Whether you use pen and paper or the latest mind mapping software, the simple elegance of this technique has evolved into a powerful tool for copywriters, authors or anyone who needs to organise ideas or think more creatively.
Have you ever spent hours writing meeting notes yet felt that the really important information remains buried deep within a mass of minutes? Or, maybe you've wrestled with complex information for a report, website or a newsletter. If that sounds familiar, the answer, as many other people have discovered, may lie in the simple but effective technique called mind mapping.
Mind mapping in marketing, technical writing and PR
Twenty years ago, before I became a copywriter based in Gloucestershire, England, I discovered mind mapping, got hooked and soon started using this simple tool in my marketing, technical writing and PR work. Since then, mind mapping has become an integral part of my working and personal life, completely changing the way I think, organise information and plan my copywriting. Whether you mind map on the back of an envelope or with mind mapping software such as Freemind, the technique could change your writing life too.
Unlimited uses for copywriters and others...
Mind mapping is related to techniques such as concept mapping, idea mapping and Ishikawa diagrams. The term mind mapping was coined by British writer Tony Buzan and consists of creating branching diagrams that use lines, words, colour and images to capture information around a central idea.
Like all great ideas, mind mapping is as simple and accessible as a pencil and an old envelope. Although Buzan claims the origination of the term mind map, the use of image-centered radial graphical organization methods goes back centuries. And with computers it was inevitable that mind mapping would reach our monitors as mind mapping software such as the excellent open source Freemind.
Mind mapping: a powerful brainstorming tool
Whether you're a busy executive or a copywriter like me, mind mapping leads to a flow of thoughts. And by creating blank branches, you're forced to satisfy the brain's desire for Gestalt, or wholeness, to find answers and make new associations. Where traditional note taking works in a constrained, linear way, mind mapping exploits the brain's tendency to scan the whole field of information before it.
Advantages of mind mapping for copywriters?
So often, the simplest ideas and tools are the most powerful. For my work as a copywriter, I've used mind mapping daily to plan articles, brochure content and website copy as well as for all manner of thinking and brainstorming purposes. Naturally, this article was planned using mind mapping.
What are the advantages of mind mapping for copywriters?
- No need for expensive technology (though mind mapping software is very powerful)
- Portability (what's handier than an old envelope and a pencil?)
- Mind mapping is suited to a wide range of tasks
- Mind mapping is great for organizing copywriting projects
- Mind mapping prompts new ideas - it's a powerful creativity aid
- Mind mapping (and mind mapping software) is easy to learn and use
- Mind mapping makes it easy to view your topic overview
- If you're like me, you'll benefit from your first simple mind map
- Mind mapping can be added to and reviewed more easily than linear notes
- Mind mapping is aesthetically pleasing, and FUN!
The key to successful mind mapping
The keys to successful mind mapping are emphasis, association, clarity and developing a personal style. As such, mind mapping shares a lot with the principles of good copywriting. Once your initial mind map is completed, you can easily add additional thoughts or associations between different elements.
Starting with a blank piece of paper and keeping it horizontal before you, put a strong written and graphical image at the centre of the page. Then draw a series of radiating lines out from the central image, each one corresponding to a key idea relating to your theme. On each radiating line, write a single keyword for that idea. Then, just keep going, adding finer lines and more keywords as you create an organic, branching hierarchy of ideas. Be spontaneous, don't be fussy about appearance, get those ideas down and see where you end up. You may be surprised.
It's that easy; suddenly you're mind mapping!
Mind mapping software versus paper and pencil: the pros and cons
So, twenty years into mind mapping (and still learning) do I prefer paper and pencil or computerised mind mapping software? Mind mapping software is certainly good for getting a lot of information into a page and frees you from the novice's worry about fitting everything into a small area. Furthermore, computerised mind maps can be easily integrated with other electronic documents; for a polished presentation
On the other hand, even with keyboard shortcuts, mind mapping software rarely matches the speed of paper and pencil as ideas flow. I've also found that conventional mind mapping is easier, quicker and less obtrusive in a client meeting.
There's also something about the simple elegance of quick, inspired, hand drawn mind mapping. People still comment when they see me draw one and I'd always recommend starting with pencil and paper before experimenting with mind mapping software.
You haven't discovered mind mapping or mind mapping software yet? I'd definitely urge you to give it a go.
Copyright © 2008 Al Hidden
The article Mind Mapping For Marketing, Technical Writing and Public Relations - A Pro Copywriter's Perspective was Submitted by Al Hidden through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Al Hidden is a freelance 
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