--- title: Meeting Summaries with Claude description: Shows how to turn Zoom or Teams meeting transcripts into minutes, summaries, and action items with Claude, plus example prompts and limitations. page_id: '500236296' department: data-ai source_url: https://answers.atlassian.syr.edu/wiki/spaces/ITSAI/pages/500236296/Meeting+Summaries+with+Claude last_modified: '2026-01-23' tags: - claude - example-use - productivity - how-to audience: - students - faculty - staff --- Transform your meeting transcripts into actionable summaries, meeting minutes, and task lists using Claude. ## Summarize with Claude Meeting Transcripts Project **Youll need:** A transcript file from Zoom (.txt) or Teams (.docx) > [!info] > **Pro Tips: Use the**[**Meeting Transcripts**](https://claude.ai/projects?search=Meeting+Transcripts&category=team)**Project** - The project has the prompts already in place and Claude is ready to assist. Use of the project is private and not shared with any other Claude users. **Steps:** 1. Get your transcript ([Zoom: Save Transcript](https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0063899); [Teams: Download from meeting details](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/view-live-transcription-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-dc1a8f23-2e20-4684-885e-2152e06a4a8b)). 2. Open the Claude [**Meeting Transcripts Project**](https://claude.ai/project/0199e821-95e3-74d4-b2ec-826cf3711895) 3. Upload your transcript file to the chat 4. Tell Claude what format you need: - 📋 Formal Meeting Minutes - Professional summary with decisions and action items - 📑 Topic-Based Summary - Organized by discussion topics - ✅ Action Items Only - Just tasks, deadlines, and who's responsible - ⚡ Quick 5-Minute Summary - Brief key takeaways - 💬 Custom - Describe what you need in your own words 5. Get your summary - Claude will automatically format it for you --- Prefer to write your own prompts? See example prompts below: 💬 *Example prompts:* > [!note]- Prompt - Meeting Minutes (Formal) > Create concise meeting minutes from this transcript with the following sections: > > - Meeting Purpose: Brief overview of why the meeting was held > - Key Discussion Points: Main topics covered > - Decisions Made: Any conclusions or agreements reached > - Action Items: Tasks assigned with responsible parties (if mentioned) > - Next Steps: Follow-up plans or future meetings > > Keep the summary professional and under 500 words. > [!note]- Prompt - Topic-Based Summary > Organize this meeting transcript by topic. For each topic discussed: > > - Provide a brief summary (2-3 sentences) > - List any decisions or conclusions > - Note any follow-up tasks or deadlines mentioned > > Format it as a bulleted list for easy scanning. > [!note]- Prompt - Action Items Tasks Only > Extract all action items, tasks, and deliverables from this transcript. For each item include: > > - The task description > - Who is responsible (if mentioned) > - Any deadlines or timeframes mentioned > - Priority level (if indicated) > > List them in order of urgency or deadline. > [!note]- Prompt - Quick 5-Minute Summary > Provide a brief 5-minute read summary of this meeting including: > > - 3-5 key takeaways > - Most important decisions > - Critical action items > > Keep it concise and scannable. ![Claude interface showing a .txt transcript file uploaded and the prompt 'Create concise meeting minutes with Purpose, Highlights, Decisions, and Action Items.'](./attachments/500236296/Screenshot 2025-10-08 at 11.19.23 AM.png) > [!info] > Pro Tips for Better AI Summaries > > - Be specific in your prompts: Tell the AI exactly what format or information you need > - Ask follow-up questions: Can you make this more concise? or Add deadlines if mentioned > - Edit the output: AI summaries are a starting pointreview and adjust for accuracy > - Save your favorite prompts: Create a prompt library for recurring meeting types --- ## FAQ Limitations > [!note]- Can Claude transcribe live meetings? > No. Claude can only summarize existing transcript text it cannot transcribe live audio or video. > > You must first generate a transcript using: > > - Zoom's built-in transcription > - Microsoft Teams transcription > - Or another transcription tool > > Then upload that text transcript to the AI tool for summarization. > [!note]- Can I upload audio or video files directly to AI tools? > Some AI tools can process audio files, but text transcripts are simpler and more reliable. > > Best practice: Use the text transcripts generated by Zoom or Teams, which already have consent notifications built-in. > [!note]- Does Microsoft Copilot for Work do transcription summaries? > Yes, Microsoft Copilot for Work can summarize meeting transcripts and even generate summaries automatically during Teams meetings. > > However, Copilot for Work requires an additional license and has to purchased through your IT Support. > [!note]- Are Zoom breakout rooms transcribed? > No. Zoom does not transcribe breakout room conversations with Syracuse University accounts. Only discussions in the main meeting room are included in automatic transcripts. > > What you can do instead: > > - Assign a note-taker in each breakout room to manually capture key points > - Have groups report back to the main room - these verbal summaries will be captured in the transcript > - Stay in the main room for discussions you need transcribed Keep These in Mind: - AI summaries may miss nuance or contextalways review the output - Transcription accuracy depends on transcript quality - AI tools have limits on file size and text length (though most meeting transcripts fit) - For sensitive content, use only approved AI tools per university policy When in doubt about data policies, contact ITS or review the AI Guidelines linked above. --- ## Support Need help? **ITS Help Desk**: 315-443-2677 [help@syr.edu](mailto:help@syr.edu)