Note-taking: everything you need to know
A conference is being prepared, a meeting organised... But do you know how to take notes quickly and efficiently? Discover our tips and thorough working methods and become as fast as a Formula 1 driver.
Prepare your materials
The meeting is about to start and in a few minutes you need to be fully focused. Don't let your working materials give you away, prepare everything in advance! For optimal note-taking, prepare ahead:at least two different coloured pens;
a writing pad with a fold-out cardboard cover: this will serve as a support if you do not have a writing desk;
date and number the pages.
A method adapted to each situation
The structure of your notes depends on the event you are covering.Are you attending a highly structured presentation? Write down the main ideas and examples. Try to be comprehensive and use as many abbreviations as possible to make your work easier.
Good to know
Leave enough space on each page to allow for important points, key words, personal thoughts or later additions.
Are you attending an unstructured meeting?
Take into account the essential ideas, changes and backtracking (addition of information already mentioned). Use arrows to make a logical connection between the concepts developed. Also use headings and paragraphs to structure the narrative.
Take into account the essential ideas, changes and backtracking (addition of information already mentioned). Use arrows to make a logical connection between the concepts developed. Also use headings and paragraphs to structure the narrative.
Tips for quick note-taking
Not trained in shorthand or abbreviated writing? Don't panic, here are a few tips that can make your work easier.disregard spelling for the moment;
use personal abbreviation;
use signs and symbols whenever possible.
Reread your notes immediately after the meeting: title the different parts, underline the important words, and complete certain points to make sure you can make yourself clear when you need to recapitulate the content of the meeting.