Image by gideonking
Ever since I read the book “Use your head” by Tony Buzan a few years back, I have been using mind mapping as a tool quite extensively. For those unfamiliar with the term, a ‘mind map’ is an alternative and superior way of taking notes that makes use of both the left (analytical) and right (creative) sides of the brain. You begin with a key concept in the middle of the page with secondary keywords ‘branching out’ radially around the key concept.
Research shows that the human brain works in very a non-linear way with associations and connections being key parts 0f the whole process. A mind map is more conducive to this than traditional linear note taking. A few advantages include: a clearly defined central idea, relative importance of ideas, links between ideas, and faster recall and review periods.
As mentioned in the book, here are a few guidelines for creating a great mind map:
- Start with a central idea in the middle of the page. Preferably, use an image instead of a word.
- Make use of images throughout your mind map.
- Words should be carefully selected to facilitate recall. A noun or verb works best.
- Printed words should be on lines. Each line should be connected to other lines.
- One word per line.
- Use color throughout the mind map as they enhance memory.
You can use mind mapping for many different things other than note taking: summarizing an article, essay writing, meetings, problem solving, brainstorming, setting goals for the year, and speech writing (I will cover this in a future post).
As an example, here’s a mind map I created the other day to help me reflect on all the different parts of my business.
- Comments(3)
Very nice… I like your personal example. You managed to put all the major points in one document. I would have done a point form document that would not have been as easy to understand as yours is. Did You use special software to do it?
You can use Mindmanager or its free equivalent, Freemind. The software might feel a little strange in the beginning, but you’ll never go back to your old ways once you get the hang of it.
[...] a follow-up to my previous post on mind mapping, I am going to bring to light one of its great applications: writing and delivering a speech. [...]