Note taking is a useful skill for recording interviews and meetings. A simple way to take better notes is to not write/type while the other person is talking. Once the person finishes speaking, give yourself a moment to think, synthesize in your own words, and take it down.
This way, you actually think about what you are writing about and you get to the essence of the conversation much quicker. The biggest benefit is that you have concise meaningful notes versus a lengthy transcription of every word spoken during the meeting.
Taking notes while the other person is talking has a built in feature – you can afford to switch off and yet type word-for-word. It’s the easier thing to do.
The ‘good notes’ method has no built in shortcuts. Paying attention and then using your brain are minimum requirements.
Tough process. Good outcome. And not easy.
A Learning a Day 