Set a clear purpose before you start
Use a consistent note-taking system
Capture key ideas, not every word
Write in your own words
Use short phrases and keywords
Organize notes with headings and spacing
Highlight definitions, dates, and action items
Use symbols and abbreviations consistently
Review and clean up notes soon after taking them
Summarize each section in one or two lines
Ask questions in the margins
Separate main ideas from details
Use diagrams, charts, or mind maps when helpful
Keep one topic per page or section
Record examples only when they clarify the idea
Compare new notes with previous notes
Rewrite messy notes into a clearer format
Focus on what is important for later use
Keep notes easy to scan quickly
Store notes in one searchable place