Recording Conference Calls Can Help You Take Better Notes. Here's How
In the increasingly digital workplace, conducting conference calls and virtual meetings has become an inevitable phenomenon. Especially with the onset of COVID-19 and the work from home model that has become the new normal, conference calling remains to be a crucial element of communication.
We all know the importance of meeting notes. Whether it's a big brainstorming session, an interview with a client, or a team meeting, meeting notes help remember more details and increase the productivity. The importance of meeting notes is equally true for in-person meetings as well as virtual meetings. However, taking comprehensive and organized notes during a conference call present its own set of challenges. There can be disruptions due to bad connection and short attention spans.
Here are some tips to make note taking an easy breezy process during your next conference call:
1. Take a look at the agenda beforehand
One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll get good notes from a conference call is to take a look at the meeting agenda. Doing so will familiarize you with what to expect in the meeting and what topics are going to be discussed. Identify the objectives of the meeting and the desired outcome. If the meeting is an informal one and doesn’t come with the agenda, simply ask the meeting organizer some questions to identify the purpose of the meetings and its outcomes.
2. Write down notes before the meeting
Taking meeting notes even before the meeting starts. Sounds weird? Well, it actually isn’t. Some pre preparation will definitely help you especially if you aren’t experienced with taking notes. Note down the objectives and desired outcomes of the meeting. Prepare an outline that contain points like: Date and time of the meeting
People involved in the discussion
Doing this will give you an idea of what you should listen for.
3. Don’t go into the minute details
Don’t worry about capturing every single word. Trying to write down every word makes it hard to keep up and listen at the same time. So, jot down only the key points and omit any irrelevant details. Keep sentences short and note down the decisions and assignments.
4. Take the call in a quiet place
Having a distraction free environment is crucial for taking good meeting notes. Make sure that you’re in a quiet place, so the voice is clear and easy to understand. Check your internet connection and conferencing equipment's beforehand to avoid any technical glitches during the call itself.
5. Record the conference call
Recording a conference call can be of great help for organizing and summarizing your notes afterward. Recording also help you focus on asking the right questions and nurturing the relationship, instead of jotting down the notes during the entire duration of the call. If the call is being recorded, make sure to tell the participants beforehand. The recorded calls will also act as the archival copies of your company’s conference calls.