There are many different ways to organize your notes. Whatever method you choose, it must work for you, and it must be consistent and help you create accurate notes.

One method is to develop a template beforehand, depending on the style of the meeting and the minutes you will be preparing. We will look at some different styles later on today, but here’s a sample template. (You would, of course, need more white space than is provided here – this is just a sample.)

Another method is to color code your notes or to use the margins of a page to note what part of the meeting you’re recording. Typing notes during the meeting will save you a lot of time later, and it will make organizing things a snap.

Many people choose to record the proceedings. You’ll need to advise the meeting attendees that the meeting is being recorded for the purpose of the minutes. You’ll also still need to take notes so that you do not miss anything and so that you know who was saying what. The recording will help you to verify things like the exact wording of a motion.