BECOMEANOTE-TAKINGMASTER
Sometimes, it seems as though note-taking has become a lost art. Practically every office is equipped with pen and paper, yet these tools aren’t always used to their full potential. We rely heavily on technological solutions or skip taking notes altogether. As a result, many people aren’t in the habit of taking good notes. But taking notes can be beneficial in many situations. There isn’t one perfect way to take notes. Every situation is unique. You deal with fast talkers or disorganized speakers. It becomes up to you to adapt. It takes practice, but the process becomes easier with time. If you are taking notes to share, you will want to take a more methodical approach. If the notes are just for yourself, you can use shorthand terms or take notes that are specifically suited to your needs. However, it is good to get in the habit of writing in a consistent style. Find what works for you. Lists, for instance, are generally the easiest to write by hand, as well as the easiest to read. They are a great way to organize the structure of a meeting or presentation and are ideal when you need to refer back to something quickly. Diagrams are best suited for those who are visually inclined. One example is the mind map, which is a variation of a spider diagram, starting in the center of the page with the topic of the meeting, surrounded by various topic and subtopic branches.
Transcripts can be the most challenging approach to note-taking. It takes more practice to master, but you’re left with full detail. When you need to ensure nothing slips by, taking notes as close to word for word as you can is the way to go. To become a note-taking master, you must practice. You can practice in the field and as situations arise, but if you really want to get the skill down, try the following: For the next month, whenever you watch or listen to TV, videos, podcasts, or audiobooks, grab a pen and paper. Write down what’s important and review your notes for accuracy. After a month of this, you’ll find yourself taking notes better than ever before.
SUDOKU
Inspired by Saveur magazine OPENINGDAYHAMBURGERS
With no fancy sauces, no frills, and no cheese, these All-American burgers are perfect for the start of baseball season.
INGREDIENTS
•
1 pound ground chuck, 80 percent lean 4 soft, white hamburger buns, split 4 1/4-inch-thick tomato slices
• • • • •
4 small leaves iceberg lettuce 4 1/4-inch-thick yellow onion slices 1 teaspoon vegetable oil Salt and pepper, to taste Condiments of your choice
•
• •
12–16 pickle rounds
DIRECTIONS
1. Lightly grease a small nonstick skillet with oil. Heat over medium-high. 2. While heating, gently shape meat into four patties 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful to handle the meat as little as possible to prevent tough burgers. Season liberally with salt and pepper. 3. Sear patties on each side, about 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium- low and continue cooking until desired doneness, about 1 more minute per side for medium-rare, 2 more per side for medium-well. 4. Let meat rest for a minimum of 3 minutes. 5. To assemble, place patty on bottom bun and top with tomato, pickles, lettuce, and onion (in that order). Spread condiments on top half of bun and place on top of onion. Serve.
3
(888) 248-1219
Made with FlippingBook Annual report