How to drive a Mind Map

Source: The Mind Map Book – Tony Buzan.

1º Use Emphasis

Always use a central Image. Use Images throughout your Mind Map. Use three or more colours per central Image. Use dimension in Images. Use synaesthesia (the blending of physical senses). Use variations of size of printing, line and image. Use organised spacing. Use appropiate spacing.

Tecniques

2º Use association.

Use arrows when you want to make connections within and across the branch pattern.

Use colours for enhancing memory and creativity. Use codes to enable you to make instant connections

between diferents parts of your mind maps.

Tecniques

3º Be clear.

Use only one key word per line. Print all words. Print key words on lines. Make line lenght equal to word lenght. Connect lines to other lines. Make the central lines ticker. Make your boundaries embrace your branch outline. Make your images as clear as possible. Keep your paper placed horizontally in front of you. Keep your printing as upright as possible.

Tecniques

4. Develop a Personal Style.

Reflect your unique network and patterns of thoughts.

1º Use Hierarchy.

2º Use numerical order.

Techniques and Layout

Break mental blocks.

Add blank lines. Ask questions. Add images. Maintain awareness of your infinite associational capacity.

Reinforce.

Review your Mind Maps. Do quick Mind Map checks.

Mind Map Recommendations

Prepare.

Prepare your mental attitude. Develop a positive mental attitude. Copy images around you. Commit yourself to your Mind Map. Commit to the absurd. Make your Mind Map as beautiful as posible.

Prepare your materials.

Mind Map Recommendations

Prepare your workspace environment. Ensure that you have a moderate temperature in the room. Use natural light where possible. Ensure that you have plenty of fresh air. Furnish the room appropiately. Create pleasing surroundings. Play appopiate music, or work in silence if your prefer.

Mind Map Recommendations

Mind Maps that aren’t really Mind Maps. Avoid structure become increasingly random and monotonous, diassociated and reduced to the same level.

The idea that phrases are more meaningful. Using single words in your Mind Map enable you to see your internal and external enviroment more clearly and realistically.

The idea that a “messy” Mind Map is no good. This doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s a simply reaction of your state of mind. It is simply a reflection of your state of mind at the time, or the input your mind is receiving.

A negative emotional reaction to any Mind Map. If you are disappointed or depressed by the standard of your Mind Map you should simply remind yourself that it is only a first draft wich will require revision before it reaches maturity.

Four danger areas