Take notes for me: Google Meet can do that now. It’ll autogenerate a Google Doc with meeting notes and then attach it to the calendar invite. Look for it across Google Workspace (the paid work version) by Sept. 10.
Survive Zoom, thrive IRL
ChatGPT
That meeting that could have been an email? You’re on it, eyes glossing over rambling updates, Todd’s screen share failing for the fourth time (use a mouse, Todd) or what appears to be a seance: “If you can hear me now, make a sign.”
AI can be your saving grace. I’m talking about short, sweet and productive meetings that everyone will thank you for later.
Here’s your no-BS cheat sheet for the best prompts to use with your favorite AI chatbot:
🎯 1. “Write an agenda for a 30-minute meeting about [insert meeting purpose here] focused on outcomes, not updates.”
Say goodbye to pointless tangents. This prompt spits out a clear, focused agenda that gets you in and out fast.
📝 2. “Summarize this meeting transcript into 5 key action points with deadlines and assigned tasks.”
Who wants to dig through messy notes afterward? Not you. Record your Zoom, Teams or Google Meet, drop the transcript into ChatGPT, and instantly get clear action steps, deadlines and a rundown of who’s responsible for what.
🎙️ 3. “Turn this long meeting transcript into concise notes for my team, highlighting tasks and who’s responsible.”
Don’t torture your coworkers with a replay of your meeting. AI trims down that snoozefest into a neat summary, just key decisions, assignments and who’s handling them, and what comes next. Done and dusted.
🤖 4. “Identify questions raised in this meeting that weren’t answered, and suggest who should follow up.”
Never lose track of loose ends again. ChatGPT spots overlooked questions and tells you who should chase them down, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Transcripts made simple
5 ways to connect when you’re apart for the holidays
© Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com, © Sevendeman | Dreamstime.com
Christmas Eve is here. It’s a time for joy, laughter and cherished moments with loved ones. I know how busy this day can get, but a little bit of tech-savvy can help make it even more special.
Here are five quick and simple ways to use technology to connect with family and create memories without taking up too much time.
Drone spies on woman, AI police monitoring & electric vehicle woes
Plus, glued to your phone? I share how that can hurt your marriage. A TikToker filmed their doctor watching a YouTube tutorial for a procedure before performing it. And don’t miss my tips on phone voice commands and jazzing up your Google Meet calls with AI backgrounds.
Listen up, Workspace Teams: No more, “I didn’t know.” Your Google Meet AI notetaker is getting an upgrade. Now, meeting transcripts will include a checklist of suggested next steps, complete with tasks, due dates and assigned members.
🧠 Smarter meeting notes: Fathom is an AI notetaker for Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. It automatically records, transcribes and summarizes your meetings. You can ask things like “Did we discuss the budget?” and get answers with time stamps. FYI: The free plan gives you five summaries or queries per month.
Before your Google Meet: Blur out that pile of laundry before hopping on. When the video preview loads, click the three dots at the bottom. Then, go to Apply visual effects > Blur and personal backgrounds > and choose Blur your background. Once you’re set, hit Join now.
🗣️ Speak up, please: If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s slick. Otter’s AI bot already takes notes and summarizes meetings. Now, its Meeting Agent answers questions, drafts emails and schedules future meetings. Score. Use it on Zoom for free; coming soon to Teams and Google Meet.
WFP(hone): Google Meet’s Switch here lets you switch from your phone to your desktop without dropping the call. If you’re in a live meeting, click to Join the meeting on your other device, and you’ll see Switch here. Sweet.