Learning how to take meeting minutes might seem simple, but doing it well, takes planning. Good minutes help everyone remember what was decided and keep your organization running smoothly.

Here’s a quick guide on what you can do before, during, and after a meeting to make sure your minutes are clear, accurate, and finished in time. Plus, we’ll mention how ClerkMinutes can make the whole process easier.

Before the Meeting: Get Ready

• Know the agenda: refine and confirm the agenda ahead of time. This helps you understand what will be discussed.

• Prepare and check your tools: Have your laptop, tablet, or notebook ready. Charged, and if you expect a long meeting, line up your charging cable. 

• Familiarize yourself: Learn the names of the people attending so you can record attendance and motions correctly.

• Set a quiet space: Find a place where you can focus during the meeting with minimal distractions.

  
  
  

During the Meeting: Stay Focused

• Take clear notes. Write down important points, decisions, motions, and votes. Don’t try to record every word; focus on what matters.

• Track attendance: Note who is present, absent, or excused.

• Record motions carefully. Include who made the motion, who seconded it, and whether it passed.

• Note times: Record when the meeting starts and ends.

• Listen for public comments: If allowed, note any important public input.

  
  
  

After the Meeting: Wrap It Up

• Review your notes: Soon after the meeting, go through your notes while everything is fresh in your mind.

• Use a clear format: Organize your notes so all key details are easy to find.

• Check for errors: Make sure names, numbers, and decisions are correct.

• Share draft minutes: Send the draft to the chair or team for review.

• Save the final minutes: Once approved, store the minutes where they can be easily found by anyone who needs them. Labeling the final set of meeting minutes with the date and name of the meeting will make it easier to find later on.

  
  
  

Sometimes, taking meeting minutes can feel a bit dry, but thinking about it like producing a funny commercials clip can lighten the mood. If you’re wondering how to take meeting minutes faster and with less stress, tools like ClerkMinutes can help a lot. Some users have even compared the ease of using ClerkMinutes to the fun and engaging nature of a good meeting commercial. It makes the whole process smoother and less overwhelming.

Why Use ClerkMinutes?

ClerkMinutes is built to help clerks and recorders take meeting minutes faster and more easily. It guides you through the process so you don’t miss anything important. Using ClerkMinutes can save you time and reduce stress.

If you’re still taking minutes the old way, trying ClerkMinutes might be just what you need to make the job simpler.

Watch the funny commercials here!