Meeting Minutes Guides
Straightforward advice for first-time and experienced minute-takers.
How to Write Meeting Minutes: A Step-by-Step GuideA practical guide to writing meeting minutes: preparation, note-taking, writing, approval and filing, plus common mistakes to avoid.Meeting Minutes vs Meeting Notes vs Agenda vs Action ItemsWhat is the difference between meeting minutes, meeting notes, an agenda, resolutions and action items, and when should you use each?Should Meeting Minutes Have a Letterhead?When to put a letterhead or company header on meeting minutes, what to include, logo tips, and when to leave it off.Meeting Minutes Phrases and Examples You Can AdaptReady-to-adapt phrases for opening, discussion, decisions, actions and closing in meeting minutes, with style tips.Using AI for Meeting Minutes Safely: Privacy and AccuracyHow to use AI to draft meeting minutes responsibly: protect confidential information, verify the output, and write good instructions.
Other minutes formats
Board Meeting Minutes (US, Robert's Rules)Formal minutes for US boards: call to order, quorum, motions and votes, adjournment, and the secretary's signature.Board Meeting Minutes (UK company or charity)UK-style minutes: Present, Apologies, declarations of interest, matters arising, actions, and the Chair's signature.Action Minutes (decisions and actions)A one-page record of what was decided and who does what by when. Ideal for busy teams.Team Meeting Minutes (informal)Friendly, practical minutes for weekly team meetings, stand-ups and department meetings.Nonprofit, HOA & Committee MinutesMinutes for nonprofit boards, HOAs, PTAs, trustees and community committees: quorum, motions, treasurer's report, conflicts of interest.Client & Project Meeting MinutesFor client calls, vendor reviews and project status meetings: decisions, risks, dependencies and next steps.