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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  • http://predictablesuccess.com/blog Les McKeown

    Great Post, Chris.

    I use mind maps, a lot. For blog posts, presentations and books that I'm working on. Personally I find it easier to use a trusty old sharpie and pad of paper to sketch them out first and then I move them over to my computer. I find that I spend too much time working on the aesthetics of the darn thing if I begin on a computer; what colors, shapes to use etc. It's easier for me to get all my thoughts out on paper first and worry about the technology second.

    Over the last few years one of the most beneficial uses I've found for mind maps is in presenting findings and recommendations to my clients. More and more I've found myself mapping out the key findings and then firing up a screen sharing session to go over the key areas with them. It helps to show them the big picture and then allows me to go into the specifics of each point. I find this works particularly well when your working with visual types and I've got a lot of positive responses when I've done it.

    Thanks again, keep up the great work.

    Les

  • ilkeryoldas

    Mindmaps are really useful.. I use them on a daily basis!

  • http://www.erikwennerstrom.com Erik Wennerstrom

    I use mind maps for writing and presentations as well. I also them for web site planning. They are great to lay out the main categories and pages as you can see the whole site plan at once and move things around with ease as opposed to the old fashioned sticky note card sorting exercise.

    I have also started using them to keep track of all my projects by category (i.e. websites vs intranet) so I can have one view of what has my attention (or what should have my attention). I then link to the project plans/documents from there. It is real handy for that.

  • http://blog.adsdevshop.com Robert Dempsey

    I've started using mindmaps for creating content strategy, fleshing out blog posts, writing requirements for software apps, and much more. It took me about 2 years to see the value, but now that I do my tool of choice is sitting in my dock. Thanks for the post Chris.

  • remarkablogger

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE mind maps. I use them to plan out info products and strategize.

  • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

    I also *love* using mind maps … but I DONT use software for this. I just use paper. Sometimes in my unlined journal where I take all of my notes & ideas (everything from “journaling” about life stuff, to outlining a new program, to research, to notes from a phone call) … and sometimes in my big sketch pad with a black sharpie.

    I found when I used software it restricted me too much. I spent too much time on the technology and color coding, and less on the brainstorming.

    My brain is all over the place, and I needed something tactical yet completely free … and old fashioned unlined paper & a sharpie helps me capture creativity without confining it.

  • http://www.momsdailyretreat.com/ Amelia

    Love this! I used mind mapping to write my dissertation- one entire wall and pack after pack of post it notes- the end result, 250 page dissertation. I probably could have benefited from mind mapping software, but the post its were just so hands on, and I am without a doubt a kinesthetic learner. Mapping allows for relationships between topics, issues, and points to be seen- once I “see” the relationships, or lack of relationship, I can articulate it much more clearly in written word. Mapping allows me to bring order to my very chaotic thought processing- without mapping, collecting my thoughts would be like trying to nail jello to a tree!

  • http://vsellis.com Scott Ellis

    Chris, This is excellent. I've been using MindJet for years and found it to be an incredible tool for writing. I've even written an entire book using it (to be released). It really helped me to stay organized, on track and allowed me to capture ideas at the point where I'm doing my writing so everything stayed nice and tight.

    It can be particularly useful If you're building anything that is “formulaic”. I also use it to build content maps for websites (see an example at http://www.vsellis.com/wordpress-how-to/buildin…).

    I really like MindJet but it's a moderately expensive program (though well worth it to me). I know there are others I'm curious which mind mapping programs other people like.

  • http://www.AHFblog.com/ Awareness Home Funding

    I think I use the concept without having the name, but I like to use a blank word document. I can type faster than I can write and I like being able to quickly get a thought down that comes to me. For me personally though, that first sentence is the most crucial. Once I have that, I'm usually off and running.

  • dannyjacks

    Really enjoyed the post, Chris. I always feel guilty when I freely consume such great info and advice. Should I be paying you for this? ;)

    Organizing and tracking thoughts is always a challenge. I've never used this kind of technique (mind mapping) before but I'm excited to put it into practice.

    Great stuff. Thanks, Chris

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

    Thanks for the article Chris. I've used mind maps for years and often used them to write/plan presentations and sermons. I've actually used mind maps as my presentation and sermon notes. The reason for this is they give me the key points, but allow me to ad lib as well. I find it weasier to glance at a mind map and see where I am, rather than keep scanning linear notes, trying to keep my place!

  • http://www.kaplancopy.com/blog Jodi Kaplan

    I'm with Elizabeth. Love mindmapping, but sometimes the computer is a barrier. I feel like I want to reach out and write directly on the screen (not good!).

    I think the tactile part helps me think better and I feel as if I'm making a more direct connection with my brain (less interference having the idea and getting it out).

    So, I use pieces of paper and just scribble words with a pen.

    I also have a few samples of thinkcube cards. There are two kinds: red with a word (and variations – like note, then memo, brief, music) and blue with an idea or trend (role-playing games). You mix them up, combine them, and use them as a starting point to brainstorm.

  • http://marcmariusmueller.posterous.com/ Marius

    As I am just about to start writing my bachelor report, I am thankful for any tipp to improve the writing process. Thanks for the advice!

  • chrisdumler

    I use the online tool mind42.com sometimes. It gives a cleaner outline than a hand-drawn mind map, which is sometimes more appropriate when collaborating. Like most of the other posters so far, I like the tactile pen/paper/color feel, but sometimes it's more about organization than creative thinking.

  • http://www.todmaffin.com todmaffin

    I dunno. I've tried to use these things, and I find they're very mouse-oriented. I tend to be a keyboard shortcut kind of guy. Even if all I could do is cursor over to a node and then click Tab to add a new node under it, I'd probably be happy. It's bizarre how few apps support this.

    I also find that these apps, as a rule, tend to have a bad case of shiny-object syndrome. You can make your nodes coloured, add video, add photos, and all that. I'm sure those features might look good on a marketing features list, but I'd rather just have a low-memory, quick loading app.

    Tod Maffin
    http://www.todmaffin.com

  • http://www.cheryldolan.com/ Cheryl Dolan

    LOVE mindmapping also. Another way I often use it is to put a whiteboard sheet on my wall and write all over it, attach stickies which I move around, color forms, etc. This way I can stand back and “observe” the process which inevitably leads to making more connections, generating more ideas and creating structure. It speaks to the multisensory learner in me! Thanks, Chris!

  • http://www.cheryldolan.com/ Cheryl Dolan

    LOVE mindmapping also. Another way I often use it is to put a whiteboard sheet on my wall and write all over it, attach stickies which I move around, color forms, etc. This way I can stand back and “observe” the process which inevitably leads to making more connections, generating more ideas and creating structure. It speaks to the multisensory learner in me! Thanks, Chris!

  • http://twitter.com/kobran_1 Branko Zecevic

    Hi Chris!
    Yes, the use of mind maps in planning on a daily basis is very helpful!
    Using images in the creation of mind maps is also valuable (one word is worth a thousand words).
    My advice: The more pictures the better!

  • A.C.

    Great tips, thanks. By the way, we learned this in school back in the day; we used to call it “creating an outline”.

  • Sig

    Basically a scattergraph and it only works if that is how you think. I think sequentially so the regular outline is more how I think and works much better for me. A nice plus is that it is built into Word so I don't need extra software.

  • http://www.attract-more-customers.com/ Tom McKay

    Even though I'm a writer and I'm used to outlining articles and e-books in a fairly left-brain way, I've become another adoring fan of mind maps. I, too, use the paper and pen method. It's the only way to keep up with my frantic mind flush.

    PS: If you're like me and you find letter- size paper gets too crowded, pick up one of those huge sketch pads with no lines. Plenty of room to rock out.

  • http://www.sexycopy.org k0zm0zs0ul

    Agreed Chris..I am totally addicted to mindmapping, great post. It's perfect not only for mapping out articles, but also entire project ideas and book ideas as well. Heck I even use it for goal setting, lol. FYI I use Freemind for PC.

    Thanks for sharing! :)

  • http://denniscallahan.posterous.com/ Dennis Callahan

    Mindmapping is a powerful tool. Pencil and paper is 1 of my favorite tools for conducting mind maps.

  • billwren

    I'll have a look at Mind Node but honestly I've always found the mindmapping thing a real challenge. At the risk of sounding luddite-ish, or something like that, it always feels unnatural – I really don't think that way. I'm more of the Ray Bradbury school – throw up on paper, see what's there then edit and fix it. :-)

  • http://aaronhoos.com/ Aaron Hoos

    Love mindmapping! I used MindJet for a long time but switched to MindMeister recently because MindJet was so big and bulky and would occasionally hang up but MindMeister was web-based and easier to share. (Highly recommended, everyone!).

    And then I bought a big whiteboard a couple of years ago and am convinced that it is the best creative-tool investment I have ever made: It's always full of mindmaps.

  • http://www.prshifts.com/ Dan Wedin

    I've never used this type of tool before but, I'm excited to start!

  • http://www.socialsmarty.com/ Kat Walterhouse, Social Smarty

    Hey Chris I use Visual Mind and it has simplified my thinking processes. I am going to have to check out Mind Node also. I think for individuals who are highly “visual” in their thinking it helps tremendously.

  • tommccomb

    I have used mind maps without knowing that's what they were called. I use a pen and paper (or even better – a whiteboard) to sketch out my thoughts and respective branches.

    Thanks for this post – very helpful and inspiring.

  • kathysierra

    Although it's not the use case everyone gives for the Apple tablet, mind-mapping is at the top of MY list. I wrote about why I wanted a tablet for mind-mapping in 2005: http://bit.ly/2JyxQ (and someone left a comment — now five years old — about the rumors of a coming Apple tablet ;)

    Thanks for this! I could not possibly write anything longer than a tweet without mind-mapping.

  • carolroy

    What a great technique to keep your thoughts straight. I've been doing this for years, in one form or another, and didn't even know there was a name for it. I just thought it was an effective way to keep my wandering little gray cells focused and organized!

  • http://twitter.com/GrahamGudgin Graham Gudgin

    I use mindmapping all the time when I'm writing posts for my blog. I also use it for putting all my thoughts together when I'm running an event. I'm finding new uses for it all the time. It works well with my thought processes. I can rapidly get ideas down, even if they are disconnected. By using mm software (I use FreeMind, which is free!), I can then move things around easily later, as I discover thematic connections, etc.

  • http://twitter.com/ineptiDude John Incantalupo

    Thanks for the tips here, Chris!

    I've been using MindMeister online mind mapping tool for the last 4 months while developing an application. I have found this process to be incredibly useful – and will now start to use mind maps in my blog and speech writing…

  • http://www.bradfarris.com/ Brad Farris

    I'm with Les, I like to use paper and sharpies (I use multiple because color helps for me). I rarely move them to the computer, I just use the paper as my outline then start to write.

    I like Les' idea of using it to present findings. I'm going to have to think about that…

  • prosperitygal

    WHOO HOO I love how we are resonating together my mac brotha, I love mind node. use it with everything. I use it to mind map my speeches, my webinars, my goals.

    It allows me to capture all my thought sand there is no losing them or discounting them just make a branch and see how it is part of the game.

    I especially love to use it to build clients blueprint strategies. It helps them to see the big picture as well as the needed steps in actionable bite size pieces. Major time saver, now instead of asking yourself everyday what do I need to do I look at my mind map and say oh yes here you are not go take care of this part.-shazam

  • alvalynlundgren

    I appreciate your post, Chris. I often map when taking notes during meetings and conferences, but when writing I usually write out my thoughts as full sentences and then move them around… sort of like brainstorming with punctuation included. I'm going to try your mapping method. It seems like it will save some time.

  • http://www.jamieflinchbaugh.com Jamie Flinchbaugh

    I use mind mapping for any column that I write. I do it on paper, because I'm not concerned about preservation and it flows better for me.

    The benefit I find is this. When I write without a map, I will often write as the ideas flow from my head. But that flow is not necessarily what's best and right for the reader. The organization and presentation that walks the reader from point A to point B often needs to follow a different path. What makes mind mapping better than outlining is it gives you more flexibility into the connections between ideas, and I think that is what a good writer does – establishes connections between ideas and helps others see, and appreciate, those connections.

  • http://www.MarketingBeyondAdvertising.com/blog/ Tom Wanek

    I use mind maps to “debrief” after I've read a book.

    My hope is that it will allow me to connect those thoughts and ideas that come from other areas of my life and research.

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    Jodi your right the pad and paper are always best, by the time you have booted up the Mac or the PC its gone, your fresh out of the box idea is gone. I would say the tactile sense is like when you where small. The people in the supermarket always give a strange look when I walk out with the colouring pencils.

    I launched a marketing business with mind mapping, it can make you see connections you would never have made. Will get to the the graphic pencals you get less of look when you walk out of the shop.

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    I will try this when I write mine, I have a choactic or none linear mind so they really help me. The grouping of relationships is key I discovered a book by Stella Coterral on Critical Thinking.

  • vaughanmerlyn

    Yes – I'm a big fan of mindmapping as a thinking, planning, communication, facilitation, etc. technique. A couple of years ago I posted about mind mapping for ideation and collaborative problem solving (http://vaughanmerlyn.com/2008/07/28/mind-mappin…) and a free (for limited use) web-based tool called MindMeister that serves this need very well. My colleagues and I went on to use this approach in many projects and consulting engagements with great success!

    Thanks, as ever, for your great blog – looking forward to reading the new book!

  • http://www.simrendeogun.com/ Simren Deogun

    Hey Chris,

    Though I have nothing against the Mind Maps (and they can be immensely useful when your head is too full to process all the words jumbled inside), I was thrown by the following:

    “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….”

    When I help others with their writing, the core strategy I emphasize is the need to be aware of your writing. Those who struggle with writing need to be able to see their words, sentences, and paragrahs as part of a larger picture. That awareness enhances their understanding of how to use and manipulate language. And from that awareness is fostered a sense of style, flow, transition and the rest.

    I want to stress that while you're working hard to not forget about the frame, please don't forget about the picture inside.

  • chuckfrey

    Wow, this topic has generated a large number of comments. Mind mapping software is an awesome writing tool, indeed. In addition to enabling you to create and organize a “skeleton” or structure for what you want to write, you can also use the notes function of many programs to store additional details, attach links to related information and other meta data. You can also create a separate mind map for storing your blog post or other writing ideas.

  • http://ramartijr.com/about-us/about-michele-corona/ Michele

    I didn't even know I was doing this, and so excited to see there are some open source apps for the PC too (yea, I'm still waiting for my MAC!) Thanks for all the tips Chris!

  • spinhead

    I love the *idea* of mind maps, I've just never slowed down enough to use them.

    Perhaps the book I'm working on now will benefit from some mapping.

  • http://www.christinegreen.com/blog/ Christine Green

    I use mind mapping all the time for writing, though part of me fights against it and just wants to write what is pouring through my brain. But creating a mind map is a great time-saver. While I have mind-mapping software on my computer (Free Mind), when mapping for writing I draw on paper. It works much better for me. Then I can scan it if i need to save a copy. I use mind-mapping for all kinds of planning. I still have the one from almost a year ago when I mapped out my marketing plan for my new business. It's almost right on target with a few additions I made later. It was so perfect for the complexity of launching my website, blog and other social media profiles all at the same time.

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  • mikegordonaus

    I use Mindjet's Mind Manager for heaps of different applications. However, drafting & writing documents, speeches and reports is a key one. Not only does MM allow me to play endlessly with strucutre and sequencing, it also allows me to insert the content in as well.
    For each branch, node or topic, I use the Notes field to insert the text, pictures, diagrams, tables etc. Then, using the 'export to Word' function the whole document formats itself, including content and with section numbering. Once it's in Word, I can then use the richer publishing features to make a more professional looking document, but actually the hardest part is already done – getting my thoughts captured and in order.

    Hurrah for mind mapping!

    Mike Gordon, Strategy Manager, IBM Australia

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  • http://twitter.com/wreichard2 Will

    I'm with you, Chris. Something about the visuality of mindmapping gives me confidence that at least the skeleton of the thing is real. From there, writing is usually easy. In fact, starting the mindmap is often the hardest part of writing for me. Great post–if more people were aware of techniques like these, writing would be less of a phobia.

  • http://twitter.com/wreichard2 Will

    Incidentally, Freemind is very capable and, as the name suggests, free.

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