1 Day Minute Taking Skills

Ask any minute taker in any organisation and they will often highlight similar challenges when recording meeting minutes — communication, organisation, listening skills and understanding what is truly important. This Introduction to Minute Taking training course addresses these challenges by developing the core skills required to produce clear, accurate and professional minutes for a wide range of meetings.

This practical one-day minute taking course enables delegates to maximise their minute taking skills in formal, informal and action-planning meetings. Participants develop professional techniques including effective listening, organisation and critical thinking, while also learning how to interpret body language to support accuracy. The course also focuses on working effectively with the Chairperson and building rapport with meeting participants to ensure high-quality meeting records.

SUITABILITY – Who should attend?

This introductory minute taking course is suitable for anyone whose role involves recording meeting minutes. It is ideal for:

• Receptionists

• Administrators

• Secretaries

• Personal Assistants (PAs)

• Executive Assistants

• Office and support staff involved in meetings

No previous experience is required, making this course ideal for those new to minute taking or wishing to improve existing skills.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Meetings take place in every organisation and can be costly if not managed effectively. To ensure meetings are productive and worthwhile, three elements are essential:

• Clear closure and agreed outcomes

• A strong Chair or meeting leader

• Accurate and well-structured minutes

It is often said that if accurate minutes are not recorded, the meeting may as well not have taken place. This minute taking skills workshop helps delegates understand their role and responsibilities as a minute taker and provides proven techniques for capturing all essential information clearly and concisely.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this Minute Taking training course, delegates will be able to:

• Recognise the importance of accurate minute taking

• Develop key professional minute taking skills

• Understand common problems and solutions in minute taking

• Improve listening skills for effective note taking

• Apply critical thinking techniques when recording minutes

• Organise effectively before, during and after meetings

• Use body language awareness to support minute taking accuracy

• Build an effective working relationship with the Chairperson

• Resolve common complaints associated with meeting minutes

• Produce minutes for formal meetings, informal meetings and action meetings

• Work efficiently as a minute taker in any meeting type

• Prepare, organise and maintain a professional minute book

COURSE CONTENT / OUTLINE

The Role of the Minute Taker

• What is a minute taker?

• Responsibilities and expectations

• Common problems and practical solutions

The Skills of an Effective Minute Taker

• Key minute taking skills

• Listening skills

• Critical thinking skills

• Organisational skills

Meeting Roles and Agreements

• The role of the Chair

• The role of the minute taker

• The role of participants

• Meeting agreements and protocols

Minute Styles and Formats

• Formal minutes

• Informal minutes

• Action minutes

• What to record and what to leave out

Techniques for Effective Minute Taking

• Preparing for meetings

• Taking minutes in interactive meetings

• Structuring and writing clear minutes

• Maintaining a minute book

• Action planning and follow-up

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Thoroughly enjoyed the training and can’t wait to put it into practice.”

“This course included lots of practical tasks which really helped me understand what I need to do going forward. Val is a very knowledgeable trainer who was very pleasant and took into account my own learning style. Really enjoyed the session.”

“Everything went really well on this course, I feel really confident with what I have learnt. Overall the course was excellent, and I would definitely book on another course with Asset Training Academy.”

“I found the course extremely helpful. Perfect delivery, presentation, setting and the handouts, exercises and ideas shared are invaluable. It was a pleasant surprise to find every aspect of the course so helpful. Thank you to Julie (tutor) for sharing templates, most helpful to have a contribution from someone experienced in minute writing. I feel adequately equipped to confidently take minutes in my new role.”

“Best course I have been on, relaxed but interactive. I would highly recommend this course to others.”

“Really professional training. The course was tailored to my requirements, so I could get the most benefit out of it.”

“Excellent trainer, her presentation was excellent. Would highly recommend to others.”

“Val had a great energy and knowledge. Lots of great examples to make the course relatable. Brilliant interaction between delegate and trainer. Great session!”

“Excellent knowledge and communication from the trainer. Would definitely recommend to others to attend this course as it was excellent.”

"An excellent course and day. There was a friendly but professional atmosphere to the course. The trainer was very informative.

"This was a very informative course. The presentation was clear, and the course was very interactive. The Trainer is very knowledgeable and supportive."

"This was a really enjoyable course. The tutor was great, very helpful and knowledgeable. The practical exercises were really useful. The venue was great in terms of location and food."

"Everything about this course was great there is nothing negative that I can say I will take a lot away with me to use when I return to the workplace."

"Julie was very engaging and made sure we all left confident and armed with a selection of best practices. An excellent course that I would recommend."

"Julie was a great teacher she has so much knowledge she downloads to students in a fun educative way. I have definitely learnt from this minute taking course and will be able to apply the knowledge gained in my role."

"Val had a great energy and knowledge. Lots of great examples to make the course relatable. Brilliant interaction between delegate and trainer. Great session!"

"The Trainer on this Minute Taking Course, Val was very knowledgeable and professional. She was well prepared and we learned at a steady pace that suited all."