We often take simple notes as a reminder of what transpired during a meeting or to quickly deliver a short message to a recipient. That way, we could easily get a message across without worry. However, notes are more than just a piece of paper with scribbles on it, as they often contain vital business information that project leaders and company managers may want their employees to know about.
So to learn more about how these written materials are made, continue reading.
When it comes to taking down notes in a professional setting, the document will likely contain key information about a particular subject that another party may use as reference. Here are the elements that every note must have:
1. The Date: The date when the note was written must be specified to help settle potential disputes. This will prove that the recipient was made aware of a certain matter and that the writer was able to issue the note during a particular date. With documents like loan notes and delivery notes, the specified date may be used as reference in tracking key information as well.
2. The Name of the Recipient: Always specify the name of the note’s receiver. You could use a person’s first name or full name, depending on the type of note you are constructing. Be careful with spelling errors as well. If you don’t plan on sending the note in person, a spelling mistake in one’s name may lead it to the wrong hands.
3. The Subject: This is the title or topic you wish to tackle with your note. This must be made clear from the very start, as this often indicates what the document is for. People tend to glance at a paper without fully absorbing what it has to say, considering how our brains are wired to look for certain keywords before prompting a reaction. Thus, the subject must be apparent even at first glance. You may also see blank note examples.
4. The Body: As the main part of the note, this is where the details concerning the subject are discussed. The length of the body may differ according to the number of bases that need to be covered. Although this should be kept short and simple, you still need to make it as detailed as possible for better comprehension.
Writing notes is a lot like letter writing. But instead of following a three-part structure with an introduction, body, and summary or conclusion, notes often go immediately to the point. To write a good note, follow the guidelines listed below.
If you’re hoping to become a better note-taker, here are a few tips on how you can improve your notes.
Notes typically vary according to their specific purpose and written content. Generally, these could either be formal or casual.
These notes are often used in a professional setting. They could be made to relay details about an upcoming event or meeting, or to communicate information about an important matter, similar to that of a medical note.
In certain cases, the note can also be written to make an official statement about a concern that will be addressed accordingly once the necessary resources are available. These type of formal notes are referred to as promissory notes. Other examples that fall under this category include delivery notes, progress notes, doctor notes, and nursing notes.
Casual notes are a lot friendlier in nature compared to their counterpart. They could be given to a friend to extend one’s greetings and well-wishes or to a new coworker as a welcome note. These notes are usually kept short and simple, and are extremely common during an informal exchange. Casual notes may also be written to send random messages to colleagues and loves ones.
If starting from scratch doesn’t sound appealing to you, you can always opt for a template instead. You can simply download a template that best suits your purpose and customize it to meet your needs. Editable templates are extremely easy to work with, as they are already designed to cater to standard industry requirements for the convenience of its users.
Notes are used to document important information about a subject in a clear and organized manner. That way, you can quickly record key details in words or phrases in order to replace lengthy paragraphs without losing sight of your main thought. Some notes may even be used to record vital information which shall be used as evidence to support the occurrence of an event or action. You can then keep the note for future use or put it in plain sight for reference. You may also see welcome note examples.
Let’s say the owner of the company comes in for a surprise visit. He asks his assistant to gather all company leaders for an important meeting in fifteen minutes. Since some people could be busy with paperwork or field inspections, you can’t expect them to be on their computers 24/7. Hence, taking the traditional route with a simple note will be an efficient alternative. You can easily hand out the note to the respective individuals just in time for the meeting.
And there you have it! With the right techniques and the help of a ready-made template, note-taking has never been easier. Get started with your notes today through these simple guidelines, templates, and examples.