Technatic | Every human being has different abilities when absorbing information. Some of them find it easier to accept information presented in the form of a mind map. Mind maps are not only applicable in the academic world, but are also useful when you want to make a presentation at the office.
However, what is mind mapping ? Read this article to understand mind maps and find out how to use them in your presentations.
What is Mind Mapping ?
Mind mapping is a technique for visualizing information in the form of diagrams or graphics. This technique is useful if you want to organize thoughts or ideas in a format that is easier to remember and understand. The information presented in the mind map is not very detailed, but only consists of several topics, sub-topics and keywords that are related to each other.
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There is also an understanding of mind mapping from experts. Learning expert Melvin L. Silberman believes that mind mapping is a creative strategy that can make it easier for students to learn something, create a number of interesting ideas, and plan research for projects they will be working on.
Bobbi de Porter and Mike Hernacki in their book also have interesting opinions about mind maps. According to them, mind mapping is a technique that will help someone map their creative thoughts effectively. Mind maps are useful for developing the performance of the left brain and right brain simultaneously.
What are the Benefits of Mind Mapping
The mind map learning technique certainly has significant benefits for your work. Here are a number of benefits.
1. Makes it easier to understand information
Learning is quite a tiring process because you have to accommodate a lot of information in a relatively short time. A mind map will make it easier for you to learn through the process of grouping information based on the main concept or idea of the material being studied.
2. Organize information more neatly
Mind maps also help you organize the information you receive so that it looks neater. You will more easily understand the information when you study it again. A consistent mind mapping process will help you organize information in a more organized manner.
3. Makes it easier to explain during presentations
Mind mapping can be a useful technique when you are giving a presentation. You don't need to create information in the form of quite a lot of slides, but only present the data in the form of a mind map which only requires one slide.
4. Increase Creativity and Productivity
Mind maps can train creativity in processing and presenting information. You will learn to choose important keywords and use attractive graphics to create a mind map. Productivity will also increase because you will concentrate more while learning to use mind maps.
5. Saves Time
You definitely hope to be able to make a presentation in a short time, but be able to provide maximum information. Especially if the audience is important investors or clients, you definitely don't want to waste their time. A mind map will save presentation time and make it easier for the audience to absorb the information you explain.
What are the Types of Mind Mapping
The benefits above will certainly encourage you to use mind mapping techniques in your presentations. There are three types of mind mapping that can be applied, namely:
- Flow Map: This type of mind map is very popular to use. The flow map pattern is composed of a number of columns containing ideas and connected by branches in the form of grooves, lines or arrows. Flow maps can be created vertically or horizontally, depending on the number of columns. You can apply a flow map to identify concepts or problems.
- Circle Map: Circle maps are usually used by students to understand various types of symbols, images and concept descriptions. This type of mind map is very useful when you are brainstorming your business idea. A circle map consists of a large circle containing a number of small circles inside it. Large circles depict the main topic, while small circles represent ideas related to the topic.
- Bubble Map: A bubble map is formed from several bubbles or circles connected to a large circle in the middle as the main topic. Making a bubble map depends on the phrase or word of the idea you want to map. The reason is, every word in the idea will help you remember the meaning of the idea in the mind map.
How to Make a Mind Map
The three types of mind maps above have almost similar manufacturing principles. The following is an explanation of how to make a mind map that you can try.
1. Start from the Main Topic
The main topic you want to discuss in a mind map consists of 1-3 words. This main idea can come from the problem you want to solve or the material you want to study.
2. Create Branches from the Main Topic
You can look for other types or parts of the main topic to branch out into. The idea you want to include should ideally have a broad scope. The position can be placed on the left and right or top and bottom.
3. Split Branches Into Several Sub-topics
From the branches that have been created, you can divide them into several sub-topics. This sub-topic is an idea that is within a narrower scope.
4. Connect Using Lines
After creating several columns, connect them all using lines or arrows. Lines will make it easier for you to understand the mind map you created.
5. Use Different Colors
You can use different colors on the connecting lines. These tips are useful so that it is easier for you to remember the relationship between each sub-topic and branch.
6. Develop Sub-topics into Key Ideas
Sub-topics can still be developed further if you have important ideas that you want to convey. Make sure the ideas are closely related to the sub-topics so that the mind map remains organized.
7. Add a Small Note
Finally, you can add a small note at the bottom of the mind map that has been created. These small notes function as explanations of ideas that are considered difficult to remember.
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After understanding what mind mapping is and how to make it, you will definitely be interested in applying this technique in your presentations, right? The audience will certainly be more interested if you are confident when giving a presentation. You can hone your public speaking skills through a Public Speaking course