About
Do you want to refine your current minute writing skills?
An effective minute writer listens attentively at meetings, makes a note of relevant points and present them in a systematic, concise and useful format. But most of all, an effective minute writer will help the organisation save time, as staff will be able to take in and understand important information provided instantly. By writing effective minutes you can ensure decisions are properly recorded and appropriate actions are assigned.
The ability to write clear and accurate minutes is an indispensable skill. While it may sound simple, minute writing can be quite challenging, especially when discussions and issues get too contentious or convoluted.
This course aims to extend and refine your minute-taking skills – from the preparation process to clarity of content and final presentation. A practical and hands-on course, you will be working through several practice sessions to reinforce your learning experience and prepare yourself for the demands of your next meeting.
Outline
Role and Responsibilities of the Minute Taker
• Building familiarity with the agenda and issues to be discussed
• Identifying what is important and needs to be captured
• Understand what is going on in the meeting, both contents and dynamics
• Understand the importance of the relationship with the chairperson
Best Practices Relating to Minute Writing
• Developing effective listening techniques
• Selecting the most important and relevant information to be recorded
• Effective note taking – distinguishing between facts & opinions
• Translating notes to minutes
• Summarising skills
• Write to ensure minutes are unemotional and unbiased
Practical exercise:
Individual and group practical exercises to develop and strengthen your skills with feedback provided by the trainer and other course participants
Refining your Minute Writing Skills
• Recognising how mediocre minutes can be turned into a professional document
• Ensure your use of language is professional by turning colloquial into formal
• Proofreading techniques to ensure your work is 100% correct
• Deal with unfamiliar terminology and jargon
• Question and Answer session
Formatting and Presenting Minutes
• Identify documents that need to be attached
• Using different formats of minutes for different purposes
• Learn the most accepted style used in organisation’s today
• Following up on actions after the meeting
Facilitator
Robyn Bennett, Director, Team Link Training Ltd
Robyn Bennett is the director of Team Link Training Ltd, a business that provides training in office administration to individuals interested in a professional administrative career. Team Link Training Ltd’s courses are in demand throughout New Zealand with courses being run through The University of Auckland, Victoria University (Wellington), CPIT (Christchurch), Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, NZIM (Dunedin and Invercargill). Robyn is known for her interactive and fun training style ensuring at the same time participants are learning and increasing their skills and knowledge.
From 2000-2004 Robyn ran a successful secretarial business. Before that she worked in a number of secretarial roles supporting senior management.
Robyn is a committed administrative professional having belonged to the Association of Administrative Professionals New Zealand Inc for over 20 years. She was their National President from 2000-2002. Robyn was the first woman to receive Accredited Speaking Member (ASM) status from the National Speakers Association, Christchurch Group.
Robyn Bennett is also facilitating:
