The 5 best note-taking methods for more effective notes

The best way to take effective notes is by combining a structured note-taking method with a system to retrieve your notes. There are five best note-taking methods: The outline method, The Cornell method, The charting method, The mind map method, and The quadrant method. Each method has its pros and cons, and the key elements of excellent meeting or webinar notes include date, people present in the meeting, agenda items, primary discussion points, action items, observations (if relevant), and details for the next meeting (if applicable). Digital or paper note-taking methods can be adapted to suit individual preferences. AI meeting assistants are useful but not a replacement for human note-takers, as they lack full context and polish. Ultimately, finding the right note-taking method requires trial and error, but commonalities among excellent notes include structure, clarity, and relevance.