If you’re in a one-on-1 phone call with a customer or in a conference with several participants making notes is vital to keep on top of the discussions. It can be difficult to remember details or keep track of the pace of a meeting if you’re incapable of taking notes effectively. The suggestions in this article will help you improve your note-taking skills, so you can attend more effective, organized meetings in the future.
Pick a method to take notes that works best for you. There are several common methods you can try, including the Cornell method, which divides your notes into a smaller column on the left and a larger column on the right. The idea is that the smaller column is a good way to highlight important points from the meeting while the larger column drills down into the finer details of each. Then, you can write a summary at the bottom of the sheet to connect the various ideas.
Keep your notes simple. You are likely to get caught in the nitty gritty of making notes. But, you must focus on what is most important to help those who will be reading them later. Make use of shorthand or symbols instead of writing them the exact words. This will make it easier to remember your notes when it comes time to go back to them and read them.
Ideally, your team will be able to share their agenda in advance so that you can draw up an outline prior to the beginning of the meeting. This will spare you the trouble of recording key aspects of the meeting and will help you stay focused throughout the discussion.