Brainstorming

The writing process begins long before one sits down to write a completed work. To start, a writer, or group of writers, must determine their intention and purpose for their writing from which they can generate content. A useful technique to do so is called brainstorming, otherwise known as a process in which one interviews him or herself with the intent to “obtain additional content” (Oliu, Brusaw, Alred 9).

Why Brainstorm?

            Brainstorming allows for the writer to more accurately pinpoint the topics and ideas that best support the task at hand. It creates a relaxed forum in which one can physically document ideas, regardless of how outlandish those ideas might seem. According to MindTools.com, the intention in creating such a document “is that some of these ideas can be crafted into original, creative solutions” for the sake of completing a task in addition to possibly generating more ideas.

            Due to the informality of this process, one should never critique an idea. The intent of brainstorming is to explore any and all possible approaches to addressing the subject matter. Therefore, any analysis or critique is preemptive and can “stunt idea generation” (MindTools.com). That is to say, brainstorming is simply meant for the addition of possibilities for problem solving.

Brainstorming as a Group or Individual

             

As a group, brainstorming allows for a number of individuals to informally layout ideas through discussion of the subject. It is import to ensure that each member feels comfortable with their group so that they may contribute ideas freely. Such works in order to best develop a unified approach toward completing the task and creates a venue for each group member to develop and play off of the ideas of on another.

 Brainstorming as an individual can be difficult because the process is limited solely to one idea-generating source. Nevertheless, an individual can brainstorm by creating a list of topics and ideas that address the fundamental purpose of their topic as well as the needs of the audience as readers. As suggested in Writing That Works, the individual can then evaluate their documented content and arrange the ideas in accordance to relevance to purpose or audience. Such allows for one to clearly note a mutual relationship between the purpose and the needs of the audience.

Genres of Brainstorming

Within the categories of individual and group brainstorming, there are many techniques that one can apply to accommodate the generation and development of ideas. For a thorough and explicative list of these techniques, visit the University of North Carolina Writing Center.  

Works Cited 

"Brainstorming." - The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. Web. 19 Apr. 2012. <http://writingcenter.unc.edu/resources/handouts-demos/writing-the-paper/brainstorming>.

"Brainstorming." Techniques from MindTools.com. Web. 19 Apr. 2012. <http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html>.

Oliu, Walter E., Charles T. Brusaw, and Gerald J. Alred. Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job. 10th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. Print.