What is a Mind Map

What is a Mind Map?

It is a way of recording information, ideas, and notes. It is a more visual way to present the information and more importantly, it is a way that is consistent with the brain’s “view” of the world. Mind maps are more graphical in nature, they tend to be multi-colored, they “radiate out from the center”, they are connected by lines, they have pictures, images and symbols, they use key words only, they are compact, and they provide a more complete view of the topic. Just as your conventional method of note taking is personal, so is a mind map. Just as someone may or may not be able to read your conventional notes, so they may have the same level of success with your mind map. But mind mapping can be a lot more.

What are some of the applications?

Mind maps are great for organizing any material used that is logically related. This can include: a speech, marketing presentation, important letter, proposal, seminar notes, lecture notes, business plan, key client information, notes from a phone call or just your vacation plans.

Mind maps are also excellent for brain storming sessions. They allow ideas to progress along logical associations, they give a big picture, and they encourage the creation of other ideas.

Because of their whole view, mind maps are useful for problem solving. All the relevant facts, observations,

Mind maps are effective for overcoming “writers block” and removing barriers to new ideas.

Can a mind map help me learn a subject quicker?

Because mind maps use more than just words, and because they present more of an entire view, they can improve both your ability to learn something and your recall.

How hard is it to learn to mind map?

Because mind mapping is modeled along the ways of the brain, it is very easy. The brain is associative, and so are mind maps. There are a few logical rules that help the beginner get started. They are rather simple and intuitive. Most rules are aimed at overcoming blocks or barriers that we tend to erect that retard our creative influence.