7 Tips for Brainstorming

7 Tips for Brainstorming 7 Tips for Brainstorming 7 Tips for Brainstorming By Mark Nichol Whether you’re trying to develop the topic of an essay or the plot of a short story, or you and some of your colleagues have been assigned to propose an idea for a product or a project, a brainstorming session is a means to a successful outcome. Here are some tips for the brainstorming session’s procedure. 1. Create ground rules: Withhold comment on or evaluation of items during the initial brainstorming session; just record them. Accept every suggestion, unless the person who suggested it retracts it (and even then, the group can override the retraction). Respect others and their ideas. Be uninhibited and imaginative. 2. Set a time limit based on whether you’re brainstorming on your own or based on the number of fellow brainstormers five minutes, fifteen minutes, half an hour. (Longer periods will probably produce diminishing returns.) 3. Create a mind map a constellation of main topics and subtopics or of related points on a large sheet of paper, a whiteboard, or another surface that all participants can see, or simply list suggestions in roster form. 4. Don’t go into details about any item, though other items inspired by a detail can be added to the list. 5. Don’t stop the initial brainstorming session until the time is up. If the individual’s or group’s momentum falters, review the list to prompt new items, or explore details or tangents. 6. If, despite the additional efforts described in the previous point, no new ideas are produced, search for random terms in a dictionary, a pertinent document or publication, or any written content. 7. Don’t stop brainstorming just because what seems at that moment to be an ideal suggestion seems to obviate further progress. Mark the item for emphasis and keep brainstorming. At the end of the session, organize the list sequentially or by headings and subheadings. Then discuss the merits of the list items and reduce the list to a manageable number of items. If the goal is to select or recommend one item or a short list and report results to one or more other people, produce those results and, if necessary, draft a proposal or assign brainstorming group members to do so after the meeting. Then, reconvene in person or distribute proposal materials electronically to finalize the proposal. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:10 Grammar Mistakes You Should Avoid26 Feel-Good WordsCaptain vs. Master

How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty

How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty We’ve all been approached by someone asking for a favor. It could be at work, home, or even out with friends while painting the town red. It usually happens so unexpectedly that we feel pressured and compelled to say yes, regardless of what we currently have on our plate. Sometimes we’re happy to help. We like this person and this favor won’t interfere with our lives in a significant manner. Other times, even though it’s not in our best interest to say yes, we do so anyway because we want to avoid feeling  guilty.But why feel guilty?Before we advance to the how, let’s look at the why. It’s worth deconstructing why we feel guilty for saying no. Guilt is an emotion we feel when we have done something wrong. If you’ve truly wronged someone, guilt is an appropriate emotional reaction. But saying no is not an example of wronging someone.This person might have to seek alternatives to your help, but it’s hardly harmful to their overa ll well-being- especially if it’s a small favor. Saying no puts this person in a position where they simply have to get creative and recalibrate their direction. Besides, it’s highly unlikely you’re this person’s only hope.Another reason we feel guilty is because we’re nervous this person will resent us, or be angry. But this feeling is unreasonable. You need not look any further than yourself. Would you hold a grudge against someone denying you a favor? Most likely not. So, the same standard applies. All this fear of saying no is simply an emotional response to an unlikely reaction by the other party. Logically, it holds no merit.Now that we’ve dispelled this notion, let’s take a closer look at how we can actually say no.1. Offer an alternative solutionâ€Å"Sorry, I don’t have time to help you with building your cover letter, but here’s a link to an article on 5 resume tips to guarantee an interview.†It’s quick, easy, and you offer the person an alternative solution. Just make sure you’re doing this to help, not just because you feel guilty.2.   Show empathy when saying noYou want to show this person you truly understand their problem, but it simply isn’t something you can handle right now.â€Å"I know you really need someone to take care of your dog while you’re on vacation, and you worry he won’t get enough exercise, but my job really just takes up too much of my time right now.†Empathy is what connects us as human beings, so it’s important to convey this on some level.3.   Blame your responsibilitiesAs mentioned in the previous example, work is always a good excuse. In fact, very often it’s the truth. We all work a lot so it’s definitely not a stretch and it most likely won’t raise any eyebrows.4. Turn it into a complimentSpin this into an opportunity to flatter the requester. Everyone loves a good ego boost.†Å"I’m surprised you’re asking me for help on this, I personally think you have far better taste than I do, but I’m very flattered that you’re giving me the opportunity to help you.†And that’s when you drop the no bomb on them. Psychologically, you’re softening the blow while bolstering their ego. It’s a win-win.5.   Say no without apologizingSaying thank you instead of sorry makes a world of difference. Do not apologize or say sorry- that will only  make  the requester think you’re either lying or you feel guilty†¦especially if you keep emphasizing how sorry you are.If you say no in a positive manner, that will make it more likely that the requester will leave the interaction feeling positive and upbeat.So there ya have it. Make sure your no is quick and concise. Don’t drag your answer out for too long, otherwise it will make you look bad. It’s important to say no every now and again because somet imes we truly need the time for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with that. We’ll conserve energy and time, and hopefully be able to help the next time around.Source:  BusinessInsider

Application letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Application letter - Essay Example At the same time, being of a practical bent of mind, I have diligently searched for solutions to such problems. This has launched me upon a serious study of psychology. It is my fervent desire to acquire proficiency in psychology, and as discerned by me, the best institution to acquire such expertise is none other than the University of Dallas. This explains my ambition to study at this hallowed institution. The primary purpose of a temple of learning, such as the University of Dallas is to promote the acquisition of knowledge, and the superb faculty of this university leave no stone unturned in their endeavor to facilitate their students to achieve this goal. Such features of a university hold intense attraction for a student who is keen to acquire knowledge and embark upon a successful career. It is my humble submission that I am such a student. Moreover, psychology, upon being studied diligently, furnishes the student with a specific manner of awareness and basic knowledge that tends to be common to all psychologists. This branch of knowledge is characterized by a vast range of knowledge and innumerable skills. The graduate student of psychology acquires a varied and deep knowledge. This tends to be limited to a few fields of knowledge. My gargantuan appetite for several types of information and skill will thus find a suitable outlet in psychology. Any problem can have a number of origins, and this is rapidly assimilated by the students of psychology. The latter become habituated to searching for the various possible causes for any issue. This enables psychologists to have an open mind when dealing with issues. As a cognitive skill, this trait tends to be rare. In addition, psychology serves the purpose of integrating the arts and sciences. This has the consequence of providing students with liberal education. Moreover, psychology bestows a number of practical and professional skills upon its students.

Extemporaanous Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Extemporaanous Writing - Essay Example Should you approach it from all these angles, you will be effectively undermining the very notion of competitive advantage, that is, the unique advantage which each market/economy, has over others. Therefore, in order to guide you towards your decision, I will begin by highlighting China’s competitive advantages Just as I strongly recommend your entering the Chinese market as a manufacturer and exporter, I would similarly urge you not to consider importing to the Chinese market. At the present moment that would be a losing venture for the following reasons: The current state of the Chinese market is such that it is receptive to export but not to import. Added to that, the competitive advantages of the Chinese market lie in manufacturing and export but not in import and consumerism. In our meeting I was given to understand that you have been working in marble for the past three decades and that it is your family business. As you said, however, your quarries are rapidly depleting and the cost of production is continually escalating. Therefore, while the demand for marble remains high, the cost of production is cutting into your profit margins at an ever increasing rate. The solution to your problem lies in China. The country has a wealth of productive, high quality marble and rock quarries. Given that they are scattered across the vast geographical expanse which is China, this means that there is a wide variety of different types and designs. As you know, the design and color of marble derives from the nature of the quarries, the land, itself. When quarries are spread over a vast expanse, this means that the terrain itself, therefore, the type and design of the marble itself, differs. The implication here is, as you must have deduced by now, is that the country is not just a rich source of fine grain, high quality marble but, of different

About Sovereigns and Tyrants Essay Example for Free

About Sovereigns and Tyrants Essay There is a great distinction between a sovereign and a tyrant, although oftentimes people are confused by the meaning of the two. A sovereign is a leader of state that acquired his or her position by being elected or appointed by the people. A tyrant, on the other hand, is a self proclaimed leader, assuming leadership â€Å"without election, or right of succession, or lot, or a just war, or a special calling from God† (Bodin, 1992). Under the circumstances of tyranny, it is lawful or permissible to kill the tyrant. The primary moral reason here, especially in a democratic state, is to bring back power to the hands of the people. However, there is an exception here. If, after assuming tyranny, the tyrant’s rule becomes ratified by election or permission from the people, then it is no longer permissible to kill or persecute the tyrant without a fair trial. See more:  The 3 Types of Satire Essay It is possible for a sovereign prince to become a tyrant. When this happens, some people who share authority over the state (such as senators, aristocrats, and the people themselves) have a right to eliminate the sovereign-tyrant in order to deliver the unjustly oppressed. This can either be done by means of law, or by means of force. A foreign ruler may also be rather fit to do this task than the citizens of the state. On the other hand, a true sovereign ruler differs from a tyrant in that he (or she) has rightful absolute power over the entire state and he doesn’t share it with any of his subjects. Monarchs of England during older times are good examples of sovereign rulers. They obtained their leadership by law and birthright, and thus they cannot be considered as tyrants. It is not lawful then, to unjustly kill, plot against, resist, or even think about hurting a sovereign ruler. Such an act is nothing less than high treason and punishable by death. Bibliography: Bodin, J. (1992). On sovereignty (J.H. Franklin, Ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Attitudes Towards Love in Pre-1900 and 1990s Poetry Essay -- William

Attitudes Towards Love in Pre-1900 and 1990's Poetry â€Å"The Despairing Lover† written by William Walsh was written pre 1900 whilst the second poem â€Å"I Wouldn’t Thank you for a Valentine† by Liz Lockhead was written in the 1990’s. These poems are almost a century apart. Attitude towards love changes over time and these poems represent this. I Wouldn’t Thank you for a Valentine is about how people think about Valentine’s Day in the 1990’s, while The Despairing Lover is showing what people think and how important they see love in the 1990’s. In â€Å"The Despairing Lover† William Walsh sets out the poem like a story with a beginning a middle and an end. This narrative structure of the poem gives the poem three clear stages this making the poem clearer to the reader and enables the poets written words to portray his ideas with the poem. In the first stanza William Walsh is seen to be in ‘anguish’ over his loss of his lover. However in the second stanza his mood swings to being just unhappy to suicidal, â€Å"it’s torment projecting and sadly reflecting’. This also shows how the poet William Walsh’s mind is working. In the third stanza, the poet realizes he might get ‘a new love.’ William Walsh realises his loss and believes he can find someone else. The words used in the despairing lover shows Walsh emotions, for example the use of the word â€Å"anguish† instead of angry is used because it is more dramatic. After reading the first two stanza’s the reader is almost positive that the poet is going to commit suicide and is just leading up to a big climax where he jumps. However there is an unexpected twist where the poet just calms down and thinks he can find love again. This shows the poet’s structure of the poem and how ... ...ion and repetition. Another comparison between the two poems is we are both hearing the viewpoint from the poet not from anybody else. Both the poems also have a story behind them. I wouldn’t thank you for a valentine has a hidden story and that is about something bad happening to her on valentines day. While the despairing lover story is about the poet coping with the break up from his lover. On the other hand their are also many differences between the two poems. There structure is different while the despairing lover is set out like a story with a begging a middle and an end. I wouldn’t thank you for a valentine structure is set out like a list. Another difference is that the despairing lover has rhyming couplets while the second poem doesn’t. A final difference between the two poems is the both have different opinions on love and what love is like.

Goal Statement Essay

I felt my scores were mostly accurate in rating how I feel about communicating because I am not a real shy in communicating with others, so I could get up and talk, if I am prepared. Three specific public speaking goals I want to achieve during the term are; listening speaking and confidence. The goals may prove rewarding for me both professionally and personally because no matter what you do professionally you will always have to listen to somebody either co-workers or clients. You have to actually understand them. Listen to what they have to say, questions they may have listening is very much needed. Now speaking you will always have to talk with others or interact with people in any professional job the way you speak to others is how they will respond to you. And last is confidence, confidence is also needed if your profession is banking you have to have confidence when talking to people. You have to act like it’s your best friend you’re talking to, have confidence in the way you speak. Now personally you need listening either to listen to your kids or family. Speaking is important also if your family is having problems if they come to you, you need to know how to speak to them properly. You need to have confidence personally to help you go through life people with try to bring you down and you will need to have the confidence to just ignore them and keep your head held high. My dream job would have to be a registered nurse, and they provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. They work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. The can also work in correctional facilities, schools, summer camps, and with military. Sharpened communicating skills will prove rewarding to my career because they do a lot of talking with people, like setting up plans for patients’ care, consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals, teach patients and their families how to manage their illnesses or injuries. it will help me talk with my co-workers and patients because nurses will always be talking or interacting with people. You have to be able to walk up to them with confidence and say exactly what needs to be said. Most people think nursing is just talking blood and giving shots. There’s a lot more if you cannot talk to people you will have a rough time in nursing. So communication skills are very important in my dream job. This course will help me achieve my communication goals in many ways. It will hopefully help me learn to listen and learn how to take things in and actually listen to them not just in one ear out the other. May also help me learn how to speak in front of others and not be so nerve-racking. And last help me have confidence in general. I expect my peers to encourage me when I do have to get in front of them to talk, not to bring me down. And what I expect from my instructor is to tell me what I am doing wrong, what I need to improve and last expect him to help me achieve my goals. And help me do a lot better with all of the bad communication skills I have.