What are the Two Types of Meeting Minutes?

While the question asks for two, the provided reference actually details three distinct types of meeting minutes, each serving a different purpose in documenting a meeting's proceedings and outcomes. These types include Action Minutes, Discussion Minutes, and Verbatim Minutes.

Understanding the nuances of each type helps organizations choose the most appropriate method for their specific needs, ensuring effective communication and accountability. Regardless of the style, all minutes should comprehensively include any handouts or other reports distributed to participants during the meeting.

Understanding the Different Types of Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes are crucial records that capture the essence of a discussion, decisions made, and actions to be taken. The choice of minute-taking style often depends on the meeting's formality, purpose, and the required level of detail.

Here are the three types of meeting minutes as outlined in the reference:

1. Action Minutes

Action minutes are characterized by their brevity and focus on results. They provide a concise overview, highlighting what was decided and who is responsible for what.

• Description: A succinct description of the meeting's results. This style focuses on decisions, assignments, and deadlines, rather than detailing every point of discussion.
• Key Features:
  • Primarily records decisions made.
  • Identifies actionable items and responsible parties.
  • Includes due dates for tasks.
  • Omits extensive discussion points.
• Best Suited For:
  • Regular team meetings.
  • Project stand-ups.
  • Meetings where quick follow-up and clear accountability are paramount.
  • Situations requiring a fast turnaround for minute distribution.

2. Discussion Minutes

Discussion minutes offer a more comprehensive record than action minutes, elaborating on the reasoning behind decisions and the key points of conversation.

• Description: These minutes flesh out the actions taken, providing context and a summary of the discussions that led to particular outcomes. They offer more detail than action minutes but are not a word-for-word transcript.
• Key Features:
  • Summarizes significant points of discussion.
  • Explains the rationale behind decisions.
  • Records dissenting opinions (if relevant).
  • Includes action items, decisions, and responsible parties.
• Best Suited For:
  • Strategic planning sessions.
  • Problem-solving meetings.
  • Board meetings where understanding the "why" behind decisions is important.
  • Meetings requiring a historical record of significant deliberations.

3. Verbatim Minutes

Verbatim minutes provide the most detailed account, capturing every spoken word, and are typically reserved for highly formal or legally sensitive proceedings.

• Description: A word-for-word record of a meeting. This style requires a skilled minute-taker, often utilizing audio recordings or stenography to ensure complete accuracy.
• Key Features:
  • Transcribes every statement, question, and answer.
  • Captures the exact phrasing used by participants.
  • Requires significant time and effort to produce.
• Best Suited For:
  • Legal proceedings or depositions.
  • Government hearings or official inquiries.
  • Highly formal board meetings where precise wording is critical.
  • Situations where an undisputed, exact record of conversation is legally required.

Comparative Overview of Meeting Minute Types

Regardless of the style chosen, all minutes play a vital role in ensuring clarity, accountability, and a historical record for organizations.