Take Notes to Listen Better
Jot down your thoughts so you can stay present in the conversation.
We often think taking notes is about memory.
But really, it’s about presence.
When someone’s talking and you have a question or thought, your brain tries to hold onto it.
But while you’re holding that thought, you’re no longer listening. You’re just waiting for your turn to speak.
Taking notes gives your brain permission to let go.
You can stay focused in the moment — knowing that you’ve captured the thought for later.
You jot down the thought. You stay with the person. You ask your question at the right time, not the earliest moment you can.
It’s not about writing everything down.
You don’t need a transcript. You just need an anchor.
That might be:
A keyword or topic
A question mark next to a confusing point
A short line: “follow up re timing” or “check tone with client”
These little markers help you focus on what’s being said now—not what you’re scared you’ll forget later.
Example:
You’re in a client call. Midway through, they mention a key audience you hadn’t heard about before. You jot it down. Then when the flow of conversation returns to messaging, you bring it up:
“Earlier you mentioned Gen Z as a new focus—should we tweak the CTA language to reflect that?”
Clean. Timely. Relevant.
Good notes aren’t just for after the meeting.
They’re what help you stay in it.