Effective Note-taking During Conferences

Could pen and paper be the secret to better meeting outcomes?   Ever left a meeting or conference only to realise you’ve forgotten crucial details? Feels frustrating right? Turns out, the way you take notes could be the reason—and the solution.   Research by Mueller and Oppenheimer revealed a surprising truth: handwritten notes are more effective for learning than typing on a laptop. Here’s why:   ✍️ Deeper engagement Writing by hand forces you to summarise, leading to better understanding.   💻 Less mindless transcription Typing often leads to word-for-word notes, but handwriting helps you focus on the core message. (Handwritten notes had only 8.8% verbatim overlap, compared to 14.6% for typed notes!)   🧠 Better retention Handwritten notes lead to better performance on conceptual questions, even a week later!   🔗 Fewer distractions Without the internet, you’re less likely to get sidetracked or multitask.   But don’t toss your laptop just yet! Here are some tips to supercharge your note-taking, no matter what tool you use in a meeting or conference:   1️⃣  Resist the urge to transcribe. Focus on summarising key points in your own words.   2️⃣  Use the Cornell method for handwritten notes: divide your page into sections for notes, cues, and summary.   3️⃣  Review and revise your notes within 24 hours to reinforce learning.   4️⃣  Try mind maps or diagrams to visually connect ideas.   5️⃣  For important meetings, consider a two-step approach: take quick notes by hand, then type them up later for review.   Remember, the goal of note-taking isn’t to create a perfect transcript—it’s to engage with the material and deepen your understanding.   ___ PS: What’s your go-to method for taking notes in meetings or conferences? What strategies do you use to make your notes more impactful? Send me a DM or share your experience in the comments!   If this was helpful, consider resharing ♻️ and click follow for more content like this.

Need help to take better notes? That’s been me, too—until I discovered the Cornell Method, a simple system that keeps your notes clear, organized, and super effective. Here’s how it works: ☑ The Layout ↳ Divide your page into 4 sections:   1. Title/Heading (Optional): At the top, jot down the topic.   2. Cue Column (Left): Take up 1/3 of the page.   3. Notes Section (Right): Use 2/3 of the page for detailed notes.   4. Summary (Bottom): You can reserve space for a quick recap. ☑ How Each Section Works 1. Notes Section (Right Column):     ↳ Write down key points, facts, and concepts as you listen or read.     ↳ Use bullet points, short sentences, or diagrams.  2. Cue Column (Left Column):   ↳ After the session, add keywords, questions, or main ideas.     ↳ These act as prompts for review and quick recall.  3. Summary Section (Bottom):   ↳ Finally, write a summary in your own words.     ↳ This reinforces understanding and helps during revision. ☑ How to Use It Effectively 1. Prepare: Set up your page with the Cornell layout before starting.   2. Take Notes: Focus on the right-hand column during lectures or study sessions.   3. Reflect: Post-session, fill in the cue column and summary section.   4. Review: Cover the notes column and test yourself using the cues.  ☑ Benefits ↳ Organized Notes: Quickly find what you need.   ↳ Active Learning: Summarizing and creating cues deepen your understanding.   ↳ Better Recall: Structured review helps you remember more effectively.   ↳ Adaptable: Works for lectures, meetings, and self-study.  The Cornell Method transforms how you engage with information, making it a game-changer for studying, work, or personal growth. Ps. If you enjoy tips like this, follow me for more 🙌

Take Better Notes in Meetings – Without Losing Focus 👀
 Ever left a meeting with a page full of notes but no clear takeaways? Or worse—no notes at all? 

Effective note-taking isn’t about writing everything down; it’s about capturing what matters. 

Here’s how to do it right:
 1. Start with Pen & Paper
Research shows that handwriting notes improves comprehension and retention. Writing forces you to focus on key points instead of transcribing the meeting verbatim. 2. Use the Right Note-Taking Method

Different meetings call for different structures. Try these:

✅ Cornell Method – Divide your notes into key points, main notes, and a summary for quick reference

✅ Quadrants Method – Split your page into four: Questions, Notes, Personal Action Items, and Assignments for Others Perfect for fast-paced meetings.
 3. Less is More

Avoid the temptation to document every word. Instead, focus on:

🔹 Key decisions
🔹 Actionable takeaways
🔹 Open questions to follow up on
 Taking notes should help you stay engaged, not distract you from the conversation. Find a system that works for you, and watch your meetings become more productive 💪🏻