To-Do list

 Whether you use pen and paper or the cutting-edge thoughts mapping software, the simple beauty of this approach has developed into a powerful device for copywriters, authors or all and sundry who desires to organise ideas or think more creatively.

Have you ever spent hours writing meeting notes but felt that the without to-do list a doubt important information remains buried deep within a mass of minutes? Or, perhaps you have wrestled with complex information for a record, internet site or a e-newsletter. If that sounds acquainted, the answer, as many other humans have found, might also lie in the simple but powerful approach called mind mapping.

Mind mapping in advertising, technical writing and PR

Twenty years in the past, before I became a copywriter based totally in Gloucestershire, England, I observed mind mapping, were given hooked and shortly began the usage of this easy device in my advertising, technical writing and PR work. Since then, thoughts mapping has turn out to be an critical a part of my operating and personal lifestyles, completely converting the way I assume, organise records and plan my copywriting. Whether you thoughts map on the back of an envelope or with thoughts mapping software along with Freemind, the approach should alternate your writing life too.

Unlimited makes use of for copywriters and others...

Mind mapping is associated with strategies inclusive of concept mapping, idea mapping and Ishikawa diagrams. The time period mind mapping was coined by means of British author Tony Buzan and consists of creating branching diagrams that use strains, phrases, coloration and pix to seize facts round a valuable concept.

Like all incredible ideas, mind mapping is as easy and reachable as a pencil and an antique envelope. Although Buzan claims the origination of the term mind map, the usage of photo-centered radial graphical employer strategies is going back centuries. And with computers it was inevitable that mind mapping could attain our video display units as thoughts mapping software which includes the wonderful open supply Freemind.

Mind mapping: a effective brainstorming tool

Whether you are a busy executive or a copywriter like me, thoughts mapping ends in a flow of mind. And by growing blank branches, you're forced to satisfy the brain's desire for Gestalt, or wholeness, to locate solutions and make new associations. Where conventional word taking works in a restricted, linear manner, mind mapping exploits the brain's tendency to test the complete discipline of records before it.

Advantages of thoughts mapping for copywriters?

So frequently, the best ideas and equipment are the most powerful. For my paintings as a copywriter, I've used thoughts mapping every day to devise articles, brochure content and website replica as well as for all way of questioning and brainstorming functions. Naturally, this newsletter became deliberate using mind mapping.

What are the blessings of mind mapping for copywriters?

No want for expensive technology (although mind mapping software may be very powerful)

Portability (what is handier than an vintage envelope and a pencil?)

Mind mapping is proper to a extensive variety of obligations

Mind mapping is splendid for organizing copywriting initiatives

Mind mapping prompts new thoughts - it's a effective creativity useful resource

Mind mapping (and thoughts mapping software program) is simple to examine and use

Mind mapping makes it smooth to view your subject matter overview

If you're like me, you will gain out of your first easy thoughts map

Mind mapping can be delivered to and reviewed more without problems than linear notes

Mind mapping is aesthetically eye-catching, and FUN!

The key to successful thoughts mapping

The keys to a success mind mapping are emphasis, association, clarity and developing a private fashion. As such, thoughts mapping stocks plenty with the ideas of exact copywriting. Once your initial mind map is finished, you may easily upload extra thoughts or institutions among different elements.

Starting with a blank piece of paper and maintaining it horizontal earlier than you, positioned a robust written and graphical photograph at the centre of the page. Then draw a chain of radiating strains out from the imperative image, each one corresponding to a key idea regarding your subject matter. On each radiating line, write a single keyword for that concept. Then, just keep going, including finer strains and extra key phrases as you create an organic, branching hierarchy of thoughts. Be spontaneous, do not be fussy approximately appearance, get those thoughts down and spot where you turn out to be. You may be amazed.

It's that easy; suddenly you're thoughts mapping!

Mind mapping software as opposed to paper and pencil: the pros and cons

So, two decades into thoughts mapping (and still learning) do I decide on paper and pencil or computerised thoughts mapping software program? Mind mapping software is simply properly for purchasing a number of facts right into a web page and frees you from the novice's fear approximately fitting the whole lot right into a small vicinity. Furthermore, computerised mind maps can be easily integrated with different digital documents; for a elegant presentation

On the opposite hand, regardless of keyboard shortcuts, mind mapping software program hardly ever matches the speed of paper and pencil as thoughts float. I've also found that conventional thoughts mapping is easier, faster and less glaring in a consumer meeting.

There's also some thing approximately the simple beauty of brief, stimulated, hand drawn mind mapping. People still remark once they see me draw one and I'd usually advocate starting with pencil and paper before experimenting with mind mapping software program.