concept map

(noun)

A diagram showing the relationships among concepts, with the concepts drawn in rectangular boxes, which are connected with labelled arrows that denote the relationships between concepts, such as "is a," "gives rise to," "results in," "is required by," or "contributes to."

Related Terms

Examples of concept map in the following topics:

  • Extemporaneous Speeches

    • There are two popular methods for creating a graphical representation for notes: outlining, and mind or concept mapping.
    • Mind mapping and concept mapping are visual representations of ideas and concepts.
    • Concept maps are more free-form, since multiple hubs and clusters can be created.
    • Unlike mind maps, concept maps do not fix on a single conceptual center.
    • You can also use a mind map as speaking notes.

  • Other Presentation Software Options

    • Microsoft PowerPoint dominates the presentation software market, but other options include Mind Maps, SlideRocket, and Prezi.
    • Mind Maps You can use mind maps to plan and modify your presentation.
    • Mind Maps break away from the linear format of PowerPoint by using graphic symbols to show connections between different ideas, allowing the presenter to show a top level map and then drill down to show details for different connecting ideas.
    • For presentation slides, you can start with a general, top level map and then create additional slides to drill down to the subtopics.
    • You can summarize the sub points and then go back to the main, top-level mind map to show the connection to the whole.

  • Communicating Statistics

    • As a result, consider using visual tools such as tables, graphs, and maps to make statistics more understandable for your audience.
    • Visual representations of quantitative information such as this map, which illustrates the prevalence of self-reported obesity among U.S. adults by state and territory, can make data more understandable for your audience.

  • Visual Demonstrations

    • Maps show geographic areas that are of interest to the speech.
    • Pros: when maps are simple and clear, they can be used to effectively make points about certain areas.
    • For example, a map showing the building site for a new hospital could show its close location to key neighborhoods, or a map could show the differences in distribution of AIDS victims in North American and African countries.
    • Cons: inclusion of too much detail on a map can cause the audience to lose focus on the key point being made.
    • Also, if the map is disproportional or unrealistic, it may prove ineffective for the point being made.

  • The Role of the Introduction

    • This "road map" will help the audience understand the main points in the context of your larger purpose.
    • Without a good map to follow, the audience is liable to get lost along the way.

  • Components of a Speech: Main Points, Introduction, Conclusion, and Transitions

    • Open with a detailed map of your speech--giving good directions in the beginning will save your audience from getting lost along the way.
    • On a written page, formatting provides a helpful road map: the reader sees topic headings, paragraph breaks, and other visual cues that signal transitions naturally.
    • A slide or handout with topic headings printed on it is a good road map for a speech, preparing the audience for any twists and turns that may come up.

  • Static Representations: Images, Drawings, and Graphs

    • Images can be any two-dimensional figure such as a map, a graph, a pie chart, or an abstract painting.
    • Maps - Maps show geographical areas of interest.

  • Antithesis

    • Contrast is a very important stylistic choice to fully illustrate a concept.
    • By explaining a concept, idea or argument with its opposite, you give your audience a 360 degree understanding of your point.
    • By giving your audience a contrast with the opposite point of view, they have a better idea of the concept; if they do not, you can clarify further.

  • The Role of Color

    • When properly used color should draw attention to the important terms or concepts in your presentation.
    • When properly used color should draw attention to the important terms or concepts in your presentation.

  • Improve Listener Engagement, Comprehension, and Memory

    • For example, if a speaker uses a story to explain a concept and has a visual aid related to the story, the audience member will process both the visual aid and the story, and will be more likely to understand the concepts the speaker is presenting.
    • Similarly, a visual aid will act as a cue for the audience to remember a story or concept that the speaker is explaining.
    • The visual cue will more easily remind the audience of the concept than a simple explanation in words.