what needs to be done, who is responsible, when…

  • Unbiased Decision-Making: How to Stay Objective in Business Meetings

    In today’s professional environment, business meetings are essential spaces for collaboration, decision-making, and progress. However, even in structured settings, biases—both conscious and unconscious—can subtly influence outcomes. Left unchecked, these biases may hinder fair decision-making, create unnecessary conflict, or diminish inclusivity within the workplace. While it is impossible to remove all forms of bias entirely, steps…

  • How to Manage Professional Time Efficiently in Meetings

    Time spent in meetings can sometimes feel wasted if it isn’t managed well. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help ensure meetings run efficiently and effectively. Creating clear time references in the agenda, assigning a timekeeper, and minimizing disturbances all go a long way toward keeping meetings on track. Start and End on Time Starting…

  • Why Organized Meeting Minutes Matter

    Organized meeting minutes provide a multitude of benefits to organizations. The purpose of minutes is to document decisions made, key takeaways, future tasks, and the people responsible for completing those tasks. If these items are not organized in a clear and concise manner, there is a risk of confusion later on. Importance of Concise MinutesClear,…

  • Maintaining Confidentiality and Trust in Minute Taking

    Maintaining confidentiality and trust is one of the most important aspects of minute-taking. Minutes are not just notes; they are a legal record of what happens in a meeting. Why Confidentiality Matters There are many reasons why meetings may need to remain confidential. From a legal perspective, organizations can face fines and penalties if sensitive…

  • Soft Skills for Minute-Takers

    Minute-taking is a task that requires a variety of skills, most of which are not highly technical. Good minute-takers must be active listeners, clear note-takers, and effective summarizers. The objective is to provide a concise summary of the main points of a meeting: the key issues discussed and decisions made. Obvious skills needed are active…

  • How to Set Up a Minute-Taker for Success at Meetings

    Adequate preparation is key to setting a minute-taker up for success at a meeting. Clear communication throughout the process, providing the agenda in a timely manner, and maintaining a consistent template all contribute to quality results. Before the Meeting: Preparation Is Key Before the meeting, it is important to directly share the meeting’s objectives and…

  • How to Write a Board Meeting Agenda: A General Guide

    Having a clearly written agenda for a board meeting is a great way to start your meeting. An agenda increases efficiency and ensures that all important points are brought up at the appropriate time.  How To Start  Your first task is to identify the format of the meeting (virtual or in-person). Then, consider the attendees:…

  • Human Minute-Taking: Staying Competitive in a World of AI

    Most AI software relies on templates that can be difficult to customize for specific organizational needs. A human minute taker, on the other hand, can format meeting minutes consistently to suit the organization’s requirements.

  • Cultivating Professional Presence Through Small Habits 

    In this fast-moving, networked world we live in, creating professional presence propels you forward in your career and growing as a human being. It is not just about dressing in professional attire or having a brilliant CV; it is feeling confident, conveying effectively, and being able to make an impression. A few of the little…

  • AI tools for Minute Taking

    Since productivity and efficiency are the requirement of the day, the integration of artificial intelligence into our work has been a blessing. One such domain where AI has been revolutionary is in note-taking and minute-taking during meetings. Not only does it save time but also ensures that they are accurate and properly structured. Some of…

  • Tech Solutions for Better Board Meetings 

    With the present age of digitalization, board meetings are now being revamped from traditional face-to-face meetings to better interactive, technology-aided meetings. The integration of technology into board meetings not only makes things easier but also enhances collaboration, productivity, and decision-making. Some of the new technology products that are changing the board meeting face are explained…

  • How to Choose the Right Minute Taking Service

    In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication and documentation are crucial for success. Meeting minutes serve as an essential tool to capture important discussions, decisions, and action items. However, taking accurate and comprehensive minutes can be a challenging task, which is why many organizations opt to employ professional minute-taking services. Choosing the right service can…