As most of us have poor memories, we need to record things in writing. This is particularly important when we attend meetings, seminars, or conferences, about which we may have to produce a report. Apart from this consideration, notes serve as a useful record to which reference can later be made. Note taking is also an aid to the concentration of the listener, and an encouragement to the speaker. Failure to take notes can indicate lack of interest or complacency.

A suggested approach to note taking is as follows:

• Divide your paper into two roughly equal columns, with the intention of using only the left-hand side initially.
• Title the page with the event, the subject, the date and the speaker(s).
• Note down important points, by using key words and phrases: write fully or by items of real importance, such as a vital motion or decision.
• Listen to meaning rather than the structure of the sentence, so that the hand can record while the mind follows the argument.
• Read over these notes as soon after the event as possible. You may have used the right hand side of the page to indicate questions that you wish to ask. You can add to this points you have missed and your personal comments on things that were said.
• Continue to practice note taking. It is never a wasted exercise.