MIND MAPS TO PREPARE A SPEECH


A mind map can be used as the notes for a speech.

Mind mapping is a recent phenomenon in the last 10 years for recording, storing and retrieving ideas in the most efficient and memorable manner. Tony Buzan has written many books on this subject. In her book “Mind Mapping”, Joyce Wycoff devotes a chapter to the use of mind maps for preparing speeches.

Mind mapping is a way of note-taking and note-making. In regard to preparing a speech it is a way of note-making ie a way of putting together the notes to be used for a speech. The entire map will be on one piece of paper. It is regarded as extremely useful when having to quickly prepare a speech.

How a Mind Map is drawn
 

Only a key word or key words are used. Nouns or verbs should only be used.

At the centre is the purpose of the speech, this should stand out and be a constant reminder to the speaker.

Branches indicating main points flow out from the centre.

Sub-branches indicating sub points fork out from the end of the branches.

The key word(s) of the points are written along the branch.

Branches should be one colour and sub-branches should be another colour. This is so the speaker can look at the map and differentiate between them quickly.

Opening and Closing “branches” can be neighbours to further remind the speaker of the purpose of the speech because the key words for each should match up.

Symbols familiar to the speaker can be used on the map to indicate such things as there is a handout to be given out now, there is an overhead to explain further information which should be shown now etc.

Main branches should be numbered to show order.

Writing should be extremely legible.

Advantages

The speech notes are contained on one piece of paper / card.

The purpose of the speech stands out and is a constant reminder to the speaker.

Only key words are used, this assists in that preparation will not be remembering the speech “parrot-fashion” and so preparation will be more effective.

Useful technique for a quickly prepared speech eg to thank the speaker at a function. The map can be drawn in no particular sequence and “on the run”.

The speaker can maintain eye contact with the audience rather than having to look at lengthy notes (assumes notes of other methods are not in point form)

Disadvantages

Opening and Closing cannot be written word for word. So perhaps the Opening can be written word for word above the map and the Closing written word for word below the map ie still on the same piece of paper.

Preparing an Impromptu Speech of 5 minutes using Mind Mapping when preparation time is 30 minutes

1. Write down the purpose of the speech eg that my next holiday will be in Rome (2 min)
2. Plan: 4 main points x 1 minute plus opening and closing
3. Brainstorm for 5 minutes using only nouns or verbs. (5 min)
4. Highlight main points to differentiate from sub-points. (1 min)
5. Select the most appropriate 4 main points to include in the speech and go with them. Main points must be directly relevant to the purpose of the speech. Avoid including too many main points in your speech so as not to rush. Avoid including main points which are not relevant but very interesting. (2 min)
6. Decide the logical order of the main points. (1 min)
7. As the last of the 4 main points, refute possible arguments against what you are recommending or doing. This is more relevant if the speech is to persuade.
8. Label your mind map along the branches using only a key word or key words in noun or verb form: (4 min)

In the centre of the mind map state the purpose of the speech.

Draw 6 main branches flowing from the purpose, label them and number them so you know the order if they haven’t been arranged in clockwise or in anti-clockwise order. Two of these include the opening and closing which should be neighbours.

In another colour attach sub branches to the end of the main branches ie in pitch fork fashion. The number of sub branches will depend on the number of sub-points you have. Label them. You can adopt the 2 sub-points to each main point method ie State the main point and then the sub-points are: i) explain the main point & ii) give an example or anecdote or statistics to highlight / reinforce / substantiate and to give the audience a clearer picture of the main point.

The Opening should include i) an attention grabber & ii) the purpose of the speech. So “OPENING” is the main branch and the 2 sub-branches are a key word for the attention grabber and a key word for stating the purpose of the speech.

The closing should include i) a summary & ii) a call to action / memorable statement. So “CLOSING” is the main branch and the 2 sub-branches are a key word for the summary and a key word for the call to action / memorable statement.

9. Above the mind map write word for word how you want the opening to be. (2 min)
10. Below the mind map write word for word how you want the closing to be. (2 min)
11. Practice out loud your speech from start to finish. Take notes along the way of any structural changes that you want to make but don’t go back and start again each time you want to make a change. (5 min)
12. Practice to yourself your speech from start to finish. (5 min)
13. Memorise Opening and Closing (1 min)

Important Tips

Opening

Right from the outset it must be clear what the purpose of the speech is. If the purpose of the speech is that I am going to Rome for my next holidays the opening might be:

Attention Grabber: Ah, the smell of Italy, that humid European heat, the sight of those over expressive Italians clamoring the streets

Stating the purpose: I can’t wait to get to Rome for my next holidays

The purpose of the speech is clear from the outset and it has been said in a more
interesting way than saying “I’m going to Rome for my next holidays”.

Body

You can state each main point by starting with a joining phrase which states the purpose of the speech eg I’m going to Rome (for my next holiday):

Ist Main Point I’m going to Rome because I love the ambiance…

2nd Main Point I am going to Rome because it’s not expensive…

3rd Main Point I’m going to Rome because I want to practice my Italian, e
vero (it’s true)…

4th Main Point People will say I am wasting 2 days travel time by going to Rome, however…(the joining phrase is in the body of the sentence on this occasion)

The use of the joining phrase:

Keeps the speaker on track as to the purpose.

Keeps the audience on track as to the purpose.

Makes the audience aware that a new main point is being introduced.

Has strong speech impact ie to repeat this over and over.

Lends itself to vocal variety ie the linking sentence can be said in an assertive manner with more volume.

Makes preparing and remembering a speech. easier. It is particularly useful when not having much time to prepare a speech.

* The joining phrase can be included as a main branch on the mind map.

Closing

The closing should include a brief summary and a memorable statement eg

Summary:   To sum up, I’m going to Rome because I love the ambiance there, I want to practice my Italian and it is not expensive to go there.

Memorable Statement:  I work hard for my money, I deserve my holidays, When in Rome…(longish pause)…I plan to to enjoy myself …(shortish pause)…and do as the Romans do!

Mr MC
 

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