Taking notes!

[~Wingnut~]

Hi All I have my first meeting tomorrow as Secretary on the committee of my daughter's playschool. I am bricking myself as I am worried about what it entails, missing something out, getting it wrong etc... I know I have to make notes etc.. but does anyone have any pointers on the best way to take notes, lay it out? What important factors to remember? Anything to help ease this anxious feeling please! I have never done anything like this before.

[fo3nix]

order it with numbers and sub-numbers, like

1)
2)
1)
2)
3)
3)
etc.

just remember to listen to the main points, and write them down. ignore all the babble, just get the main points people are trying to put across. and the order of events. you'll have to write them up and distribute them to the others on the committee in the order of events. you generally have an introduction, apologies (from those who couldn't make it), the order of business you're attending to and trying to sort out, and then aob (any other business).

don't worry though, there's nothing to it! just pay attention, try and understand what people are trying to say, and take basic notes.

[fo3nix]

sorry, those numbers should be like

1)
2)
---1)
---2)
---3)
3)

i.e. a set of main topics, then room for any sub-topics.

[vehelpfulguy]

I would be totally honest up front and say you have not done anything like this so please be patient.

Say before the meeting that if anyone wants anything specific added to the minutes say so during the meeting.

Get the name of each person at the meeting, and maybe their phone number so you can phone them up afterwards to check anything.

Try to get a copy of the last minutes so you can see what they were like.

Dont worry, meetings like this are usually very informal. It is not as though you are taking the minutes of Blair meeting Bush or something.

[~Wingnut~]

Thanx so much you2 :o) You have put me at some ease. I guess I am feeling anxious as they all seem to know each other and move in the same circles so to speak, me on the other hand is just there! They seem a nice enough bunch but I don't fit in with them, not that this bothers me just makes me feel nervous about the possiblity of messing it up! I know I'm being stupid.
I am reading over and over what you have put, thank you :o)

Lol veryhelpfulguy, it's just as well I'm not, never know what my spelling mistakes could lead to!! ;o)

[parkesquay]

Hi , This should give you all you need , make sure you look at the templates:

http://www.communitylinksbromley.org.uk/organi sational/info_sheets/Minute_Taking.doc

[SaxyJag]

Ask to see some previous minutes etc. to get an idea. If possible, you could have a chat with the previous secretary too, to see how they did it.