January 27, 2010 100 Comments

How I Use Mindmapping to Write

mindmap of a post I use lots of tools for writing. The other day, I talked about the importance of writing practice. Today, as I’m working on a new speech, I wanted to share another tool I use: mind mapping.

Before you ask, because the technology minded of you often do, this particular mindmapping software is called Mind Node and it’s for Mac. There are plenty of tools for Windows and some that operate online. I think Steve Rubel covered some a while back, but I’m too lazy to Bing the exact title. That’s not exactly the point.

The way I use mindmaps is that I start with my main idea, and then figure out the “branches” I’ll want to talk about. Think of them as the main points of my speech, in this case. From there, I can then think about these ideas separately, and then expand upon them. For instance, as I think about the goals that people might want to attain when thinking about the new marketing world, I might add the following:

another mindmap showing more goals So, in this case, I just add a few ideas. These lead me to think of other ideas. Some might swing over to the “capabilities” branch, as I explain what I think would drive these goals. Others might lead me to the “ecosystem” branch, as I want to talk about the set of tools that would drive these goals and empower these capabilities.

Mind maps are a great tool for getting your jumbly thoughts into a framework. From there, you can work backwards and forwards on ideas without the “weight” of lots of words to slow down your thinking. Then, by the way, you can use the words you’ve put down as the titles of slides, or as the headers to paragraphs or as the notes on your note cards for your speech.

What happens, often, when we write, is that we look at sentences as this whole big thing. We get worried about transitions. We think about the tasks the entire paragraph has to put off. Or, when we create slide decks for speeches, we get caught up in finding visuals to illustrate our points before we’ve really mapped out our points very well. In all cases, the “stuff” of the final product gets in the way of the frame of what we’re putting together.

That’s where mind maps excel (or one place where mind maps excel).

What about you? Do you ever use them to write? What other uses are you finding for mind maps?

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    I have outlined all six of my books! I know so many who don’t, claiming it stifles their creativity, but I like to know I have a solid story first before writing the whole story.I’m a far better writer than I am an outliner. I’m of the King school of just picking up the fossil and taking a brush to it to see where it goes. I would, however, like to change this. I think outlining a novel is the right thing to do, I just have a lot more fun figuring it out as I go along.I have found that when I have more in-depth character studies, the plot sometimes veers off in its own direction as the characters take over. This was a wonderful discovery for me, but I have to make sure they don’t do anything too wild – this is where the outline comes in handy – it allows me to pull them back into line.

  • Amanda Fenton

    Chris,

    I love love LOVE mindmapping. It's probably easier to answer what I don't use if for. I read Tony Buzan's book a couple of years ago and started trying it immediately and it really clicked for me. I use Freemind on my PC and also MindMeister when I need to access a map in the cloud (great for collaboration). I mindmap in my notebook, in my Moleskine, on whiteboards, on flip charts, on the back of scrap paper! I don't find the computer to be limiting, but I keep things pretty basic and don't get caught up in fancy colours/pictures etc.

    My fave applications:
    - taking notes (I can capture a whole hour long presentation in one or two maps, when others have pages and pages of linear notes they're flipping through)
    - creative work – writing, workshops, logicstics, etc etc
    - my department budgeting
    - my letter to the board/3 guiding words
    - facilitating

    To anyone thinking about this – just start! In the beginning, use it for everything (I mean everything – even your grocery list) to get the hang of it.

    My least fave part of mindmapping: when I have to move my brilliance into linear Word mode :)

    Thanks for exposing your thinking and inviting us to the conversation.
    @AmandaFenton

  • topsoloja

    Don't try a mind mapping tool or you might get addicted, lol. Two years back, I stumbled on the free “FreeMind” and got glued to it ever since. Don't think anybody should hustle without one. Chris, thanks for raising this.

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  • http://www.r4-ds-kort.dk/ buy r4i

    Hi,
    Thank you very much for sharing your experience.I love Mindmapping as it allows you to brainstorm ideas in a non-linear fashion. Usually, you’ll start with your end result (e.g. lower banking costs) and branch out with ideas on how to do this on a piece of paper. At the end of the brainstorming session, you’ll have a huge “web” of ideas on your paper you can then use to form the basis for your business proposal…

  • http://twitter.com/PoojaKashyap PoojaKashyap

    Have made things easier, love doin' mindmappin', nice post chris :)

  • malcolmgallagher

    For a number of years I have been encouraging businesses to use mind maps when developing their bid for a public or private sector contracts. It helps them craft a better proposal that presents their offer in an attractive flowing way – and, of course, not missing any essential elelments that needs to be communicated in the bid. I then get them to “tidy up” or copy the mind map and use it if they are invited to make a group presentation to the procurement or purchasing team. By them giving everyone at the “interview” a copy of the mind map they can keep the interviewers focused on their vendor, message and, in doing so, probaly win the contract! It is a refreshing presenttaion approach. I vary it depending on the vendor sector for example using timeline format if they are selling training.

  • http://twitter.com/trainerbob2010 Bob Roman

    @chrisbrogan Uses Mind Maps
    see his blog: http://tinyurl.com/y8mb9nn
    So can you 2/17 at METRO’s
    Next event: http://tinyurl.com/ye8xysz

  • http://www.MarketingProfessor.com Travis Campbell

    Chris-

    Thanks for sharing your insights and ideas in this post. I hadn't quite thought of mindmapping in this way. This post got me thinking, and, in part, inspired the today's post at MarketingProfessor.com

    Just wanted you to know I appreciate what you are doing.

    -Travis

  • spinhead

    Try 3×5 cards, Jodi. Makes it easy to move ideas from here to there.

    You can also create some unusual connections by shuffling them and just laying 'em out; see what comes up next to what. Brain sparks.

  • http://www.ckwrites.com ckwrites2

    Hi Chris – great discussion. My experience echoes and combines that of a number of posters.

    I am a copywriter and creative director, and what I use it the most for is client presentations.

    I do a lot of research at the start of every project. Once my head is full, I go back to the original SOW or RFP or Creative Briefing and kind of regurgitate it all into categories and other organizational schemes using the mindmap.

    I then share this with the client and put it away – meaning I rarely go back and iterate.

    I have also incorporated them into proposals as a kind of advance organizer, since they do have some eye candy appeal – peeps don't see them everyday so they tend to pay attention.

    I use two apps. One product I recently posted on is OmniGraffle. I have also been using NovaMInd and will be posting about that soon as well.

    Definitely want to try using MindMeister for a WebEx session – that could be very productive.

  • spinhead

    Bill, I'm a huge fan of 'use what works'—that method has gotten me through three books (six, if you count the ones that aren't released yet.)

    But I'm considering mind-mapping on 3x5s. I've realised since I was here yesterday that I love the scratch of my fountain pen on cheap paper, and I'll do better with that method than all the mind-mapping software that's been on my computer since, um, a while back. (My project management 'software' is a whiteboard and 3×5 cards; after working with an organisation specialist, she convinced me to quit using technology and go back to using what works.)

  • http://www.thesmallbiznest.com The Small BizNest

    Thanks for sharing this information, Chris! I have been looking for a tool like this and just downloaded the free version of MindMeister (I'm a Windows guy) and I think it is going meet my needs.

  • PSAnney

    I love mindmapping. I also use it to organize my writing – sometimes. Can always use more practice…just started using it a year ago. Thanks for sharing how you use it!

  • TaylorEllwood

    I use mind maps to map out my process for writing a book, developing a business plan, or anything else that requires some kind of policy, but I also use mind maps as a creative outlet to just put ideas down on paper and then start finding the connections to each other.

  • http://rebeccajfaught.blogspot.com/ Rebecca J. Faught

    Thank you for this wonderful tool. I think it's fantastic! I mentioned in my blog as well as this article. Thank you!!!!!!

  • http://hanshageman.com/ Hans Hageman

    Mindmaps help me with my ADD! They are also a more accurate representation of how most of us think. I have used them for speeches and reports to my board. I only wish I was more artistic.

  • http://www.davesaunders.net/blog Dave Saunders

    I use mindmapping obsessively. My main tools are Buzan's iMindMap or a big pad of paper and a box of Crayola fine point markers. Sometimes I find the later more useful because it takes me completely away from the computer.

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  • http://www.thesmallbiznest.com The Small BizNest

    This is great stuff! I'm always talking to clients about building an online marketing ecosystem but have never been able to develop a compelling visual representation. I just kicked off a mindmapping session last night to illustrate this concept and hope to finish up over the weekend. Thanks again for sharing.

  • http://www.lifecompassblog.com/ Life Compass

    Thanks for the tip re: MindNode for the Mac. I've been using FreeMind for several years, but have just started to look for something that has a little more visual appeal (IMHO).

  • http://danieljohnsonjr.com danieljohnsonjr

    A few weeks ago, at the beginning of the year, I browsed YouTube for some mind mapping videos. I saw one free tool called FreeMind, which is available at http://freemind.sourceforge.net . I also was intrigued at how some folks have been able to integrate the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology in their mind maps. So I've started using that for tracking projects, next actions, etc.

    I like having a mind map because everything is distributed and non-linear, just as how I think. I'm able to quickly dump what's in my head out on to a mind map.

    I've used FreeMind to take notes during meetings, but, like others have mentioned, there is still a place for paper and pen. I'm actually thinking about getting some colored pens so that I can do better mind mapping offline.

    I might take a feather from your quill and start using mind mapping to help me write.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Dobson/503326557 Matt Dobson

    Hi Chris, Jeff and Tony Buzan write a great book about mindmapping. You should check it out.

    Matt

  • http://www.freelancefundraiser.co.uk/ Graham Richards

    Here's a handy tip for mind mappers: I always carry one of those 4-colour ballpoint pens with me. OK, I know it's not more colours and the lines are thin, but it gives me the scope to draw simple mindmaps on the move and is very convenient to carry. Only costs around £2.50, so is cheap too!

    Happy mapping 8O)

  • OriginalVlatte

    Using a mind map is the only way to efficiently get all the ideas out of my head into a workable outline. I never quite know what will come out, but it's a great tool in the process of producing a blog post.

    I use FreeMind for the PC, which is free and even has an iPhone app.

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  • http://www.crowdedhead.com/ Brett Cornell

    I have used Mind Mapping in the past to help break down projects, create slide presentations, and to gather thoughts on paths forward on websites and just to corral ideas. Great article. You can use the fractal nature of the map to help you transition or to link divergent ideas. Strong ability to link themes and really jot down all of your inane thoughts. Pick what you like for the final PPT, leave the rest.

  • http://whiplashdesign.com Christan_Messer

    First I want to say, Wow – I don't know if I would ever have connected MindMapping to writing, but what a great process to use!

    It's interesting, I normally would be with Elizabeth and Jodi – I've always found MindMapping best done pen to paper. I have tried software before and felt the “barrier” they speak of – however, with your introduction of MindNode, I may have found the perfect fit for the digital solution to MindMapping. Most of the software I have tried is ugly and clunky (I'm a Mac addict, so I'm used to beautiful UI.) MindNode seems to have arrived a pretty good solution. And I can use it on my iPhone, which I will then be able to use on my iPad : )

    Thank you again Chris for anther great post and insight.

  • http://twitter.com/Davezilla Dave Linabury

    Chris, thank you for turning me onto some new software. I have been a longtime OmniGraffle user but am the first to admit, it's clunky for mind mapping. I downloaded the desktop and iPhone edition of MindNode, Love it! Already used it for a client.

    Thanks for always sharing good recommendations with everyone. Your post just made my life easier.

  • http://www.knowledgegenes.com/ Mark Ridgwell

    Interesting article, thanks.

    In case it's benficial to you or your readers, Knowledge Genes is a new way of mapping knowledge, thinking and communicating – in the context of WHAT needs to be achieved, HOW this is done and WHY this is important.

    Just as an example, this example is about how to resolve office conflict: http://www.knowledgegenes.com//home.aspx?kgid=9646

    HTH
    Mark

  • johnkrolduluth

    I have been using mind mapping for 20 years now and it is by far one of the best ways to understand the overall concept of a subject/task and share it with others..

    john

  • http://sg-techlandscape.blogspot.com/ Seth Greenblatt

    Chris, I'm glad to see such interest in mindmapping. I have an old post in my blog, Tech Landscape, that gives a pretty good, if a bit dated, list of mindmapping software. A few of the following posts give a very brief intro into mindmapping. The list of software is at: http://bit.ly/d5sULq

  • http://www.thislandisforyou.com/ Gina Kay Landis

    Thanks for this and taking time to let us know how you pull together your ideas. I found one for PC's, http://www.mind42.com. There are others, too I guess!

    Thanks again,

    Gina Kay

  • http://www.slymarketing.com Jens P. Berget

    I have tested mind maps a few times, but not with any success. I always use a pen and paper, and just add lists of stuff and keywords. That's the only thing that has worked for me.

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    This is great stuff! I'm always talking to clients about building an online marketing ecosystem but have never been able to develop a compelling visual representation. I just kicked off a mindmapping session last night to illustrate this concept and hope to finish up over the weekend. Thanks again for sharing.

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  • Anonymous

    This seems like a fad that will never truly catch on. Of course, I’m in the ‘plant but in chair behind keyboard and write’ camp, so that may color my thinking….

  • http://twitter.com/BizWize Derrick Jones

    I think there’s something wrong with my mind, after writing my main idea, I’ll just look at it, and look at it, and look at it… Then, it’s over.

  • http://twitter.com/antventouris antonis_ventouris

    I use mindmaps when I try to design marketing strategies, or in market research. Especially when deciding upon a marketing strategy, mindmaps can prove a fantastic tool. You don’t have to worry about syntax, grammar etc., you just write your ideas, connect them etc.
    I use Mindmeister for mindmapping, but I also use Prezi, which is an online presentation software – it is still very convenient for mindmapping.

  • http://twitter.com/antventouris antonis_ventouris

    I use mindmaps when I try to design marketing strategies, or in market research. Especially when deciding upon a marketing strategy, mindmaps can prove a fantastic tool. You don’t have to worry about syntax, grammar etc., you just write your ideas, connect them etc.
    I use Mindmeister for mindmapping, but I also use Prezi, which is an online presentation software – it is still very convenient for mindmapping.

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