A meeting summary is a concise document that captures the key points, discussions, decisions, and action items from a meeting. It provides a brief overview of what transpired during the meeting, allowing participants and stakeholders to quickly review and understand the outcomes. In this article, we discuss what a meeting summary is, how it differs from meeting minutes, how to send one, what information to include and how to format it based on a template and example. A concise meeting summary boosts visibility and keeps your strategy on track. Learn how to use AI to simplify the process and generate top-notch summaries . Learn how to write a meeting summary that captures key points and action items effectively. In a modern work landscape that largely favors remote work, meetings have become a sacred space for collaborating, sharing ideas, and making important decisions. Here’s how to create an effective meeting summary : 1. Take concise notes . During the meeting , take precise notes on the main points, decisions, and action items discussed. Use a clear and organized format. Use bullet points or numbered lists to structure your notes , making them easier to read and understand. Summarize the key points from each item on the meeting agenda, including what was discussed and any outcomes that were mentioned. Try to keep each point short (less than three sentences). We’ll cover everything from how to structure your meeting overview, to real-world examples, ready-to-copy templates, and follow-up email formats. Whether you’re summarizing project check-ins, sales calls, team standups, or board meetings , this walkthrough will give you the tools to write summaries that are clear, concise, and actually helpful. In this blog, we will provide you with a guideline and template for writing effective meeting summaries . We will also share additional 10 best practices so you can master the task with confidence, ensuring your summaries are clear and right on point. What is a meeting summary? Knowing how to summarize a meeting helps in keeping a clear record of the key takeaways, action items, and important decisions made during a meeting.