Meeting notes are essential for documenting discussions, decisions, and action items. A well-organized template can streamline this process and ensure that information is easily accessible.
Evernote, with its powerful note-taking capabilities, offers a versatile platform for creating custom meeting notes templates. By carefully considering design elements and structure, you can craft a template that conveys professionalism and fosters trust.
Evernote Templates to Boost Your Productivity – Blog – Shift
Structure and Layout
Clear Heading: Begin with a concise and informative heading that accurately reflects the purpose of the template, such as “Meeting Notes Template.”
Date and Time: Include fields for the date and time of the meeting to provide immediate context.
Meeting Attendees: List the names of all participants to ensure accountability and reference.
Meeting Topic: Clearly state the primary topic or Agenda of the meeting.
Key Decisions: Create a section to capture the most important decisions made during the meeting.
Action Items: Outline specific tasks assigned to individuals, along with due dates and responsible parties.
Next Steps: Summarize any follow-up actions or future meeting plans.
Design Elements
Consistent Formatting: Maintain a consistent font, font size, and line spacing throughout the template to enhance readability and professionalism.
Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to organize information and create a clear hierarchy. Consider using a larger font size for headings and a smaller font size for subheadings.
Bullet Points: Employ bullet points to list items, such as attendees, decisions, and action items. This improves visual clarity and makes it easier to scan information.
Color Coding: Strategically use color to highlight key information or differentiate between sections. For example, you could use a different color for action items or decisions. However, exercise caution to avoid overwhelming the template with excessive color.
Tables: Incorporate tables to present data in a structured and organized manner. This is particularly useful for summarizing decisions or action items.
Images and Diagrams: If relevant, include images or diagrams to visually represent concepts or processes. Ensure that they are high-quality and enhance understanding.
Brand Integration: If applicable, incorporate your organization’s branding elements, such as colors, logos, or fonts. This helps to create a cohesive and professional appearance.
Templates and Themes: Explore Evernote’s built-in templates or themes to find a starting point that aligns with your preferences. You can then customize the template to suit your specific needs.
Custom Fields: Create custom fields to capture additional information, such as meeting location, project name, or specific topics discussed. This allows you to tailor the template to your unique requirements.
Best Practices
Keep it Simple: Avoid cluttering the template with unnecessary elements. Focus on essential information and maintain a clean, uncluttered design.
Be Consistent: Use consistent formatting and terminology throughout the template to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Regular Updates: Review and update your template periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Consider incorporating feedback from team members to make improvements.
Share and Collaborate: Share your template with team members to promote consistency and facilitate collaboration. Consider using Evernote’s sharing features to allow others to access and edit the template.
By carefully considering these design elements and best practices, you can create a professional and effective Evernote meeting notes template that streamlines your note-taking process and fosters collaboration.
