Page 52 - DENG101_Communication Skills-I

Unit 5: Note Taking & Note Making

The mapping method is the best approach when the lecture is heavy or when it will be your fi rst Notes
time to hear the lecturer. This approach is also applicable when you are attending a conference
or seminar.
The basic advantage of this format is that it helps you to visually track the main points of the
lecture regardless of conditions. Since the information is presented diagrammatically, not much
thinking is needed and relationships can easily be seen. It is also easy to edit your notes by
adding numbers, marks, and color coding.
But sometimes the students tend to make the diagram so complicated that they are not able to
decode it properly afterwards.

Notes Tips for Effective Note taking
1. Don’t try to write down everything the speaker says
2. Write down the main points only
3. Try to write notes in point form with separate sub headings
4. Develop your own shorthand and abbreviations

5. Leave proper space between your notes so that you can make additions later on
6. Write down any references given in class to read later
7. Number any handouts issued or text book reference made with a corresponding
number in the relevant place in your notes
8. Try to keep a highlighter or a different coloured pen with you so that you can
underline key phrases
9. It is always advisable to date and number each sheet of notes
10. Before your next lecture expand on your class notes from text books, etc. to make
your notes complete and more meaningful.

5.3 Writing Meeting Notes

Note taking skills also come in handy at professional level.
?

Did u know? The notes taken at a meeting are called minutes.
At some point your seniors may ask you to take minutes at a meeting. This task is not reserved
for secretaries only. Any person who attends a meeting may be asked to do this. Since the

minutes will serve as an official record of what took place during the meeting, you must be very
accurate and organised. While taking minutes in a meeting the writer should be very attentive
and excellent listener.
One who takes minutes should keep the following points in mind:
1. Before the Meeting, you should
(a) Decide how you will take notes, i.e. pen and paper, laptop computer, or tape recorder.
If you choose pen and paper, you must make sure you have plenty of papers (or a
diary or notebook) and at least a couple of pens in working order.
(b) Use the meeting agenda to formulate an outline.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 45