Have a presentation to make, a speech to give, or a report to prepare; you may want to start by using a mind map to collect your thoughts. Mind mapping is a simple technique for drawing information in diagrams instead of writing it in sentences.
All Mind Maps have some things in common. They have a natural organizational structure that radiates from the center and use lines, symbols, words, color, and images according to simple, brain-friendly concepts. Mind Mapping converts a long list of monotonous information into a colorful, memorable, and highly organized diagram that works in line with your brain’s natural way of doing things.
In addition, you and your team can use this as a way to document ideas from a brainstorming session or as an alternative to an affinity diagram.
The steps to generate a mind map are:
- Generate your topic, i.e., the presentation, speech, or report you’re going to deliver.
- Place the topic in the center of the page.
- Start writing/drawing what comes to mind and continue branching. This is when I try to group my thoughts in some logical order, what I want to get across or say in a paragraph.
- Repeat branching until everything you want to say or present is captured.
- When finished, carefully examine all branches and make any adjustments for clarity.
Mind maps are fun and easy to make. The one above was generated in MindNode Pro I downloaded for free. The topic was “Creative Thinking” and I discusses some of the critical thinking tools, problem-solving, decision making, continuous improvement, and creativity. My last paragraph discussed some of the common elements associated with the tools.