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Speed Writing and Note Taking Skills for Busy Administrators

Help administrators capture spoken information quickly and accurately during fast moving meetings, calls and briefings. This practical course teaches speed writing shortcuts, structured note formats and rapid summarising techniques suited to busy African offices where staff often support several managers at once. Participants build a personal system they can use immediately.

What you will be able to do

  • Apply speed writing abbreviations and symbols to keep pace with speakers.
  • Select the right note format for meetings, calls and instructions.
  • Capture decisions, actions and deadlines without missing detail.
  • Convert rough notes into clear summaries and follow up lists.
  • Improve listening focus and concentration in noisy environments.
  • Build a personal shorthand system for everyday office use.

Course outline

  1. 01Principles of Fast and Accurate Note Taking
  2. 02Speed Writing Shortcuts and Symbols
  3. 03Structured Note Formats and Layouts
  4. 04Active Listening for Key Information
  5. 05Capturing Actions, Owners and Deadlines
  6. 06Turning Notes into Usable Summaries
  7. 07Practising Under Time Pressure
  8. 08Building Your Personal System

Who should attend

This course suits administrative officers, secretaries, personal assistants and support staff who take notes during meetings, telephone calls and management briefings.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 18 Aug 2026Kigali2US$1,100
24 to 25 Aug 2026Nairobi2US$1,100
31 Aug to 1 Sep 2026Durban2R10,000
7 to 8 Sep 2026Johannesburg2R10,000
21 to 22 Sep 2026Mauritius2US$1,100
28 to 29 Sep 2026Dubai2US$1,100
5 to 6 Oct 2026Lagos2US$1,100
12 to 13 Oct 2026Harare2US$1,100
19 to 20 Oct 2026Kampala2US$1,100
26 to 27 Oct 2026Dar es Salaam2US$1,100
2 to 3 Nov 2026Pretoria2R10,000
9 to 10 Nov 2026Cape Town2R10,000
23 to 24 Nov 2026Online2US$900
30 Nov to 1 Dec 2026Mozambique2US$1,100
7 to 8 Dec 2026Cairo2US$1,100
14 to 15 Dec 2026Accra2US$1,100
21 to 22 Dec 2026Lusaka2US$1,100

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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