Guide
How to take meeting notes people actually use
Write down decisions, action items with owners and dates, and open questions, and skip the rest. Prepare a short structure before the meeting, fill it in as things are decided, and send the notes within an hour.
| What you get | A summary, the decisions, action items with owners and dates, open questions and the full transcript. Action items can become tasks and be placed on Google Calendar. |
|---|---|
| How it records | No bot joins the call. Timo records on your own device. |
Before the meeting
Write the meeting's purpose in one line and set out four headings: decisions, action items, open questions, next meeting. Having the structure ready means you listen for those things instead of transcribing.
During the meeting
- Listen for the moment something is decided, and write it as a full sentence.
- When someone says "I'll…", write an action with their name and ask for a date.
- If a question isn't answered, put it under open questions with who will follow up.
- Don't write down every opinion. Notes are for what changes after the meeting.
After the meeting
Tidy the notes and send them within an hour, while people still remember. Read the action items again and put your own on your calendar.
When to record instead
Typing pulls your attention out of the conversation. Recording with an AI note taker lets you stay present; the summary, decisions and actions are written for you, and you review them afterwards. Always tell people you're recording.
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Questions
What is the best way to take meeting notes?
Use a fixed structure (decisions, action items, open questions, next meeting) and write only what changes what happens next.
Should I type or handwrite meeting notes?
Whichever lets you keep listening. Many people take brief notes and rely on a recording for detail.
Is it okay to record meetings for notes?
Tell everyone first, and follow your organisation's rules and local law on recording.