

There are lots to choose from, and each kind of note-taking is great for different situations. The pros and cons of 4 different note-taking methodsĭoes your brain work in mind maps and doodles, or do you prefer to-do lists and spreadsheets? Or maybe you’re still trying to find a note-taking tool that works for you. There are lots of great note-taking strategies to choose from - find the one that works for you and the situation you’re in! Here are a few different note-taking methods with their unique pros and cons.

Whether you opt to take handwritten notes or use note-taking apps, be sure to look up and make eye contact from time-to-time. Without that clarification, it may seem as though you’re disinterested and responding to emails during the meeting. When possible, let the coworker, client, or boss you’re meeting with know that you’ll be taking notes - this is especially important if you opt to do so on a computer. This adds a personal touch and can help show the person you’re speaking with that you care about them. You can also write down any personal details they tell you about their life so you can ask a follow-up question later, or better remember the name of their spouse. Note-taking shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and less likely to send a follow up email with a question already addressed. In the time leading up to the meeting, write down any questions that come to mind so you don’t forget to bring up something important in the moment. Take a notebook and pen to the meeting so you can jot down the key points as they come up. Taking your own meeting notes, even if there’s a designated team member taking meeting minutes, will likely help you feel more organized, productive, and engaged with the discussion. From his research, the best way to combat this is by reviewing the information within the first 24 hours of hearing it – taking notes is a great way to be able to do this. There are several factors such as environment and how important one feels the information is that can have an impact on memory retention. In 1885, Hermann Ebbinghaus coined the term, “Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve.” He found that unless regularly reviewed, people forget, on average, 40% of what they hear within the first few days of hearing it. By taking notes, you’re more likely to remember action items, due dates, and other important points. How many hours each week do you spend in meetings? Whether they’re one-on-one meetings, team brainstorming sessions, client consultations, or informal, meetings are happening all the time. But before we get into the weeds with note-taking techniques, let's talk about the benefits of taking good notes in meetings. Which note-taking techniques work best will often depend on the situation. While the best note-taking strategy is the one that works for you, there are some general tips and guidelines that can help you take better notes. There are many different note-taking methods. What do Bill Gates, George Lucas, and Tim Ferriss all have in common? They’re all note-takers! Many people associate note-taking with school, but taking good notes at work can help you boost productivity, get the most out of meetings, and build meaningful relationships - all of which we’ll get into in this article.
