How do I take better notes during lectures or meetings?

The most effective approach is to focus on capturing ideas rather than transcribing everything word for word. Listen for the main points, key terms, and any examples that illustrate concepts, then write those in your own words. This forces you to process information actively rather than just copying it. Use a simple structure like the Cornell method, where you divide your page into a main notes section, a narrow column for keywords or questions, and a summary at the bottom. Review and fill in gaps within 24 hours while the material is fresh. Shorthand and abbreviations help you keep pace without losing focus. The goal is a useful reference you can actually understand later, not a perfect transcript.