Organize
Organize: Putting, ideas, thoughts and different parts together in a constructive way. We organize our work so that we have a precise and clear structure.Wikipedia Definition here.
The Three Techniques for Organizing Ideas:
Cluster diagram -a diagram used to analyze, simplify, clarify, and group ideas generated from brainstorming.
Scratch list– is a quick list of the topics used in developing simple and quick messages.
Outline– used for organizing more complex messages.It's format helps you focus on the main topic, identify major ideas, and support those ideas with evidence.
Scratch list– is a quick list of the topics used in developing simple and quick messages.
Outline– used for organizing more complex messages.It's format helps you focus on the main topic, identify major ideas, and support those ideas with evidence.
Related links:
Four tips on creating effective outlines from Purdue OWL Writing Lab.
This article explains the technique called mind mapping.
This article explains the technique called mind mapping.
"Creating an outline for a research paper"
(6:27)
This video is a step-by-step tutorial on how to create an outline for a paper.
Direct and Indirect Organizational Patterns
- Direct pattern: the main idea will come in the first or second sentence which is followed by the details or evidences. Use this approach when you know that audience is receptive.This method is called frontloading, which saves the reader's time, sets the appropriate frame of mind and prevent frustration.
- Indirect pattern: the main point comes after the details or evidence.use this approach when you know that your audience is unreceptive. It works well with three types of messages: bad news, sensitive news and persuasive arguments. The benefits of this approach is it respects the feelings of the audience, encourages a fair hearing, and reduces a negative reaction.
This blog post discusses the importance of choosing the right pattern here.