Office Administration & Digital Productivity · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: Meeting Coordination and Minutes · Lesson 2 of 3

Taking Minutes

Record decisions and actions clearly, without transcribing every word.

In this lesson you will

  • Take action-focused minutes
  • Write minutes in a standard format

Key concepts

attendancedecisionsactionsneutral language

The lesson

Minutes record who attended, the key points of discussion, decisions and actions — each action with an owner and deadline.

Write in neutral, past-tense language and summarise; do not record every comment.

Send draft minutes to the chair within two days, then circulate approved minutes.

Step by step

  1. Use a minutes template.
  2. Record attendance.
  3. Record decisions and actions with owners and dates.
  4. Send to the chair for approval.

Practice activity

Take the minutes of the practice meeting.

Expected result: Concise minutes with clear decisions and actions.

Check your understanding

  1. What must every action include?

    Show answer

    An owner and a deadline.

  2. Should minutes record every comment?

    Show answer

    No, they summarise discussion and record decisions and actions.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.