What are some formats for preparing meeting minutes?

One format for preparing meeting minutes is a sheet with the name of the organization, the meeting's purpose, the meeting's date and time, and the meeting chair's name listed at the top. In the space below, columns indicate topics, discussion highlights, required actions and person responsible for taking action.

Another format for meeting minutes is a copy of the meeting agenda, with space left below each agenda item for notes.

Minutes should reflect what happened in a meeting; they are not intended to be a verbatim recounting of what each person said.

Free downloadable templates for meeting minutes are available at Vertex42.com under the header Word.