A mind map consists of a central word or
concept; around the central word you draw the 5 to 10 main ideas that relate
to that word. You then take each of those child words and again draw the 5
to 10 main ideas that relate to each of those words.
The Mind Map has four essential characteristics:
-
The subject of
attention is crystallized in a central image.
-
The main themes of
the subject radiate from the central image as branches.
-
Branches comprise a
key image or key word printed on an associated line. Topics of lesser
importance are also represented as branches attached to higher-level
branches.
-
The branches form a
connected nodal structure.
Tony Buzan, p59 "The Mind Map Book" BBC
Books 1995
So, begin by putting the main topic or
point of focus in the center of the page, use keywords. Think
three-dimensionally. Don't get stuck in one area. If you dry up in one area
go to another branch. Break boundaries. If you run out of space, don't start
a new sheet; paste more paper onto the map. (Break the 8x11 mentality.)
Be creative, get involved and have fun.
