Effective Minute Taking
This practical Minute Taking Course is designed for administrators, secretaries, project coordinators, team leaders, technical staff, and anyone responsible for recording and managing meeting outcomes. The course offers 8 hours of in-person or online training focused on producing accurate, concise and professional meeting records.
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What you’ll learn
- Understanding the purpose and different types of meeting minutes
- Preparing effectively before meetings and collaborating with the Chairperson
- Taking accurate, objective notes in real time
- Distinguishing key points from unnecessary detail
- Writing and formatting minutes professionally and clearly
- Handling common challenges like unclear discussions or disruptive participants
- Using practical templates and digital tools to streamline your process
Course details
Participants will learn how to prepare for meetings, take objective notes, structure formal minutes, and handle common minute-taking challenges with confidence. Real-world exercises, templates, and facilitator feedback ensure you leave with practical skills to create high-quality, actionable meeting records for both formal and informal settings.
Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance, 1 ECSA CPD point, and access to templates and note-taking guides, with custom arrangements available for larger groups or onsite bookings.
This course offers
Online
- 8 hours of live virtual training via Microsoft Teams
- Real-time participant interaction with interactive tools like Slido
- e-Certificate of completion
In-Person
- Full-day workshop
- Certificate of Attendance
- Lunch and snacks provided
- Held at 320 The Hillside Street, Lynnwood, Pretoria, or at a client site
- Custom arrangements for larger groups or onsite bookings available on request
On Site
A course by
You get:
- Full-day facilitator-led training
- 1 ECSA CPD point
- Certificate of Attendance
- Minute templates, checklists, and note-taking guides
- Real-time feedback and peer learning
Who this course is for:
Individuals with the following:
- Administrators, secretaries, and project coordinators
- Technical staff, team leaders, and NGO/community volunteers
- Anyone responsible for documenting meetings
- Basic communication, listening, and writing skills
- Access to a device with word-processing software installed
| Course Date | DELIVERY METHOD | COURSE FEE | SECURE YOUR SPOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Nov 2025 | ONLINE | R1 050.00 | |
| 21 Jan 2026 | ONLINE | R1 050.00 | |
| 18 Feb 2026 | ONLINE | R1 050.00 | |
| 18 Mar 2026 | ONLINE | R1 050.00 |
Course Content
5 Discussion Points | 8 hours total length
Introduction
- Welcome and course objectives
- Icebreaker: “Minute Taking Disasters”
- Participant goals and learning outcomes
The Purpose and Types of Minutes
- Why meetings require minutes
- Legal and organisational importance
- Action, summary, and verbatim minutes — when to use each
- Review of real examples (good and bad)
Preparing to Take Minutes
- Understanding agendas
- Working with the Chairperson
- Preparing checklists and templates
- Practical: Draft an agenda for a mock meeting
Taking Notes During the Meeting
- Spotting key decisions and action points
- Handling multiple speakers and interruptions
- Practical: Note-taking from a recorded meeting
Writing and Presenting Minutes
- Structuring and formatting meeting minutes
- Writing objectively with a professional tone
- Proofreading and finalising the document
- Practical: Turn rough notes into a polished final version
Challenges & Tips
- Dealing with difficult participants or unclear meetings
- What to do if you miss information
- Using digital tools and software for modern minute-taking
Group sharing of solutions and best practicesvvv
Wrap-Up
- Key takeaways
- Personal action plan
- Certificates and course feedback
About this course
Professional, well-written minutes are critical for accountability, transparency, and organisational success. This course gives participants the tools and confidence to prepare, capture, and present meeting records that are clear, compliant, and actionable. With hands-on activities, peer feedback, and facilitator guidance, attendees leave ready to support meetings in both virtual and in-person environments.
