Note taking is a skill that everybody can and should learn. Whether you use note taking software, write notes on paper or both, the same note taking techniques still apply. I suggest that you read the following techniques and then start practicing with the FREE 30 day trial of FruitfulTime NoteKeeper.

At first, note taking feels difficult but like any other skill it will become easy the more you practice note taking. The important step is to start taking notes. The earlier you start and the more frequently you take notes the better you will become.

The three most important techniques for any note taking are:

1. Do not try to write everything down - If you are taking notes while someone is talking, for example, in a lecture, listen carefully to what is being said. In your mind filter out words which are just filler or repetitions and as notes write down only the words with which you understand what is being said. That way when you have more time you can read your brief notes, recall what was being said, understand the topic with the aid of book references for instance, and then expand your notes. If you need to and have permission, use a voice recorder to further help you expand your notes later on. The crucial point is to take short meaningful notes while paying as much attention as possible to what is being said at the moment.
2. Make your notes memorable with colors and styles - To remember and recall notes you must use as many senses as possible while writing and reading notes. Therefore, do not just write plain notes using one color and style. Highlight your most important points, use different colors and write in different styles. This way when writing and later reading you will be using different parts of your brain. When your brain uses multiple parts at the same time it adds more links. This makes memories stronger and therefore easier to remember and recall.
3. Outline and include references - Notes should not be written flatly just as a sequence of lines forming paragraphs. Break up your notes into sections and sub-sections, make use of bulleted and numbered lists, and tab your notes. This will help you give structure to your notes. Structure helps you visualize your notes which in turns helps you remember, recall and link different parts together.

The above techniques are proven to work and can help anyone, whether you are a student, an office worker, blogger, or a professional such as a lawyer.

Check out FruitfulTime NoteKeeper - Take it for a spin with the FREE 30 day trial.