Mind Mapping

This month I am going to tell you about what I believe to be the most powerful thinking tool currently available. I am of course talking about the Mind Map® invented by Tony Buzan. So what is a Mind Map? Well it is a graphical technique that mirrors the way the brain works. The subject of interest is crystallised in a central image and then the main themes radiate out from the central image on branches. Each branch holds a key image or key word printed on the line. Details are added to the main branches and radiate out.

Most people's notes are on lined paper using blue or black ink which looks extremely boring. To make your notes more attractive to your brain, add colour, rhythm and imagination and all of a sudden taking notes becomes much more fun.

To draw a mind map do the following:

1. Turn your page on its side (landscape), making sure that it is plain paper.

2. Draw your central image using at least 3 colours, making it a picture (speaks a thousand words) that captures the subject of the Mind Map®.

3. Add the main branches which represent the subject's main topics or themes using key words and images.

4. Add the detail with more key words and images.

5. Use colour throughout and make your Mind Map® as beautiful as possible.

6. Print your words clearly and only use one word per line.

7. Use arrows to connect linking ideas.

Mind Maps® have a variety of uses including Note Taking and Note Making, revision planning, essay planning and problem solving. The Mind Map® shown above summarises the key points of this article. Of course the beauty of using Mind Maps® is that these combine both left and right brain thinking, which means that you will remember the information better than if you just had lines of words (see the Amazing Brain fact from April 1998). Knowledge of your brain's rhythms (see October 1998's article) will mean that by taking lots of breaks during your studying and by reviewing your notes to prevent the information that you have learnt from fading from your recall, you will learn much more, much quicker and retain it for much longer.

To ask about any aspect of Accelerated Learning, e-mail himself (at) michaeltipper.com . Due to Michael's hectic schedule, he may not be able to write back, but will do his best to cover the main issues raised, in future articles [more about Michael on the page here].

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