MET workshops

Discover mind mapping, a powerful tool to organize, make decisions, plan and explore

The centuries-old technique of mind mapping was made popular in the 1970s by Tony Buzan as a way to structure information in a radial system. The technique’s effectiveness lies in its appeal to several senses and to the natural wiring of the human brain. It is a fun way to learn, think, plan and share information. So if you’re overwhelmed by ideas or the complexity of a subject, mind mapping can offer a solution.

Facilitator: Emma Paulay

Purpose: The workshop will allow participants to experiment with various uses of mind mapping and discover how effective it can be when organizing information.

Description: In this colourful, relaxed, hands-on workshop, participants will first observe the mind mapping process as a group before experimenting with it themselves, working in pairs and alone. Exercises include interviewing and feedback, organizing a text and presenting the information.

Participant profile: As knowledge workers, language professionals can use mind mapping to learn, make notes, plan and explore a subject. Anyone who manages a group – teachers, instructors or facilitators – can use the tool to prepare and give lessons or deliver presentations. Drawing skills are not required.

Outcome: Participants will gain confidence in their ability to summarize, memorize and explore their creativity. They will also be able to deliver information and ideas using hand-drawn and digital maps.

Preparation: Participants may wish to look at digital mind mapping tools such as Xmind before the workshop.

About the facilitator: Born in the UK, Emma Paulay has lived in France since 1993. She is a translator, business coach and trainer in mind mapping and the Getting Things Done method, which she used to found her freelance business in 2007. She recently discovered that her optimism and listening skills lend themselves to business coaching and is now exploring this new avenue. A keen long-distance runner, Emma volunteers as a coach at her local running club.