| Question | Answer |
| Starting |
|
| 01. What supplies do I need for Mind
Mapping? |
1. Good quality blank paper that takes colour well. A variety of
coloured pens,
pencils and highlighters.Correcting (white out)
tape
|
|
02. Is there any Mind Mapping software available?
|
2. Yes, We are delighted to recommend software developed by two
providers, MindManager and ConceptDraw MINDMAP.
Mind Mapping
software is extremely easy to use, allows you to share Mind Maps,
link to other software or the internet and produce high quality,
easy to read Mind Maps for many different purposes.
If you
would like to find out more or to evaluate the software free of
charge please click
here to visit Illumine
Software Shop.
|
| 03. I’ve only got one pen & lined paper -
what do I do? |
3. Turn the pad sideways and Mind Map over the lines in your one
colour. Afterwards you can highlight or colour the branches (if
necessary for the Mind Map). Alternatively you could take linear
notes and convert to a Mind Map later.
|
| 04. Where do I start?
|
4. Anywhere! Some people start at 1:00 o’clock and work clockwise or
11:00 o’clock and work anticlockwise. Use random placement to
stimulate creative problem solving thoughts. Number branches if
necessary after completion
|
| 05. I’ve started taking/making a note
linearly; what do I do now? |
5. As soon as you remember, take a fresh page and start to Mind Map.
Go back over your linear notes, extract the key words and add to
your Mind Map.
|
| Colours and Images |
|
| 06. Must I use colours? |
6. It depends on why you are doing the Mind Map. A quick mini-Mind
Map in one colour clears and facilitates the thinking process.
Often, one colour i.e. black, is best for faxes and copies. However,
if the information is to be remembered, considered over time, looked
at, and enjoyed - then colour (one of your cortical skills) GREATLY
enhances its effectiveness
|
| 07. How do I use colours? |
7. You can use them to:
-
clearly identify the different topic branches
-
code themes that have several branches
-
code a topic as it appears on different branches
-
code individuals in a story
-
code different dates or levels of information
-
collect ideas and show connections
-
make your Mind Map even more visual
-
code different projects
-
show sub-topics of a subject
|
| 08. Why use symbols and images? |
8. Symbols are often very personal. Start creating and playing with
your own symbols for common objects, people, projects and concepts.
Here are some ideas for you to copy, adapt and add to:
|
| Words and Lines |
|
| 09. How do I select main branch themes? |
9. These are your Basic Ordering Ideas (BOI’s). Think of the Mind
Map as a general outline for a book on that topic. Your BOIs will
always be equivalent to chapter headings; they are the words/images
that encompass a number of other ideas within them. BOI’s are the
key concepts that gather the greatest number of associations to
themselves.
|
| 10. What makes a good key recall word?
|
10. In standard notes, a very small percentage of words are really
important. These are called key works. They are usually nouns or
very strong action words that bring back the precise images and
events that you want remember. Practice selecting them, see if they
are the best ones for recall for you.
|
| 11. What if a word is repeated on my Mind
Map? |
11. This is good because it may indicate a new direction in your
Mind Map. Each occurrence of the word/image represents another hook
or connection and may create a new frame of reference, or centre for
your Mind Map. If you are using the Mind Map to explore a problem,
you may have found a new angle on the problem or the cause.
|
| 12. Why only one word per line? |
12. Because each word and image has millions of possible
associations. Therefore if you give it its own freedom you will get
more ideas from it and be able to remember it more clearly. This is
particularly important when trying to take information FROM your
head for essays, reports etc.
|
| 13. Which is first, the word or the line? |
13. On the right side of the Mind Map, you can do about ¾ of the
line length you think you’ll need.Then write the word on adding any
length if necessary.
On the left side you need to plan ahead a bit more!If you find you
are running out of space you can drop the vowels and the word is
usually still clear.
|
| 14. Why are the lines connected? |
14. Start with the organic main branch lines almost ‘growing out’ of
the central image. Show the connection and importance of every
branch to another giving an overall structure.It also tells the
mind/eye “this is connected”.
|
| Thoughts |
|
|
15. What do I do when I get stuck? |
15. Your brain naturally loves to complete things, so add some blank
lines at the ends of your branches - it will want to fill them in.
Also, remind yourself that every word could be the centre of a Mind
Map. You have infinite possibilities of associating. This is a good
time to doodle, colour and take a break - your brain keeps working.
|
| 16. What do I do with
my ‘stupid’ thoughts? |
16. Allow all thoughts, words, images or feeling that come to mind
to be attached to the word or image which ‘triggered’ them. So
called ‘stupid’ thoughts produce some of the most insightful,
original and creative ideas. The more you add to your Mind Map
(especially in the initial creative stage) the more sense things
that seemed stupid will make. Stupid ideas are often your guides to
innovative thinking. Wait for a later stage in your Mind Map before
considering what editing, refinement or changes you may want to make.
|
| 17. How can a Mind Map help me to
concentrate? |
17. By using more of the range of your right and left cortical
skills the brain is kept in balance and busy; the colours and images
incorporated into logic and lines focuses thought in a relaxed
concentrated manner.
|
| 18. I get good ideas at inconvenient
times - what should I do? |
18. If you have any paper, a ‘post-it’ or index card, capture that
idea right away on a mini -Mind Map. Put it in the “great thoughts”
section of your planner. If you do not have paper either make a Mind
Map in your mind or use a peg memory system.
|
| 19. Could a Mind Map help me to fall
sleep? |
19. Yes! If thoughts are filling your head, take a pad and pen (keep
them by your bed) and quickly Mind Map them out - a brain purge.
When the slow seems stemmed, go to sleep. If some other thought
comes, capture it too. It is as though, as soon as the thoughts have
been recognised, the brain can rest - and so can you!
|
| Mind Maps |
|
| 20. What should I say when people ask me
what I’m doing? |
20. Tell them it is a note taking/making system:
-
similar to that used by Einstein, Churchill, Leonardo da Vinci,
Buckminster Fuller, Mark Twain, Walt Disney and most of the
people considered to have “Great Brains”
-
based on the latest information on HOW and WHY your brain
functions, and the skills that are compatible with it
-
that millions of people are using from directors of
multi-national companies to five year old children - from
parents to government leaders
|
| 21. Why would I use a Mind Map? |
21. Any time you need to clarify your thoughts, organise
information, communicate clearly or take in information a Mind Map
can assist. The Mind Map does not take away from any good processes
you already use; it can add to their greater effectiveness.
|
| 22. When does a Mind Map end? |
22. In one sense, never!! (or when you choose to stop!)
Because every word or image could be the centre of another Mind
Map, demonstrating that your associative ability is, by
definition, limitless.
What a contrast to what is often generated in linear form!
|
The Mind Map gives a more accurate reflection of your infinite
intelligence!
Mind Map® is a registered trademark of the Buzan organisation. Illumine
has worked closely with the Buzan organisation throughout its existence.
We are an independent training company and are committed to promoting
Buzan's work and ideals. We use many highly experienced Buzan licensed
instructors as well as our own Illumine licensed Mind Mapping experts.
