mind map

(noun)

A diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea.

Related Terms

Examples of mind map in the following topics:

  • 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.

  • 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.
    • Unlike mind maps, concept maps do not fix on a single conceptual center.
    • For example, in the mind map for student learning , you can view the main component idea and related ideas which connect to its branch nodes.
    • You can also use a mind map as speaking notes.

  • Choosing a Topic

    • Also known as mind-mapping, clustering gives your word association a visual form.
    • Set a timer and begin writing whatever thoughts or ideas come to mind about your particular subject.

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

    • Listening to a speaker is inherently different from reading a page, and public speakers should keep that difference in mind as they prepare their work.
    • 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.

  • Be an Open-Minded Listener: Suspend Judgment and Exercise Empathy

    • Open-minded listening requires empathy and a suspension of judgment on the part of the listener.
    • Though Kate was annoyed that Jackson had left the car windows open in the rain, after listening to his explanation with an open mind, she understood that he'd been under a lot of stress at work lately and that he was sorry for the mishap.
    • Someone who listens with an open mind is willing to be influenced by what he or she hears.
    • People who listen with an open mind avoid anticipating what they think their conversational partners are going to say.
    • Come to the presentation with a mind like a blank slate.

  • 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.

  • Techniques for Accepting Criticism

    • When receiving criticism try to be: accepting, open-minded, and willing to seek clarity.
    • Be open-minded to the fact that others may see something that you do not.

  • Reflective Thinking

    • Dewey's method of critical thinking involves a disciplined mind in order to gain knowledge .
    • A disciplined mind needs intellectual control of the thinking process, which is so often emotionally based.
    • This disciplined mind offers intellectual freedom, and discipline shouldn't be viewed as a negative aspect as many individuals believe it to be.