Minutes are vital to the success of meetings. Attendees rely on them for information they may have missed and they serve as an essential communications tool for non-participants. In addition, the action points highlighted in minutes act as a timely reminder for the whole organization. Minute-taking is such a crucial part of business management meetings but there is a common misconception that all secretaries and administrators can simply take minutes.

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Taking minutes involves listening skills, the ability to absorb information and to summarize it simultaneously. The minute-taker is one of the most important and powerful people in a meeting. Although the tasks can be daunting, it is an opportunity to develop knowledge, broaden horizons and build credibility within the organization.

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Now in its second edition, Taking Minutes of Meetings is an accessible reference guide following the whole meeting cycle. Starting with organising a meeting, it goes on to give reliable, hands-on advice about the sections of a meeting; the agenda; personal preparation; taking notes; accuracy; structuring notes; writing up the minutes and recording decisions and actions. Aimed at anyone new to taking minutes and professionals looking to brush up their technique.