Weekly Writing Tip: Think Out Loud

Turn on a voice recorder (most cell phones include one) and start saying your thoughts out loud. Don't worry about order or organization. If you were discussing your topic with someone, what would you tell them? Describe what stands out as you think about the topic. Follow a train of thought as far as you would like to go with it. Then, listen to your recording and write down the information that you think will be most helpful in your paper. Add that to your notes and resources, and begin to shape an outline or concept map.