Mind Mapping Technique

Note: If you are looking for information on mind maps in general, please visit the mind maps page. This page is about a mind mapping technique, for people that already have a grasp on how to mind map.

OK; you'll probably be thinking - this guy has told me how good and brain friendly mind maps are a countless number of times. Damn right (if you're a frequent visitor)!

Here I'll show you how you can incorporate all of the memory principles into mind maps to make them even better and grasp a better understanding of why they are beneficial to your brain.

Memory Principles

In order to make your mind maps work with your brain even more, we will need to take a look at the memory principles. Applying the memory principles to your mind maps is the one, and pretty much only mind mapping technique. Why? Because that's what mind mapping is all about, working with your brain to achieve the results. Whether it may be for memory, creativity etc.

Anyways, I'm starting to waffle a bit... So here they are.

  1. Synaesthesia/Sensuality
    Don't worry, they're not all as complicated as this :) Synaesthesia refers to the blending of senses. Many of the great, natural memory techniques are based on using as many of your five senses as you can. You see the thing, you hear the thing, you smell the thing and so on...

    Synaesthesia is very important in terms of memory recall.

  2. Movement
    As your images move, make them three dimensional.
  3. Association
    Association is the most important key to memory. Imagine your brain having roots like a tree. You need to link all the roots and make connections in order to have a strong memory.
  4. Sexuality
    Nothing more need said - Everyone has a good memory in this area... Use It!
  5. Humour
    The more funny, the better. The more ridiculous and wacky, the better. The more out of this earth, the better. Fun experiences are positive and our brain likes recalling these experiences.
  6. Imagination
    Think outside the square! Explore possibilities and let your thoughts take you anywhere.
  7. Number
    This one is a left brain characteristic. It is important to use the left brain right brain principles, it's not a complete switch from left to right. It is good practice as a mind mapping technique to use number, either for ordering items or listing.
  8. Symbolism
    Using common symbols like light bulbs and arrows help trigger thoughts and make associations
  9. Colour
    Colour is so important for your brain. It not only excites the brain but makes things ten times easier to remember.
  10. Order and Sequence
    When combined with the other principles, this can provie structure and logic (a left brain characteristic).
  11. Positive Images
    The reason why positive images are so much better for your brain is because your brain wants to retrieve the positive images. Unlike the nasty thoughts that your brain tries to block, they will be first in the pecking order for recall.
  12. Exaggeration
    This has to be my favourite memory technique, this is not just a mind mapping technique! Imagine both of these images and tell me which one would be more effective:
    1. A diamond
    2. A huge diamond, sitting in your living room. The top tip of the diamond point touches the ceiling and the bottom touches the silver velvet carpet. The diamond is immensely shiny and reflects strong light to all points of the room. It is slowly rotating in all it's shine and glory while people "awe" in amazement.

    I think you know which one was better :)

    Application of the Principles

    It is one thing to know the principles, but an entirely different thing to apply them to your learning. Try and blend them into your mind maps, along with your linear notes.

    I could go on forever with the different ways of implementing these skills into your mind maps. But I will let you do that because after all this is a mind mapping technique that works on what you think of. If I gave you my thoughts, it simply would not work.

    Return to home from mind mapping technique