MondayMorningInsight - Leadership & Encouragement for Church Leaders

Using Mind Maps to Enhance Preaching

Posted by: Todd
Posted on: Fri, June 17, 2005
Viewed 202
(9) comments so far

"Ed first learned about mind mapping from an author named Michael Gelb. He has several books out, but one in particular is called Mind Mapping: How to Liberate Your Natural Genius. Ed has modified Gelb's method over the years, but he still develops what he calls "Mind Maps," In the past, Ed would painstakingly handwrite, color code and illustrate his mind maps (Click here to see an example.) but now uses a computer template developed in MS Word to create them. Even on these computerized versions, though, he still color codes major points, illustrations, and transitional statements (key phrases, sentences or paragraphs that are crucial to the flow of the sermon).(Click here to see an example.) He also adds handwritten notes to aid in memorization or to make last minute changes as needed."

I found this facinating. It seems like a great idea to help correlate your ideas and remember them. I've heard of mind-mapping before, but thought the examples given above were great.

Any of you use the same or similar approach in your speaking?

Ever watched or heard Ed Young, Jr. preach? He always amazes me with his great content; and even more: it seems he never uses notes. I’ve always thought it has to take him hours and hours to memorize his sermons (and I’m sure it still does). But this morning’s entry at the Creative Pastors Blog gave some of Ed’s secrets: In 15 years of delivering sermons at Fellowship Church, Ed Young has developed close to 1,000 messages. A tool that has been instrumental in achieving this undertaking is what we call a mind map. Mind Mapping is simply a method of organizing notes to aid in memorization. Its premise is that the mind works in clockwise order, so message notes are transferred to one legal size sheet of paper, front and back, in clockwise order starting at the top-center. This method is especially helpful for those who are highly visual learners. The method pays particular attention to "mapping" or visually arranging the main ideas, transitional statements and illustrative stories around the message’s big idea to trigger the memory. Color coding and use of symbols and drawings may also be used to visually aid the speaker.

Comments

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Tally on Fri, June 17, 2005

Actually based on the Creative Pastors post I’m experimenting with this week’s message. I’m going to give it a serious attempt and learn more about the process but it does look promising.
Terry Storch on Sat, June 18, 2005

Hey Todd,

Ed does not memorize his messages. In the past he worked really hard to memorize the entire message and was very critical on himself. Now, he focuses on truly knowing and absorbing the entire content, but memorizes his transitions. It’s all about the transitions. This is one of the reasons why with all of our services, none are exactly the same. He adds/deletes/combines content on the fly.
Todd Rhoades on Sat, June 18, 2005

Terry… sorry… meant to say that I ‘used’ to think he had to memorize everything. The post on mindmaps helped explain alot as to how he is so free to speak and make the transitions look so effortless. He’s just a great communicator, but I’m sure that he works extra extra hard to make everything look so smooth. I bet he’s a blast to work with. You’re pretty sharp too, I might add. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif

Todd
Chuck Gohn on Mon, June 20, 2005

I am interested in learning more about Ed’s mind mapping technique. Has Ed produced a book or does he make his word template available? I am attempting to get away from relying on my sermon notes, and welcome any other suggestions you have.
Todd W on Mon, June 20, 2005

Todd:

I have used this technique for over 5 years. It has revolutionized my speaking. First I type out a full manuscript, then pare it down to key words. The key words are color coded depending on the section of the sermon. I use no more than 5 colors. I have found Tony Buzan’s books very helpful in learning the process of mind mapping. (“How to Mind Map” and “The Mind Map Book”) He says there should be only one word or picture per minute of the sermon/speech. My entire 30 minute sermon is color coded and put on a 8.5 X 11 sheet of paper. When I preach I “see” the colors and key words, not the outline of the sermon. Almost every time I speak people comment on my lack of notes. I feel that I can connect better using this method than any others I have tried in over 20 years of speaking.
thx on Tue, June 21, 2005

Todd W-

Do you actually stick to that one word per minute idea? In the pdf example above, it looks like the entire text is written out (which is probably doable, since he’s using a legal size page, printed front and back).

Either way, it looks like a great idea.
Todd W on Thu, June 23, 2005

I try to stick with the one word per minute as much as i can. If I’m telling a story that takes 3 minutes, I might use one key word or picture for the entire story. That allows me to use 2 more words in other areas of the sermon. For me, the more words on the mind map, the harder it is to memorize. using more words is probably doable if you take the mind map into the pulpit. At least you are not flipping lots of pages.
JIHarris on Mon, June 27, 2005

In 1998, an auto accident left me with a mild traumatic brain injury. Preaching became a nightmare in both preparation and delivery until my therapist introduced me to mind mapping.

The use of mind mapping software allowed me to get the thoughts out and into a visual format as fast as I can type. I’m not losing ideas due to memory problems. Neither am I struggling with organization. Sermon preparation and all other forms of writing became doable and enjoyable again.

While I cannot go without notes, I am freed up from the chaos of my disability. My delivery is fluid to the point that I sound extemporaneous. Having the mind map actually frees me to flow in the Holy Spirit!

As you can see, for me, mind mapping—particularly the availability of mind mapping software—has been a Godsend! If you’re a highly visual learner, I strongly recommend Inspiration software (http://www.inspiration.com). You’ll love it!
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