Val Dumond

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Think:
"Tell me about it.

About Bubbles and Bubbling, Bubba!
by Val Dumond
©2005

Have you ever had to prepare a speech, write a report, present a proposal in writing? Or some other such nonsense? And you panicked because:

1. you hate to write
2. you're at a loss for words
3. you don't know where to begin
4. all of the above

Relax! Help is on the way.

This easy-to-play exercise has saved many an hour wondering where to begin, what to write and how to organize ideas. I call it Bubbling. Others refer to it as "thinking on paper," "brainstorming" or "treasure mapping." Whatever? it's almost the same thing as brainstorming, except you do it by yourself in the privacy of your office or home.

Usually, when presented with an involuntary writing task, you are also presented with a title or subject matter. Write down that title in the center of a blank piece of paper. Use a pen or pencil - this is not a computer project yet.

Now close your eyes and think about that title. Peeking through your eyelids just enough to stay on the paper, write down the image(s) you see behind your eyelids, the questions that arise, words that you associate with the title.

Write down and encircle these things as fast as they pop into your mind - and never mind where the pen lands. Your page should begin to look like a refugee from a bubble factory, with "bubbles" in mad array all over the page.

DO NOT LIST IDEAS!

[Oh, you with the raised hand, you're asking what happens if nothing comes to mind? Wait a few minutes! Keep that title in mind, relax, and within minutes (promise!) some ideas will surface. Patience and a clear mind will make it happen.]

Open your eyes now and look at the things you've jotted down. Take out your box of crayons and, using your favorite color, encircle a word or idea and others that are similar. Choose another color and encircle other "sets" of words or ideas. And a third color - and fourth, if necessary. Are you getting the drift?

The encircled words of one color will form one part of your presentation; another color a second; and so on. If you need further research, you'll be able to attach that information to the appropriate color.

Now you're ready to write. Think: "Tell me about it," and begin. You'll soon discover how easily these ideas can be transferred in to words - for a speech, an essay, a report, a presentation.

That comprises the "meat" of your sandwich; here comes the bread. When you have made your points, write down why you're presenting this paper (speech) and write that as an introduction. Then, repeat the same message in different words and use that for your conclusion, adding any suggestions or recommendations you feel important.

Pat yourself on your back. You have conquered the part of communication that most scares the daylights out of most people. You have learned to Bubble.

Questions? Just raise your hand! (or call me)

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Please feel free to contact me. I welcome your comments and any specific questions you may have.

Your page should begin to look like a refugee from a bubble factory.

Patience and a clear mind will make it happen.