Having a template for your meeting minutes helps make everything easier. A ready-to-use template saves time on formatting and allows the minute taker to focus on what is happening in the meeting rather than trying to listen and organize the document at the same time. Templates also provide a consistent structure, helping to keep the minutes organized, readable, and easy to reference later. 

There are many options when it comes to meeting templates. Some are free, and others require a subscription or license. For example, Google Docs is free to use as long as you have an internet connection, and it provides a variety of templates. Microsoft Word also offers templates, although it requires a license to use. 

iBabs has a variety of templates designed for different types of meetings, such as annual meetings, executive meetings, and Board of Directors meetings. They offer a Board Meeting Template Kit that can be downloaded after submitting your information. Asana, another company, has a similar set of templates as well. 

A general template that covers most basic needs would look like this: 

[MEETING NAME] Meeting Minutes for [COMPANY NAME] 
Date: DD/MM/YYYY 

Call to Order 
(Include the specific time, e.g., XX:XX, and by whom the meeting was called to order.) 

Attendees 
[List attendees here along with their positions.] 

Goals 
[List what the meeting is meant to accomplish.] 

Approval of Previous Minutes 
(Include who approved them.) 

Agenda / Business 
(Examples: management reports, unfinished business, open forums) 

[Item 1] – Discussion Summary – Decisions Made (and by whom) – Next Steps 
[Item 2] – Discussion Summary – Decisions Made (and by whom) – Next Steps 
[Item 3] – Discussion Summary – Decisions Made (and by whom) – Next Steps 
[Item 4] – Discussion Summary – Decisions Made (and by whom) – Next Steps 

Action Items 
[Item 1] – Who is Responsible – Due Date 
[Item 2] – Who is Responsible – Due Date 

Adjournment 
(Record the time and who adjourned the meeting.) 

Signatures 
Meeting Chairperson and Minute Taker 

This template covers most types of meetings and can be customized to fit a company’s needs. To further save time, it is useful to have the whole board review the template beforehand to make sure the format is clear and accessible for everyone. Preparing the template well in advance of the meeting gives people enough time to suggest changes if needed. 

During the meeting, it is important to stay focused on the topics at hand. It becomes harder to fill in a template if the conversation jumps around too much. If a meeting lasts longer than an hour and a half, scheduling a brief rest break can help prevent fatigue—for both the participants and the minute taker. 

With these tips and template options, you can feel confident and prepared for your next meeting.