Category: notes

Posted on

Active Listening | Easter Prep |

The Professional Active Listening Template

Use this structure during 1-on-1 conversations.

PhaseYour ActionProfessional “Scripts”
Confirm FactsAcknowledge you are focused.“I want to make sure I’ve got this right. Let me take a second to recap what you’ve said.”
ParaphrasingParaphrase their core point.“So, from your perspective, the main issue is _______?”
AcknowledgementAcknowledge the “why.”“I can see why that’s a priority.”
Expand Conversation – Open Ended Question.Open the floor for depth.“What would a successful outcome look like?”

Active Reading: The Digital Equivalent

Active Reading in email prevents the “I didn’t see that” or “I thought you meant X” back-and-forth.

How to Practice Active Reading:

  1. The “Vibe” Check: Before responding, identify the sender’s tone and decide whether they are upset, stressed, or just sending information in their email.
  2. Highlighting Triggers: Physically or mentally highlight three things while reading the text: Is there a Deadline? What is the writer wanting? Is there something you need to do?
  3. The “Draft-then-Verify” Method:
    • Start your reply by summarizing their request: “Thanks for the update. I read you’re looking for the final slide deck by Thursday at 4 PM, is that correct?”
  4. Annotated Replies: If the email is long, respond in a different colour, a shade of dark blue or maroon, after each point in the email to make sure everything is addressed and to confirm that you have not missed one of their points.

Tips for Implementation

  • Wait for the “Pause”: In a meeting, wait 3 seconds before responding. This ensures they’ve finished their thought.
  • Notes over Memory: Taking physical notes is a visual cue to the other person that you are listening. Validate their feelings and that the information is important.
Posted on

An Apology Email for Missed Appointment | Assignment |

1. Professional (Missing a Deadline or Meeting)

Use this for colleagues or clients when you’ve made a mistake that impacts their workflow.

Apologize for a missed appointment

Subject: Apology regarding [Project Name/Meeting]

Hi [Name],

I am writing to sincerely apologize for [missing the deadline/missing our meeting] earlier today. I understand that this has caused a delay or a need to reschedule and I take full responsibility for the oversight and lack of communication.

I am currently [mention the fix, e.g., finishing the report/sending over the notes] and will have it to you by [Time/Day]. I’m taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Thank you for your patience.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Posted on

Create an Origami Note for your Loved One

Here is the link to the full article about Creating a Note for Valentines Day. Share the note today, February 3.

The full list of Valentine Countdown Activities | Today’s Article about Writing Notes

Simple origami note style you can create for Valentine’s day

Origami-inspired note formats are an interesting way to make the act of keeping a note feel special and decorative. Here are two simple ideas you can try today while writing a love note for Valentine’s day.

The pocket origami note 

– What you need: a square sheet of paper (4 x 4 inches works well).

Instructions: Folding the Note.

  1) Write your note on one side of the square.

  2) Fold the paper in half horizontally to make a rectangle; crease well.

  3) Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, forming a smaller square; crease.

  4) Fold the left and right edges toward the center to create a little pocket at the bottom.

  5) Tuck the folded note into the pocket so you can pull it out when you’re ready to read it.

Why it’s worth creating an origami note: you get a tactile note you can carry in a binder or planner that invites you to keep it.

Idea 2: The origami bookmark-note  

– What you need: a rectangle sheet of paper.

– How to fold:

  1) Write your note on one side.

  2) Fold the sheet in half lengthwise to create a long card.

  3) Fold the top and bottom edges toward the center to form a slim, flat bookmark with a pocket in the middle for a small slip of paper containing your note.

This note doubles as a bookmark and a note carrier, so you can make the card again for different books or as your loved one finishes a chapter. The card is special but is still simple to make.