brainstorming sheet for creative writing

Fuel Your Creativity with Free Brainstorming Worksheets

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

1. The Power of Brainstorming: Unleashing Your Creative Potential

2. discovering a valuable tool: free brainstorming worksheets, step 1: define the objective, step 2: create a stimulating environment, 4. maximizing creativity: tips and tricks for effective brainstorming, 5. fueling your inspiration: creative prompts to supercharge brainstorming, 6. organizing ideas: structured worksheets for streamlined creativity, 7. unleashing collaborative genius: team brainstorming with free worksheets, 8. take action: turning brainstormed ideas into creative reality, frequently asked questions, future outlook.

When it comes to problem-solving and generating innovative ideas, few techniques can rival the power of brainstorming. This collaborative process allows individuals to tap into their collective creativity and pool their diverse range of perspectives. By embracing the art of brainstorming, you can unlock your untapped potential and discover groundbreaking solutions .

One of the key strengths of brainstorming is its ability to foster a nurturing environment where all ideas are welcomed without judgment. This freedom from criticism encourages participants to think outside the box and explore unconventional concepts. Moreover, through the dynamic exchange of ideas, previously undiscovered connections and associations can emerge, leading to revolutionary breakthroughs.

• Brainstorming encourages divergent thinking, where ideas flow freely and are not limited by constraints.
• It promotes inclusivity, as everyone’s opinion and input hold equal weight, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
• By involving multiple individuals, brainstorming leverages collective intelligence, ensuring a more comprehensive exploration of possibilities.

By embracing the collaborative power of brainstorming, you can harness your creative potential and fuel innovation in various aspects of your life. Whether you are seeking new business strategies, exploring artistic endeavors, or developing solutions to complex problems, brainstorming can be an invaluable tool to unlock your imagination and revolutionize your approach.

Looking for a powerful tool to enhance your brainstorming sessions? Look no further! Free Brainstorming Worksheets are here to revolutionize the way you approach problem-solving, idea generation, and decision making. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone seeking creative inspiration, these worksheets are designed to unlock your creativity and unleash your full potential.

Why are these worksheets so valuable? Firstly, they provide structure to your brainstorming process, guiding you through the essential steps and ensuring you don’t miss any important details. Secondly, they facilitate collaboration by providing a concise framework for group brainstorming sessions. Each worksheet includes prompts and questions that prompt you to explore different angles, challenge assumptions, and think outside the box.

• Organized Approach: Free Brainstorming Worksheets offer a systematic approach to brainstorming, allowing you to break down complex problems into manageable steps.
• Boost Creativity: By providing various exercises and techniques, the worksheets ignite your creativity, helping you generate a diverse range of ideas.
• Efficient Collaboration: Collaborative brainstorming becomes more efficient with the worksheets, as they keep participants focused and provide a clear structure for sharing thoughts and ideas.

Unleash your inner problem solver and tap into your creative potential with these invaluable Free Brainstorming Worksheets. They’re easily accessible, flexible for any situation, and will undoubtedly take your brainstorming sessions to new heights. Get ready to unlock a world of innovation and watch as your ideas flourish!

3. Demystifying the Brainstorming Process: Step-by-Step Guidance

Brainstorming is a powerful technique used to generate creative ideas and solutions through group collaboration. It can be an incredibly effective tool for problem-solving and innovative thinking. However, many individuals are often unsure of how to approach the brainstorming process. In this section, we will provide you with step-by-step guidance to help demystify and master the art of brainstorming.

Before diving into brainstorming, it is essential to clearly articulate the objective or problem you are trying to solve. By identifying a specific goal, you can direct your brainstorming session towards finding relevant and feasible ideas. Keep in mind that the objective should be concise and well-defined.

• Clearly define the problem or challenge you wish to address.
• Consider the desired outcome or solution.

A conducive environment can enhance creativity and encourage open thinking during brainstorming sessions. Assemble the team in a comfortable and relaxed space that fosters the sharing of ideas. Consider integrating the following elements:

• Ensure everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts without judgment.
• Provide materials such as whiteboards, flip charts, or sticky notes to capture ideas visually.
• Encourage active participation and engagement from all team members.

By following these steps, you can demystify the brainstorming process and unlock the full potential of your team’s collective creativity. Get ready to ignite a surge of innovative thinking and discover groundbreaking solutions!

Creating a productive brainstorming session is key to unleashing the full potential of your team’s creativity. Here are some useful tips and tricks to help maximize your brainstorming sessions:

1. Define a clear objective: Before diving into brainstorming, establish a specific goal or problem statement. This will give your team a clear direction and focus their creative energy towards finding effective solutions.

2. Encourage open-mindedness: Foster an environment where all ideas are welcomed and valued. Remind participants that there are no “bad” ideas during brainstorming. Encourage them to think outside the box and explore unconventional solutions. Remember, some of the best ideas often come from unexpected sources.

3. Provide visual aids: Utilize visual aids such as whiteboards or interactive online tools to enhance the brainstorming process. Visual representations can stimulate cognitive thinking and encourage participants to visualize concepts more tangibly.

4. Embrace diverse perspectives: Invite team members from various backgrounds and expertise to contribute to the brainstorming session. Encouraging diverse perspectives can lead to innovative ideas and unique approaches to problem-solving.

5. Emphasize quantity over quality: During the initial phase of brainstorming, focus on generating as many ideas as possible. Quantity breeds creativity and encourages participants to think freely without self-editing or judgment.

6. Foster collaboration: Promote active participation and open dialogue among team members. Encourage individuals to build on each other’s ideas, fostering a collaborative environment that sparks new and innovative solutions.

Remember, effective brainstorming sessions are dynamic and flexible. Experiment with different techniques and adapt them to suit your team’s needs. By maximizing creativity in your brainstorming sessions, you’ll unlock a wealth of innovative ideas and pave the way for success.

In order to supercharge brainstorming sessions and fuel your inspiration, it’s important to have a variety of creative prompts at your disposal. These prompts will help stimulate new ideas, break through creative blocks, and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. Here are some unique prompts that can add a burst of creativity to your brainstorming:

• Imagine You’re a Time Traveler: Transport your mind to different eras or imagined future timelines. How would your project or idea fare in those settings? Explore the possibilities.
• Reverse Thinking: Look at your challenge from an opposite perspective. What would happen if you aimed for failure instead of success? How could you achieve the opposite outcome? This exercise can lead to unexpected solutions.
• Random Word Association: Pick a random word and find connections between it and your project. Let the word lead your thoughts, allowing unexpected ideas to emerge.

Moreover, a change of environment can greatly impact your creativity. Consider taking your brainstorming session outdoors, to a museum, or to a bustling café. The new surroundings will stimulate your senses and spark fresh ideas. Alternatively, invite colleagues from different departments or diverse backgrounds to join your session. Embracing different perspectives will enrich the discussion and unearth innovative solutions. Remember, the goal is to ignite your imagination and encourage free thinking , so don’t be afraid to experiment with these prompts and techniques.

When it comes to brainstorming, having a structured approach can make all the difference. Introducing our fantastic range of worksheets designed to help you organize your ideas and unlock your creativity in a streamlined manner. These worksheets provide a practical framework that allows you to efficiently capture, categorize, and prioritize your thoughts.

With our structured worksheets, you can easily break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach enables you to see the bigger picture while maintaining a clear focus on individual elements. By organizing your ideas in this way, you can bring order to your thought process, ensuring that no brilliant idea goes unnoticed or forgotten. Whether you’re working on a project, planning an event, or even trying to write a compelling story, these worksheets are a valuable tool to help you find inspiration and spark innovation.

• Efficiently capture and organize your thoughts
• Categorize ideas to easily identify themes and patterns
• Prioritize tasks and ideas based on their importance or relevance
• Break down complex concepts into manageable parts

Don’t let your creativity get lost in a sea of unstructured ideas. Make the most of our structured worksheets and experience the power of organized thinking. Get ready to unleash your creativity like never before!

In today’s fast-paced work environment, brainstorming as a team can unlock a world of innovative ideas and solutions. With the help of free worksheets designed specifically for collaborative brainstorming sessions, team members can harness their collective genius and take creativity to new heights.

These worksheets serve as a structured framework for brainstorming, ensuring that every team member’s ideas are captured and given due consideration. By providing a visual representation of the brainstorming process, these worksheets keep everyone engaged and focused on the task at hand. The organized format prompts participants to think outside the box, explore different angles, and generate a multitude of ideas. With sections for jotting down thoughts, capturing important keywords, and sketching concepts, these worksheets cater to various thinking styles, accommodating both verbal and visual brainstormers.

1. Prioritize and refine your ideas

After brainstorming a multitude of ideas, it’s time to sift through them and identify the ones that have the greatest potential for success. Consider the feasibility, market demand, and alignment with your goals. This process will help you narrow down your options and focus on the most promising concepts.

2. Create an action plan

Now that you have your chosen ideas, it’s crucial to chart out a detailed action plan. Break down the steps necessary to turn these ideas into reality. Assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and establish milestones to keep track of progress. This will provide a clear roadmap for you and your team to execute your creative vision effectively.

Q: What are the benefits of using brainstorming worksheets for fueling creativity? A: Brainstorming worksheets provide a structured approach to generating ideas, helping to jumpstart creativity. They promote free-flowing thoughts , offer a visual guide, and keep ideas organized, resulting in more effective brainstorming sessions.

Q: Where can I find free brainstorming worksheets? A: Several websites offer free printable brainstorming worksheets that cater to various creative needs. Some popular sources include Pinterest, Canva, and Trello. Additionally, many creativity and personal development blogs provide downloadable worksheets.

Q: How do brainstorming worksheets enhance creative thinking? A: Brainstorming worksheets play a crucial role in enhancing creative thinking by stimulating both the left and right sides of the brain. The visual aspect of worksheets allows the brain to process information in a different way, leading to novel and unique ideas.

Q: How can I effectively use brainstorming worksheets? A: First, define the problem or topic you want to brainstorm about. Then, choose an appropriate worksheet and gather any required materials such as markers or sticky notes. Start by jotting down keywords, visual representations, or questions related to the topic. Use different sections of the worksheet to explore different angles or ideas. Allow yourself to think freely and without judgment, allowing even the most unconventional ideas to surface.

Q: Are brainstorming worksheets suitable for both individual and group brainstorming? A: Absolutely! Brainstorming worksheets cater to both individual and group settings. For individuals, worksheets provide a structure and framework to guide their thoughts. In group settings, worksheets not only foster collaboration but also help keep everyone’s ideas organized and visible.

Q: Can brainstorming worksheets be used for different types of creative projects? A: Yes! Brainstorming worksheets are versatile and can be adapted to various creative projects, including writing, design, problem-solving, or even planning events. Their flexible format allows users to customize them according to their specific project needs.

Q: What if I’m not artistically inclined? Can I still use brainstorming worksheets? A: Absolutely! While some worksheets may include artistic elements, they are in no way essential to the brainstorming process. The focus should be on the ideas and connections rather than artistic skills. Simple words, phrases, or even basic sketches can be equally effective in fueling creativity.

Q: Are there any additional tips for maximizing creativity using brainstorming worksheets? A: Definitely! Consider using different colors to distinguish between different ideas, themes, or categories. Experiment with different brainstorming techniques such as mind mapping, listing, or problem-reverse. Also, set a time limit while brainstorming to prevent overthinking and to encourage rapid idea generation.

Q: Can children benefit from using brainstorming worksheets? A: Absolutely! Brainstorming worksheets are a fantastic tool for children to explore their creativity, nurture problem-solving skills, and develop innovative thinking. They provide a fun and engaging way for children to conceptualize ideas and express their thoughts visually.

Q: Are there any online platforms that offer digital brainstorming worksheets? A: Yes, several online platforms provide digital brainstorming worksheets such as Miro, Padlet, and MindMeister. These platforms offer collaborative features, allowing individuals or groups to work simultaneously on the same worksheet, regardless of their physical location.

In conclusion, utilizing free brainstorming worksheets can be a powerful tool to enhance your creativity and generate innovative ideas effectively. So, why not give them a try and unlock your full creative potential today?

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Brainstorming

What this handout is about.

This handout discusses techniques that will help you start writing a paper and continue writing through the challenges of the revising process. Brainstorming can help you choose a topic, develop an approach to a topic, or deepen your understanding of the topic’s potential.

Introduction

If you consciously take advantage of your natural thinking processes by gathering your brain’s energies into a “storm,” you can transform these energies into written words or diagrams that will lead to lively, vibrant writing. Below you will find a brief discussion of what brainstorming is, why you might brainstorm, and suggestions for how you might brainstorm.

Whether you are starting with too much information or not enough, brainstorming can help you to put a new writing task in motion or revive a project that hasn’t reached completion. Let’s take a look at each case:

When you’ve got nothing: You might need a storm to approach when you feel “blank” about the topic, devoid of inspiration, full of anxiety about the topic, or just too tired to craft an orderly outline. In this case, brainstorming stirs up the dust, whips some air into our stilled pools of thought, and gets the breeze of inspiration moving again.

When you’ve got too much: There are times when you have too much chaos in your brain and need to bring in some conscious order. In this case, brainstorming forces the mental chaos and random thoughts to rain out onto the page, giving you some concrete words or schemas that you can then arrange according to their logical relations.

Brainstorming techniques

What follows are great ideas on how to brainstorm—ideas from professional writers, novice writers, people who would rather avoid writing, and people who spend a lot of time brainstorming about…well, how to brainstorm.

Try out several of these options and challenge yourself to vary the techniques you rely on; some techniques might suit a particular writer, academic discipline, or assignment better than others. If the technique you try first doesn’t seem to help you, move right along and try some others.

Freewriting

When you freewrite, you let your thoughts flow as they will, putting pen to paper and writing down whatever comes into your mind. You don’t judge the quality of what you write and you don’t worry about style or any surface-level issues, like spelling, grammar, or punctuation. If you can’t think of what to say, you write that down—really. The advantage of this technique is that you free up your internal critic and allow yourself to write things you might not write if you were being too self-conscious.

When you freewrite you can set a time limit (“I’ll write for 15 minutes!”) and even use a kitchen timer or alarm clock or you can set a space limit (“I’ll write until I fill four full notebook pages, no matter what tries to interrupt me!”) and just write until you reach that goal. You might do this on the computer or on paper, and you can even try it with your eyes shut or the monitor off, which encourages speed and freedom of thought.

The crucial point is that you keep on writing even if you believe you are saying nothing. Word must follow word, no matter the relevance. Your freewriting might even look like this:

“This paper is supposed to be on the politics of tobacco production but even though I went to all the lectures and read the book I can’t think of what to say and I’ve felt this way for four minutes now and I have 11 minutes left and I wonder if I’ll keep thinking nothing during every minute but I’m not sure if it matters that I am babbling and I don’t know what else to say about this topic and it is rainy today and I never noticed the number of cracks in that wall before and those cracks remind me of the walls in my grandfather’s study and he smoked and he farmed and I wonder why he didn’t farm tobacco…”

When you’re done with your set number of minutes or have reached your page goal, read back over the text. Yes, there will be a lot of filler and unusable thoughts but there also will be little gems, discoveries, and insights. When you find these gems, highlight them or cut and paste them into your draft or onto an “ideas” sheet so you can use them in your paper. Even if you don’t find any diamonds in there, you will have either quieted some of the noisy chaos or greased the writing gears so that you can now face the assigned paper topic.

Break down the topic into levels

Once you have a course assignment in front of you, you might brainstorm:

• the general topic, like “The relationship between tropical fruits and colonial powers”
• a specific subtopic or required question, like “How did the availability of multiple tropical fruits influence competition amongst colonial powers trading from the larger Caribbean islands during the 19th century?”
• a single term or phrase that you sense you’re overusing in the paper. For example: If you see that you’ve written “increased the competition” about a dozen times in your “tropical fruits” paper, you could brainstorm variations on the phrase itself or on each of the main terms: “increased” and “competition.”

Listing/bulleting

In this technique you jot down lists of words or phrases under a particular topic. You can base your list on:

• the general topic
• one or more words from your particular thesis claim
• a word or idea that is the complete opposite of your original word or idea.

For example, if your general assignment is to write about the changes in inventions over time, and your specific thesis claims that “the 20th century presented a large number of inventions to advance US society by improving upon the status of 19th-century society,” you could brainstorm two different lists to ensure you are covering the topic thoroughly and that your thesis will be easy to prove.

The first list might be based on your thesis; you would jot down as many 20th-century inventions as you could, as long as you know of their positive effects on society. The second list might be based on the opposite claim, and you would instead jot down inventions that you associate with a decline in that society’s quality. You could do the same two lists for 19th-century inventions and then compare the evidence from all four lists.

Using multiple lists will help you to gather more perspective on the topic and ensure that, sure enough, your thesis is solid as a rock, or, …uh oh, your thesis is full of holes and you’d better alter your claim to one you can prove.

3 perspectives

Looking at something from different perspectives helps you see it more completely—or at least in a completely different way, sort of like laying on the floor makes your desk look very different to you. To use this strategy, answer the questions for each of the three perspectives, then look for interesting relationships or mismatches you can explore:

• Describe it: Describe your subject in detail. What is your topic? What are its components? What are its interesting and distinguishing features? What are its puzzles? Distinguish your subject from those that are similar to it. How is your subject unlike others?
• Trace it: What is the history of your subject? How has it changed over time? Why? What are the significant events that have influenced your subject?
• Map it: What is your subject related to? What is it influenced by? How? What does it influence? How? Who has a stake in your topic? Why? What fields do you draw on for the study of your subject? Why? How has your subject been approached by others? How is their work related to yours?

Cubing enables you to consider your topic from six different directions; just as a cube is six-sided, your cubing brainstorming will result in six “sides” or approaches to the topic. Take a sheet of paper, consider your topic, and respond to these six commands:

• Describe it.
• Compare it.
• Associate it.
• Analyze it.
• Argue for and against it.

Look over what you’ve written. Do any of the responses suggest anything new about your topic? What interactions do you notice among the “sides”? That is, do you see patterns repeating, or a theme emerging that you could use to approach the topic or draft a thesis? Does one side seem particularly fruitful in getting your brain moving? Could that one side help you draft your thesis statement? Use this technique in a way that serves your topic. It should, at least, give you a broader awareness of the topic’s complexities, if not a sharper focus on what you will do with it.

In this technique, complete the following sentence:

____________________ is/was/are/were like _____________________.

In the first blank put one of the terms or concepts your paper centers on. Then try to brainstorm as many answers as possible for the second blank, writing them down as you come up with them.

After you have produced a list of options, look over your ideas. What kinds of ideas come forward? What patterns or associations do you find?

Clustering/mapping/webbing:

The general idea:

This technique has three (or more) different names, according to how you describe the activity itself or what the end product looks like. In short, you will write a lot of different terms and phrases onto a sheet of paper in a random fashion and later go back to link the words together into a sort of “map” or “web” that forms groups from the separate parts. Allow yourself to start with chaos. After the chaos subsides, you will be able to create some order out of it.

To really let yourself go in this brainstorming technique, use a large piece of paper or tape two pieces together. You could also use a blackboard if you are working with a group of people. This big vertical space allows all members room to “storm” at the same time, but you might have to copy down the results onto paper later. If you don’t have big paper at the moment, don’t worry. You can do this on an 8 ½ by 11 as well. Watch our short videos on webbing , drawing relationships , and color coding for demonstrations.

How to do it:

• Take your sheet(s) of paper and write your main topic in the center, using a word or two or three.
• Moving out from the center and filling in the open space any way you are driven to fill it, start to write down, fast, as many related concepts or terms as you can associate with the central topic. Jot them quickly, move into another space, jot some more down, move to another blank, and just keep moving around and jotting. If you run out of similar concepts, jot down opposites, jot down things that are only slightly related, or jot down your grandpa’s name, but try to keep moving and associating. Don’t worry about the (lack of) sense of what you write, for you can chose to keep or toss out these ideas when the activity is over.
• Once the storm has subsided and you are faced with a hail of terms and phrases, you can start to cluster. Circle terms that seem related and then draw a line connecting the circles. Find some more and circle them and draw more lines to connect them with what you think is closely related. When you run out of terms that associate, start with another term. Look for concepts and terms that might relate to that term. Circle them and then link them with a connecting line. Continue this process until you have found all the associated terms. Some of the terms might end up uncircled, but these “loners” can also be useful to you. (Note: You can use different colored pens/pencils/chalk for this part, if you like. If that’s not possible, try to vary the kind of line you use to encircle the topics; use a wavy line, a straight line, a dashed line, a dotted line, a zigzaggy line, etc. in order to see what goes with what.)
• There! When you stand back and survey your work, you should see a set of clusters, or a big web, or a sort of map: hence the names for this activity. At this point you can start to form conclusions about how to approach your topic. There are about as many possible results to this activity as there are stars in the night sky, so what you do from here will depend on your particular results. Let’s take an example or two in order to illustrate how you might form some logical relationships between the clusters and loners you’ve decided to keep. At the end of the day, what you do with the particular “map” or “cluster set” or “web” that you produce depends on what you need. What does this map or web tell you to do? Explore an option or two and get your draft going!

Relationship between the parts

In this technique, begin by writing the following pairs of terms on opposite margins of one sheet of paper:

Looking over these four groups of pairs, start to fill in your ideas below each heading. Keep going down through as many levels as you can. Now, look at the various parts that comprise the parts of your whole concept. What sorts of conclusions can you draw according to the patterns, or lack of patterns, that you see? For a related strategy, watch our short video on drawing relationships .

Journalistic questions

In this technique you would use the “big six” questions that journalists rely on to thoroughly research a story. The six are: Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, and How?. Write each question word on a sheet of paper, leaving space between them. Then, write out some sentences or phrases in answer, as they fit your particular topic. You might also record yourself or use speech-to-text if you’d rather talk out your ideas.

Now look over your batch of responses. Do you see that you have more to say about one or two of the questions? Or, are your answers for each question pretty well balanced in depth and content? Was there one question that you had absolutely no answer for? How might this awareness help you to decide how to frame your thesis claim or to organize your paper? Or, how might it reveal what you must work on further, doing library research or interviews or further note-taking?

For example, if your answers reveal that you know a lot more about “where” and “why” something happened than you know about “what” and “when,” how could you use this lack of balance to direct your research or to shape your paper? How might you organize your paper so that it emphasizes the known versus the unknown aspects of evidence in the field of study? What else might you do with your results?

Thinking outside the box

Even when you are writing within a particular academic discipline, you can take advantage of your semesters of experience in other courses from other departments. Let’s say you are writing a paper for an English course. You could ask yourself, “Hmmm, if I were writing about this very same topic in a biology course or using this term in a history course, how might I see or understand it differently? Are there varying definitions for this concept within, say, philosophy or physics, that might encourage me to think about this term from a new, richer point of view?”

For example, when discussing “culture” in your English, communications, or cultural studies course, you could incorporate the definition of “culture” that is frequently used in the biological sciences. Remember those little Petri dishes from your lab experiments in high school? Those dishes are used to “culture” substances for bacterial growth and analysis, right? How might it help you write your paper if you thought of “culture” as a medium upon which certain things will grow, will develop in new ways or will even flourish beyond expectations, but upon which the growth of other things might be retarded, significantly altered, or stopped altogether?

Using charts or shapes

If you are more visually inclined, you might create charts, graphs, or tables in lieu of word lists or phrases as you try to shape or explore an idea. You could use the same phrases or words that are central to your topic and try different ways to arrange them spatially, say in a graph, on a grid, or in a table or chart. You might even try the trusty old flow chart. The important thing here is to get out of the realm of words alone and see how different spatial representations might help you see the relationships among your ideas. If you can’t imagine the shape of a chart at first, just put down the words on the page and then draw lines between or around them. Or think of a shape. Do your ideas most easily form a triangle? square? umbrella? Can you put some ideas in parallel formation? In a line?

Consider purpose and audience

Think about the parts of communication involved in any writing or speaking act: purpose and audience.

What is your purpose?

What are you trying to do? What verb captures your intent? Are you trying to inform? Convince? Describe? Each purpose will lead you to a different set of information and help you shape material to include and exclude in a draft. Write about why you are writing this draft in this form. For more tips on figuring out the purpose of your assignment, see our handout on understanding assignments .

Who is your audience?

Who are you communicating with beyond the grader? What does that audience need to know? What do they already know? What information does that audience need first, second, third? Write about who you are writing to and what they need. For more on audience, see our  handout on audience .

Dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias

When all else fails…this is a tried and true method, loved for centuries by writers of all stripe. Visit the library reference areas or stop by the Writing Center to browse various dictionaries, thesauruses (or other guide books and reference texts), encyclopedias or surf their online counterparts. Sometimes these basic steps are the best ones. It is almost guaranteed that you’ll learn several things you did not know.

If you’re looking at a hard copy reference, turn to your most important terms and see what sort of variety you find in the definitions. The obscure or archaic definition might help you to appreciate the term’s breadth or realize how much its meaning has changed as the language changed. Could that realization be built into your paper somehow?

If you go to online sources, use their own search functions to find your key terms and see what suggestions they offer. For example, if you plug “good” into a thesaurus search, you will be given 14 different entries. Whew! If you were analyzing the film Good Will Hunting, imagine how you could enrich your paper by addressed the six or seven ways that “good” could be interpreted according to how the scenes, lighting, editing, music, etc., emphasized various aspects of “good.”

An encyclopedia is sometimes a valuable resource if you need to clarify facts, get quick background, or get a broader context for an event or item. If you are stuck because you have a vague sense of a seemingly important issue, do a quick check with this reference and you may be able to move forward with your ideas.

Armed with a full quiver of brainstorming techniques and facing sheets of jotted ideas, bulleted subtopics, or spidery webs relating to your paper, what do you do now?

Take the next step and start to write your first draft, or fill in those gaps you’ve been brainstorming about to complete your “almost ready” paper. If you’re a fan of outlining, prepare one that incorporates as much of your brainstorming data as seems logical to you. If you’re not a fan, don’t make one. Instead, start to write out some larger chunks (large groups of sentences or full paragraphs) to expand upon your smaller clusters and phrases. Keep building from there into larger sections of your paper. You don’t have to start at the beginning of the draft. Start writing the section that comes together most easily. You can always go back to write the introduction later.

We also have helpful handouts on some of the next steps in your writing process, such as reorganizing drafts and argument .

Remember, once you’ve begun the paper, you can stop and try another brainstorming technique whenever you feel stuck. Keep the energy moving and try several techniques to find what suits you or the particular project you are working on.

How can technology help?

Need some help brainstorming? Different digital tools can help with a variety of brainstorming strategies:

Look for a text editor that has a focus mode or that is designed to promote free writing (for examples, check out FocusWriter, OmmWriter, WriteRoom, Writer the Internet Typewriter, or Cold Turkey). Eliminating visual distractions on your screen can help you free write for designated periods of time. By eliminating visual distractions on your screen, these tools help you focus on free writing for designated periods of time. If you use Microsoft Word, you might even try “Focus Mode” under the “View” tab.

Clustering/mapping. Websites and applications like Mindomo , TheBrain , and Miro allow you to create concept maps and graphic organizers. These applications often include the following features:

• Connect links, embed documents and media, and integrate notes in your concept maps
• Access your maps across devices
• Search across maps for keywords
• Convert maps into checklists and outlines
• Export maps to other file formats

Testimonials

Check out what other students and writers have tried!

Papers as Puzzles : A UNC student demonstrates a brainstorming strategy for getting started on a paper.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Allen, Roberta, and Marcia Mascolini. 1997. The Process of Writing: Composing Through Critical Thinking . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Cameron, Julia. 2002. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity . New York: Putnam.

Goldberg, Natalie. 2005. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within , rev. ed. Boston: Shambhala.

Rosen, Leonard J. and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

University of Richmond. n.d. “Main Page.” Writer’s Web. Accessed June 14, 2019. http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb.html .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Writing Process

Making expository writing less stressful, more efficient, and more enlightening, search form, you are here.

• Step 1: Generate Ideas

Brainstorming

"It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to always be right by having no ideas at all." —Edward de Bono

Most people have been taught how to brainstorm, but review these instructions to make sure you understand all aspects of it.

• Don't write in complete sentences, just words and phrases, and don't worry about grammar or even spelling;
• Again, do NOT judge or skip any idea, no matter how silly or crazy it may initially seem; you can decide later which ones are useful and which are not, but if you judge now, you may miss a great idea or connection;
• Do this for 15, 20, or (if you're on a roll) even 30 minutes--basically until you think you have enough material to start organizing or, if needed, doing research.

Below is a sample brainstorm for an argument/research paper on the need for a defense shield around the earth:

Photo: "Brainstorm" ©2007 Jonathan Aguila

Brainstorming Template

Brainstorm ideas & characters for your novel

You have an idea for a story. It's just a spark at the moment, but you can't stop thinking about it. Now is the time to harness your creative energy and turn your idea into something real. And brainstorming is the perfect technique for the job.

This template and the steps below will help you turn your initial story idea into something real. Online brainstorming means you can invite others to contribute ideas wherever they're located. This template is part of our guide on How to plan a novel .

• Explore ideas
• Organize visually
• Collaborate in real-time
• Gather feedback
• Export to PDF

How to use this template

Whether you’re writing a novel or a screenplay, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of brainstorming ideas in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

1. Start with an empty template

The Brainstorming template contains empty notes for your ideas and concepts, placeholders for images, video and links.

Create a new board for your brainstorm.

Create a new board

Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

Choose the Brainstorming template.

Choose a template 

Each new board gives you the options to start with a beautiful template.

2. Write your central topic

What's the central idea or concept for your story? This is your starting point. It might be just a rough idea at the moment or a topic that you want to explore, but this process will help you see how far you can take it. Add a note that describes your concept in 1 to 2 sentences to get started.

Add a note to describe your central idea.

Drag a note card onto your board

Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left-hand toolbar.

4. Add the key themes

Next, write out the themes related to your idea. Some starting themes could be an era, setting, characters, or conflicts but there are no rules about how you do it.

Type your key themes into the lines.

5. Add as many ideas as you can

Now it's time to get creative. Start adding any ideas that relate to your main concept. Think about different parts of your story, locations, characters, or even the history of your topic. Explore every thread until you fill the board. Setting a timer for 5 minutes is a great way to create a sense of urgency and prevent you from judging your thoughts.

Add a note for each idea.

6. Add inspiring imagery, motion & sound

Sometimes it's easier to communicate an idea with an image or video, especially if it's a mood or style you're trying to express. Gather reference imagery, videos, and sound and add them into the mix. Images can help define things like fashion, character attributes and emotions, scenes, and more.

Use the built-in image library.

Use the built-in image library

Search over 500,000 beautiful photos powered by Unsplash then drag images straight onto your board.

Upload images to your board.

Upload a file or document  

Click the "Upload file" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio, and much more.

7. Evaluate your ideas

Now’s the time for critique. Run through the ideas again, this time critically evaluating them against the original concept.

If you have a writing partner, ask them to choose their favorite ideas and explain why. Be prepared to share your thinking and welcome suggestions and improvements. Encourage constructive debate. If an idea isn't dramatically improving the story, put it aside. You can always return to it later.

Invite someone else to edit to your board.

Invite editors to your board

Open the "Editors" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.

Start a comment thread.

Start a comment thread

Drag out a comment from the toolbar on the left and place it on your board. Other editors can reply to your comment.

Mention teammates to get their attention.

Mention teammates to get their attention

Type '@' in any text field to mention someone who has access to your board. They'll receive a notification and be able to respond to your comment.

You're done!

Now that your brainstorming session is complete, you have a strong foundation for your novel! Remember, just as creativity and inspiration are constantly evolving, so are ideas. Come back and add to the brainstorm when inspiration strikes.

Start Brainstorming

Turn an initial idea into something amazing.

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• My Storyboards

Brainstorming Templates

Customize brainstorming templates.

If you're assigning this to your students, copy the worksheet to your account and save. When creating an assignment, just select it as a template!

Unleashing Creativity: A Comprehensive Guide to Brainstorming Worksheets

Brainstorming is a powerful tool to help plan and for generating ideas. An example of brainstorming in the writing process is when students use a blank essay brainstorming worksheet to generate ideas for their research paper topic, jotting down various subjects, keywords, and potential angles to explore. Another example is when a team gathers to generate ideas for a new marketing project, utilizing a sheet to capture and organize their creative concepts.

What is a Brainstorming Worksheet?

It is a structured tool that helps facilitate the brainstorming process. It provides a framework for capturing ideas and organizing thoughts. A typical brainstorming worksheet includes sections or categories where you can record different aspects of your ideas and words, such as the main idea, supporting points, related concepts, or any other relevant information. Using a worksheet, such as an essay brainstorming worksheet, is helpful, as it ensures that no valuable thoughts are lost during your brainstorming session.

Techniques for Effective Brainstorming Using Worksheets

Mind Map: One popular technique is using a mind map. Start with a central idea or topic and create branches to represent related concepts. This visual representation allows you to explore connections from different angles. The essay brainstorming template can be particularly helpful for the writing process, helping writers develop their thoughts and create a well-structured essay.

Prompts and Constraints: Prompts are thought-provoking questions or keywords that inspire new ideas and point the writer in the right direction. Constraints, such as time limits or word limits, challenge you to think outside the box and push your thinking further. By combining prompts and constraints, the hope is that you create a dynamic environment for idea generation.

Maximizing the Potential of Brainstorming Worksheets

Blank worksheets serve as a clean slate for individuals to unleash their creativity and explore new ideas, allowing them to freely note their thoughts, connections, and potential solutions without constraints or pre-determined structure.

Collaboration and Discussion: They are excellent tools for group discussions and collaborations. Distribute worksheets to team members during a brainstorming session, and remind them to comment and contribute. The free brainstorming template allows each individual to jot down their thoughts, which can then be shared and discussed collectively. This promotes the exchange of knowledge and diverse perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions.

Leveraging Tools: Take advantage of the numerous online brainstorming makers that offer a wide selection of pre-designed handouts. These brainstorming makers provide a structured solution for your brainstorming sessions, saving you time and effort in creating the page from scratch. Whether it's a writing brainstorming template or a general-purpose brainstorming template, using a pre-designed format streamlines the writing process and allows you to begin to focus on generating and eventually choosing ideas.

Remember to utilize techniques like mind mapping, prompts, and constraints to foster creativity and focused thinking. Collaborate with others to learn different perspectives and expand your knowledge.

Tips for Planning a Brainstorming Worksheet

• Determine the Purpose: Identify the specific purpose, such as essay writing or general idea generation.
• Define Categories and Sections: Decide on the sections to include, such as main ideas or supporting points.
• Design the Layout: Use a blank brainstorming template or a pre-made brainstorming template to create an organized and visually appealing layout.
• Incorporate Prompts and Visuals: Include prompts and visual cues to stimulate creativity and inspire ideas.
• Customize for the Purpose: Tailor the worksheet for the intended use, such as using an essay brainstorming template for essay writing.
• Consider Digital Tools: Explore online brainstorming makers or tools for customizable handouts and additional features.

By following these steps, you can create a worksheet that effectively supports your brainstorming process, whether it's for essay writing or general idea generation.

Even More Storyboard That Resources and Free Printables

• Worksheet Templates
• Making Connections Worksheet
• Making Predictions Worksheets

How to Make a Brainstorming Worksheet

Choose one of the premade templates.

We have lots of templates to choose from. Take a look at our example for inspiration!

Click on “Copy Template”

Once you do this, you will be directed to the storyboard creator.

Give Your Worksheet a Name!

Be sure to call it something related to the topic so that you can easily find it in the future.

Edit Your Worksheet

This is where you will include directions, specific images, and make any aesthetic changes that you would like. The options are endless!

Click "Save and Exit"

When you are finished, click this button in the lower right hand corner to exit your storyboard.

From here you can print, download as a PDF, attach it to an assignment and use it digitally, and more!

Happy Creating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brainstorming Worksheets

How can i adapt a brainstorming worksheet for a specific topic or problem.

You can adapt these worksheets for a specific topic or problem by customizing the sections, prompts, or categories to align with the specific context. Tailoring the worksheet to the subject matter or challenge at hand ensures that it serves as an effective tool for idea generation and problem-solving.

Are there any techniques to overcome a creative block when using brainstorming worksheets?

Yes, if you encounter a creative block, try techniques such as changing your environment, taking a break and returning with fresh eyes, seeking inspiration from diverse sources, or using unconventional prompts. Additionally, experimenting with different brainstorming techniques, like reverse brainstorming or role-playing, can help break through mental barriers.

Are there any techniques for how to write a brainstorming worksheet template that is effective or useful for different subjects?

To write an effective and versatile brainstorming worksheet for different subjects, try these techniques:

• Design a flexible structure that can be customized.
• Tailor prompts and categories to align with each subject.
• Use visual elements like diagrams or mind maps.
• Incorporate subject-specific brainstorming techniques.

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12 Creative Writing Templates for Planning Your Novel

It’s that time of year when thousands of writers around the world prepare to type faster than a speeding bullet, drink coffee more powerful than a locomotive, and leap tall deadlines in a single bound. Of course, we’re talking about  National Novel Writing Month  (also known as NaNoWriMo), and the challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to create a 50,000-word story from scratch in just 30 days, from November 1–30. How’s that for productivity?

We’ve met a lot of writers who use Evernote to plan, brainstorm, and sometimes even draft their novels. But as any fiction writer knows, the hardest part of any new work is figuring out what to write about in the first place:  What happens next? What motivates these characters? What’s this story about, anyway?

Only you can answer those questions, but it helps to figure them out early. If you’re going to write a novel in November,  the time to plan is now . With that in mind, we’ve created a dozen Evernote templates to help you collect and structure your thoughts. Many of them include questions or prompts to get you started, but you can feel free to replace those with inventions of your own. Start filling them out today; they’ll keep you anchored while writing your 30-day masterpiece.

Power tip:  To use any of the note templates mentioned in this article, click the “Get it »” link and then click “Save to Evernote.” The template will be added to your Evernote account in the notebook of your choice (we recommend  setting up a new notebook  just for templates). You can then copy, move, rename, and edit the note to suit your needs. 

Templates for plotting and outlining your novel 

Are you the sort of writer who wants a solid plan in place before typing “Chapter 1”/ You’ll need a roadmap that begins with a premise and culminates in an outline. There are a lot of different ways to get there, so we’ve made templates for walking you through several of the most popular plotting methods. You can choose the one that fits your personal style.

1.   Story premise worksheet

Your premise is the foundation on which the entire novel is built. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll think about who your protagonist is, what they want, and the problems or conflicts they must overcome. The end product is a concise, two-sentence explanation of what your story is about.

2.   Three-act plotting template

Remember learning in school that all stories should have a beginning, middle, and end? This classic, logical method of storytelling takes you from your story’s initial setup and inciting incident through rising action, turning points, and resolution.

3.   Story beats template

Adapted from the world of screenwriting, this popular method replaces the concept of acts with a set of milestones that commonly appear in many kinds of stories. Hitting these “beats” gives your story a rhythm while leaving the details open to your imagination.

4.   Snowflake method checklist

Maybe you’d rather work from the top down than from the ground up. Inspired by fractal geometry (really!), Randy Ingermanson’s “snowflake method” grows an entire novel from a single sentence. Each step of the process methodically expands upon the one before, filling in details until you have a complete draft.

5.   Story timeline tracker

Regardless of your novel plotting method, keeping track of time in your novel is important. Did your hero get that threatening letter on Tuesday or Sunday? Does the next scene happen on a sunny morning or in the dead of night? This template will keep your novel’s clock ticking smoothly.

6.   Chapter outline

Once you’re in the writing groove, you may not want to wade through all your plotting notes to remember what comes next. This checklist gives you a scannable view of your plot, chapter by chapter and scene by scene, making it easy to see what you’ve completed and how much lies ahead.

Templates for Building Characters in Your Novel  

Even if you aren’t the plotting and outlining type, the more you know about your characters and the world they inhabit, the better your writing will be. The following templates will help you brainstorm and remember the little details that make a story come to life. 

7.   Character master list

Got a lot of characters? This “quick and dirty” list helps you remember who’s who at a glance. Add names, ages, and notes about your characters. And you can drop in a photo or drawing of each character to help you visualize your story.

8.   Character profile worksheet

If you want to go deeper with your characters, you’ll need a full dossier describing their physical appearance, manner of speaking, behavioral traits, and background. This questionnaire covers everything from their hair color to their biggest secret.

9.   Character biography

Now that you know who’s who, here’s a template for figuring out how they got to the situation in your novel. When it’s time to write a flashback or refer to a past event, you’ll breathe easier (and save yourself some edits) knowing you can look up the dates in this simple timeline.

10.   World-building questionnaire

So far, we’ve been talking about the what and who of your novel, but where and when are just as important. Whether you’re writing about a fantasy world or the town you grew up in, this questionnaire will get you thinking in depth about the setting. Then you can write richer, more realistic scenes that draw the reader into your world.

Pulling it all together: Project trackers

A novel has a lot of moving parts. When you factor in research, articles saved with  Web Clipper , and random jottings about who did what to whom, you’ll probably find you have a  lot  of notes for your writing project. Consider adding a couple more to keep it all straight: a dashboard where you can manage the whole thing and a checklist for bringing your completed opus to the world.

11.   Story dashboard note

For a quick overview of your project, use this “dashboard” to track its status.  Add it to your shortcuts  for easy access, and  insert links to related notes  to save time on searches. If you’re writing in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can paste the file or link into the body of this note and jump into your manuscript with a click.

12.   Self-publishing checklist

Planning to publish that novel when it’s done? Here’s a checklist of all the important steps, from writing a blurb to editing, design, and proofing.  TIP: If you copy this checklist into your dashboard note, you can easily track your novel from first brainstorm to final publication.

Ready, set, write!

If you’re up to the challenge, sign up for free at  nanowrimo.org . Evernote will be posting more tips and strategies to our blog and social media throughout October and November. We invite you to follow along! 

Originally published on October 2, 2017. Updated on October 12, 2022. 

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11 Brainstorming Templates & Techniques in Word, Docs, and ClickUp

ClickUp Contributor

March 12, 2024

Brainstorming sounds like it should be easy, right? All you have to do is throw some ideas around and see what sticks. But sometimes, adding a bit of structure to your brainstorming session can help with project planning and team collaboration .

A brainstorming template helps you and your team members stay on track and keep a written record of any bright ideas you come up with.💡

So put the sticky notes aside, and check out our collection of 11 free brainstorming templates in Word, Google Docs, and ClickUp.

What is a Brainstorming Template?

What makes a good brainstorming template, 1. clickup brainstorming template, 2. clickup brainstorm ideas template, 3. clickup sprint retrospective brainstorm template, 4. clickup 5 whys whiteboard template, 5. clickup squad brainstorm template, 6. clickup business brainstorming template, 7. clickup innovation idea management template, 8. clickup project mapping template, 10. google docs mind map brainstorm template by gdoc, 11. microsoft word simple business mind map template by template.net, techniques & examples for brainstorming sessions.

A brainstorming template is a document that helps you generate ideas, take notes, and foster teamwork during your brainstorming session. It can also help with prioritization of ideas so that you focus on the most important things first.

A brainstorming template can take the form of a flowchart, mind map , digital whiteboard, or any number of other formats depending on the use case. Once you’ve found a brainstorming technique you like, you can customize it to suit your workflow.

A brainstorming template should include plenty of blank space for writing things down, but it shouldn’t be a blank slate. Colors, shapes, and symbols can help you keep your ideas organized and see how they all fit together. 🛠️

A good brainstorming template focuses on a specific brainstorming technique . After all, coming up with ideas for a new product requires a different set of creative thinking techniques than problem-solving technical issues or running a design sprint .

Common brainstorming and ideation techniques include:

• Brainwriting: Instead of shouting out ideas and having a facilitator write them down, this creative thinking technique involves passing around a paper or digital document and having each team member write down their own ideas — including ideas they might be embarrassed to share aloud in front of the whole team.
• Round robin: The round-robin creative technique is similar to brainwriting, except that each time the document is passed around, the next team member adds their feedback, resulting in a range of different perspectives. 👀
• Crazy eights: The crazy eights template uses a brainstorming technique with eight squares that team members fill in one by one. You’ll only get one minute per square to encourage fast thinking and concept creation within eight ideas spots.
• Reverse brainstorming: Reverse brainstorming flips the script. Instead of trying to think of great ideas, consider things that would make the situation worse. This can help to identify the root cause of a troublesome problem.

Brainstorming sessions are all about visual collaboration, so use templates that are easy to customize and that offer integrations with other project management tools and brainstorming software . For a remote team, you may want to use a virtual whiteboard template or concept map that team members can edit in real-time.

When you use a brainstorming technique that aligns with your goals, you can expect a more productive and successful brainstorming session.

11 Brainstorming Templates to Use in 2024

Whether you need to focus on problem-solving, idea generation, or big-picture thinking, these 11 templates for 2024 will help you get your team’s thinking hats on so you stay on track.

This ClickUp Brainstorming Template is all about structure and organization. It features six custom fields, including “Problem Description,” “Resources,” and “Winning Solution,” so you can keep track of which main idea falls into which category.

You can also choose from six different view types, including Timeline, Department, and Priorities, making it suitable for a wide range of projects to handle as many ideas as possible.

This is a beginner-friendly template that supports automations when you create a new task, post a comment, or set a custom field—so everyone gets the big picture.

The ClickUp Brainstorm Ideas Template is a simple and straightforward template for collecting new ideas from team members and other stakeholders. You can use it for marketing, operations, project management, and more to quickly generate ideas.

Simply share the template with your team and see what creative ideas they come up with. This template will encourage team members to define their best ideas using SMART criteria and has room to describe big ideas in more detail.

The ClickUp Sprint Retrospective Brainstorm Template is an intermediate brainstorming template that’s compatible with ClickUp’s virtual Whiteboard feature . It’s intended to be used after a design sprint so you can identify what went well and what didn’t.

This template comes with color-coded columns to separate action items, retrospective goals, and other categories, and it has clear instructions on how to use it.

It’s great for startups, agile teams, and other organizations that want to improve their approach to project management and project documentation .

The ClickUp 5 Whys Whiteboard Template is a beginner brainstorming activity template aimed at problem-solving. By repeatedly answering the question “Why?” about each problem, you’ll be able to move through the chart until you get to its root cause.

This 5 Whys template incorporates ClickUp’s Whiteboard functionality, so it’s great for remote teams, webinars, and virtual brainstorming sessions to generate the best ideas.

Use templates like this one to get to the bottom of problems that you can’t solve with another typical brainstorming technique.

The ClickUp Squad Brainstorm Template helps you keep track of ideas from individual team members, which is great if you manage a remote team. It includes categories like Team Health, Team Rhythm, and Team Consensus so you can see how these ideas fit in with overall team goals.

Use templates like this one for team meetings related to sales, creative and design-thinking projects, project execution , and more.

The ClickUp Business Brainstorming Template is a fun and appealing template for visual collaboration that focuses on four main areas:

• What you love
• What you know
• What the world needs
• What people will pay for

Each member of your team can write down their ideas in each category, helping you identify team strengths, areas of interest, and new business ideas through this creative brainstorming activity.

Use the ClickUp Innovation Idea Management Template to keep track of project ideas in various stages of development by sorting them into six main columns:

Each idea gets eight custom fields where you can include details such as the idea type, cost, ease of implementation, and impact. This can be used for design-thinking activities or to create a process to bring concepts to fruition.

Sort your project ideas by Status, Launch Date, and other view types so you can keep an eye on their progress and watch them grow. 🌻

The ClickUp Project Mapping Template is a type of mind mapping that’s useful in the early stages of a project when you need to see how the whole process fits together.

You can break down project elements into categories like Deliverables, Metrics, and Operations, and use statuses like Canceled, Complete, or In Progress to determine which tasks to prioritize in the process and which have already been done.

Ideas are linked together with colored lines so you can show how it’s all connected in a natural way. Use this brainstorming template alongside a project roadmap to kick off a new project and get on the same page with other stakeholders and participants.

Bonus: Bubble Map Templates for Visualizing and Brainstorming

ClickUp’s Affinity Diagram Template offers a structured approach to organizing ideas and insights, facilitating in-depth discussions and brainstorming sessions.

Together with ClickUp’s Whiteboard feature, teams can visualize connections, categorize thoughts, and prioritize actions efficiently, all in real-time. This robust combination is particularly effective for remote teams looking to engage in collaborative problem-solving and idea generation, ensuring all voices are heard and ideas are thoroughly explored.

The Google Docs Mind Map Brainstorm Template by GDOC has a “minimalist” layout that you can use to guide your brainstorming session. This format helps everyone get on their thinking hats to create concepts from a brainstorming session.

It includes steps such as “Find Idea” and “Manage Topics”—although you may need additional space to describe your ideas in more detail and solve more in-depth concepts.

Since it’s built within Google Docs, you or any participants can customize the size, shape, fonts, and other characteristics, and export it for use in PowerPoint and Keynote. This is a great solution for teams working in G Suite to generate ideas.

This Microsoft Word Simple Business Mind Map Template by Template.net is geared for businesses, with prompts such as Finance, Product, and Sales & Marketing.

Each broad category includes subtopics that you can use to brainstorm funding ideas, business plans, digital marketing, and more.

This template isn’t just for Microsoft Word. You can also download it for PowerPoint, Google Docs, Apple Pages, or as a PDF to use for your next brainstorming session and spark creativity.

Brainstorming techniques are a great way to bring out the best ideas from your team and to help them think outside the box. With ClickUp’s powerful features, you can put these templates to good use in your next brainstorming session!

Generate Ideas with AI

AI revolutionizes the way teams brainstorm by offering unique advantages like instant data analysis, pattern recognition, and generating innovative ideas based on vast information repositories.

By leveraging AI, teams can overcome common brainstorming hurdles like creative blocks and groupthink, enabling a more diverse and comprehensive exploration of ideas. AI tools can suggest new perspectives and solutions that human participants might not consider, creating a more creative and productive brainstorming session.

ClickUp Brain , ClickUp’s AI assistant helps teams in generating ideas, providing insightful suggestions based on project data, and helping prioritize tasks, making it an invaluable tool for any brainstorming session.

Organize Ideas with Mind Maps

Mind maps are an excellent way to visually organize and connect ideas. Use ClickUp Mind Maps to create a visual representation of your brainstorming session. You can drag and drop nodes, add descriptions, and even generate new tasks straight from the map.

Use Whiteboards for Brainwriting

ClickUp’s Whiteboard feature allows teams to brainstorm virtually, just like they would in a traditional meeting room. This visual collaboration tool encourages free-flowing ideas and offers a quicker way to visualize connections between concepts.

Explore New Ideas With These Free Brainstorming Templates

Creatively coming up with new ideas is just part of the process. The best brainstorming templates are organizational tools that help you or your perspectives develop new ideas and write them down. That way, you can come back to them later and track your progress.

You can use these templates to solve problems, foster collaboration, or simply keep a record of all of your ideas about a specific project.

Try one of the above 11 free templates yourself, or visit the ClickUp Template Center for even more solutions.

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

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Jill Williamson

Where Adventure Comes to Life

Brainstorming Worksheets for Writers

For you visual learners, here are some worksheets to help you brainstorm your stories. Many of these were included in the back of my Go Teen Writers and Storyworld First books.

SUNRISE RESOURCES

Goodreads Workshop slides Goodreads Workshop handout

FORMATTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT Videos on how to format your manuscript .

STORYWORLD BUILDING Civilization Worksheet Creature Worksheet Magic Worksheet Solar System Worksheet Historical Time Periods Map of Er’Rets

CHARACTERS Character Worksheet Jill’s List of Character Archetypes Character Hobbies and Skills Brainstorming List Character Traits Brainstorming List Character Phobias Brainstorming List

COMING UP WITH AN IDEA Speculative Fiction Subgenres Story Brainstorming Questions Novel Brainstorming Chart Examples of Premise: Combine Two Unrelated Things Examples of Premise: The “What if?” Question Examples of Characters (and their motivations) Examples of Plot Examples of Theme

BRAINSTORMING PLOT Story Brainstorming Questions Scene Plotting Chart: 1 POV Scene Plotting Chart: 2 POVs By Darkness Hid Scene Plotting Example

EDITING HELPS Weasel Words and Phrases to cut Self-Editing Story Checklist Self-Editing Dialogue Checklist

SHORT STORIES Short Story Plotting Chart

ARTICLE-WRITING HELPS Understanding Writers Guidelines Non-fiction Article Planning Page

Writing Progress Bar

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29 brainstorming techniques: effective ways to spark creativity

Bright ideas don’t come as easily as flicking on a light. 

When it’s up to one individual to dream up a solution, it can be time-consuming and cause a lot of pressure. And when it comes to a group of people tasked with solving a problem, ideas might clash. Not to mention, everyone has a preferred method for their creative madness, making it difficult to get every team members’ wheels turning in the same direction.

That’s where brainstorming techniques come in. These techniques provide structure for brainstorming sessions, ignite creativity across all brainstormers, and ensure your ideas come to fruition. And luckily, there are lots of effective brainstorming techniques to choose from. 

What is brainstorming?

Here’s a general brainstorming definition: it’s an approach taken by an individual or team to solve a problem or generate new ideas for the improvement of a product, organization, or strategy. 

No matter your preferred method, most brainstorming techniques involve three steps:

Capture ideas

Discuss and critique the ideas

Choose which ideas to execute

Every brainstorming technique also involves the same ingredients. All you need is an individual or group of people, a problem to solve or an opportunity to address, and time. 

Brainstorming challenges

The golden rule of all brainstorming sessions is quantity over quality. The more ideas you have, the better your chances are that one will be worthy of execution. For these reasons, especially in group brainstorming sessions, be sure all team members check their criticisms at the door and let it be known that the only bad ideas are no ideas. 

Of course, not every brainstorming session will go off without a hitch. Some common brainstorming challenges include:

Unbalanced conversations, sometimes due to extroverts dominating discussions

The anchoring effect, meaning brainstormers cling to the first few ideas shared and don’t move on to others

Awkward silences, which often occur when participants are not prepared 

Perhaps you’ve experienced some of these uncomfortable brainstorming sessions yourself. Thankfully, there are plenty of tried-and-true, and also some unorthodox, brainstorming techniques and tools that tackle just these issues.

Analytic brainstorming techniques

When you need to look at an idea from all angles or vet a problem thoroughly, analytic brainstorming techniques might be worth implementing. Consider the following brainstorming methods and tools to generate and qualify ideas.

1. Starbursting  

A visual brainstorming technique, starbursting should be used once you or your team of brainstormers has homed in on a single idea. To begin starbursting, put an idea on the middle of a whiteboard and draw a six-point star around it. Each point will represent a question:

Consider every question and how it might pertain to your idea, such as, “Who will want to buy this product?” or, “When will we need to launch this program?” This will help you explore scenarios or roadblocks you hadn’t considered before.

Best for: large group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

2. The five whys, a.k.a. why analysis

Similar to starbursting, the five whys brainstorming technique helps you evaluate the strength of an idea. Challenge yourself to ask “why” questions about a topic or idea at least five times and consider what new problems you surface—and, importantly, note how you can address them. To help organize your thoughts, consider using a flowchart or fishbone diagram in hand with this brainstorming technique.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

3. SWOT analysis

You might be familiar with SWOT analysis as it relates to strategic planning , and you might also be surprised to know that this concept can also be applied as a brainstorming exercise to help qualify an idea. The notion? Discuss the following aspects of your topic to determine whether it’s worth executing: 

Strengths : how does the idea dominate or stand out from competitors?

Weakness : are there any flaws in the idea that could jeopardize its execution?

Opportunities : what else can you capitalize on based on this idea?

Threats : what are potential downfalls that could arise if the idea is launched?

4. How Now Wow  

The How Now Wow brainstorming technique is all about categorizing ideas based on how unique they are and how easy they are to implement. Once you’ve collected several ideas, either individually or from team members, talk through where they fall in the How Now Wow spectrum:

How ideas are ideas that are original but not executable. 

Now ideas are unoriginal ideas that are easily executable.

Wow ideas are never-been-pitched before ideas that are also easy to implement.

Obviously, you want as many “Wow” ideas as possible since these are executable but also because they might set you apart from competitors or dispel monotony in a company. To help organize your ideas, consider using a matrix of four squares with difficulty weighted on the Y-axis and innovation on the X-axis. 

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, homing in on an executable solution

5. Drivers analysis

Just as the name implies, driver analysis is a brainstorming technique that analyzes the drivers or “causes” of a problem. To use this brainstorming technique, simply keep asking yourself or your team of brainstormers: “What’s driving [insert problem]?” and then, “What’s driving [insert answer to the previous question]?” Similar to why analysis, the deeper you dig into a problem, the more well-vetted it will be and the more confident you will be in executing solutions for those problems. 

6. Mind mapping

Another visual brainstorming technique, mind mapping addresses the anchoring effect—a common brainstorming challenge where brainstormers fixate on the first ideas instead of coming up with new ones. Mind mapping does this by using the first idea to inspire other ideas. 

You’ll need a large piece of paper or whiteboard to do this. Begin by writing down a topic and then drawing lines connecting tangential ideas to it. This essentially helps you paint a picture of your topic at hand and what might impact its execution or even expedite it.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, visual thinkers

7. Gap filling, a.k.a. gap analysis

When you’re struggling with how to execute an idea, that’s where gap filling comes in—to address the obstacles standing in your way. Begin by starting with a statement of where you are and then a statement of where you want to be. For example, “Our company creates smart watches; we want to expand our portfolio to also include fitness trackers.”

It’s worth writing these out on a large piece of paper or a whiteboard for all of your brainstormers to see, perhaps using a flowchart or mind map to do so. Then, list obstacles that are preventing you from getting where you want to be and work through solutions for each of them. By the end of your brainstorming session, you should have a clearer plan of how to get where you want to be. 

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, visual thinkers, honing in on an executable solution

Quiet async brainstorming techniques

Best for businesses that are crunched for time or teams with more introverted individuals, these quiet brainstorming techniques allow brainstormers to contribute ideas on their own time and often anonymously. Look to the following methods to get your creative juices flowing, especially for remote teams with frequent virtual meetings .   

8. Brainwriting, a.k.a. slip writing

A nonverbal and in-person brainstorming technique, brainwriting addresses the brainstorming challenge of unbalanced conversations head-on. That’s because it requires participation and teamwork from every brainstormer, beginning with each person writing down three ideas relating to a topic on three separate slips of paper. Then everyone passes their ideas to the right or left and their neighbor builds on those ideas, adding bullet points and considerations. 

The slips of paper continue to be passed around the table until they’ve made it all the way around. Then, the brainstorm facilitator can digest all of the ideas themselves, or the brainstormers can discuss each idea out loud and determine what’s worth pursuing. Pro tip: limit this brainstorming technique to no more than 10 people to not be overwhelmed with ideas or time constraints.

Best for: group brainstorms and introverted team members

9. Collaborative brainwriting

You can think of collaborative brainwriting like a herd of cows grazing in a field, except it’s brainstormers grazing on ideas throughout a week, anonymously jotting down thoughts or ideas. Oftentimes a brainstorming facilitator will kick off this technique by posting a large piece of paper, sticky notes, or sharing a cloud-based document to jot down a few brainstorming ideas.

From there, team members can build off of those ideas on their own time and anonymously provide feedback. Be sure to set a clear deadline of when the brainstorming session closes to ensure all brainstormers have an opportunity to chime in.

Best for: individual brainstorming 

10. Brain-netting, a.k.a. online brainstorming

Great for remote teams, brain-netting is essentially a place for a team to brain dump their own ideas, whether that’s a Slack channel, Google Doc, or your project management tool . 

The notion is that brainstormers can add ideas whenever inspiration strikes and that the list will be ever-evolving. Of course, the team leader might want to inform their team of brainstormers of any important dates or deadlines when they need solutions to a problem. They may also want to hold a meeting to discuss the ideas. All brainstormers’ identities can be left anonymous even in the meeting. 

Best for: group brainstorms, introverted team members, remote teams

11. SCAMPER  

The SCAMPER brainstorming technique encourages brainstormers to look at an idea from different angles and it uses its acronym to inspire each lens: 

Substitute : consider what would happen if you swapped one facet of a solution for another.

Combine : consider what would happen if you combined one facet of a solution with another.

Adapt : consider how you could adapt an idea or solution in a new context.

Modify : consider how you can modify an idea to make it higher impact.

Put to another use : consider how else you could leverage your idea.

Eliminate : consider what you could remove from the idea or solution so that it’s simplified.

Reverse effective : finally, consider how you could reorganize an idea to make it most effective . 

When used in a group brainstorming session, you might want to use templates to track responses or pair the SCAMPER method with a brainwriting session to encourage all brainstormers to evaluate ideas from every angle. 

12. Lightning Decision Jam

Known as LDJ for short, the Lightning Decision Jam brainstorming technique requires 40 minutes to one hour to complete. What will you have by the end? Tangible results and buy-in from an entire team of brainstormers. 

This brainstorming technique is great for remote team alignment . It all begins with writing down positives about a topic or what’s working regarding the topic, then writing down negatives and identifying what needs to be addressed most urgently. This is followed by a few minutes of reframing problems as questions, then brainstorming solutions for those problems. 

Finally, your team uses a matrix to determine how high impact and how high effort your solutions are to decide which ideas are worth pursuing. For a more robust explanation of LDJ, watch this video by design agency AJ&Smart, which created the brainstorming technique. 

Best for: group brainstorms, remote workforces, tight deadlines, honing in on an executable solution

13. The idea napkin

Similar to LDJ, the idea napkin is essentially a brainstorming template that distills a broad topic into tangible solutions. How it works: Every brainstormer has an “idea napkin” that they commit one idea to, beginning by writing down their idea, as well as an elevator pitch for it. 

The idea napkin also includes a column for who the idea is targeting—meaning who you’re solving a problem for (customers, teammates, etc.)—and a column noting what problems your idea addresses. Brainstormers can fill out their napkins ahead of or during a brainstorming session, each is expected to present or share them. The final ideas will be placed on an impact and effort matrix to determine which are worth pursuing. 

Best for: group brainstorms, honing in on an executable solution

Roleplaying brainstorm techniques

Drama lovers rejoice! These roleplay brainstorming techniques encourage brainstormers to figuratively walk in someone else’s shoes or put on their hat—or six hats, in one instance—to address a problem or dream up ideas from a new perspective. An added benefit of this? When brainstormers take on a personality that’s not their own, it lowers inhibitions since it’s technically not their point of view being brought to the table.

14. Six thinking hats

This brainstorming technique requires a minimum of six brainstormers to wear imaginary hats—hence the name— that require them to look solely at an idea from one specific angle. For instance, one brainstormer might be wearing an impact hat and only concern themselves with the impact of an idea and another might be wearing a constraints hat and only looking at the constraints of an idea. 

You can pick and choose which angles are most important to your organization. And by the end of the group discussion, the whole brainstorming group should be able to hang their hats feeling confident about the ideas you’ll pursue.

Best for: group brainstorms (six or more people), introverted team members, vetting ideas thoroughly

15. Figure storming

Ever heard the phrase, “What would Abe do?” That’s pretty much the premise of this brainstorming technique in that brainstormers take on the identity of a famous or prominent figure, whether that’s a leader or celebrity, and put themselves in their brain space and how they’d approach an idea. 

This helps teams look at a topic through a different lens and, in the case of group brainstorms, alleviates any nervousness that brainstormers will put out bad ideas. Because they’re not putting out their ideas—they’re sharing someone else’s. So go on and give yourself a new job title for the day.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, extroverted team members

16. Role storming  

Role storming is similar to figure storming in that brainstormers take on different personalities to dream up ideas, but with one dramatic twist—brainstormers act out those ideas. 

Generally, brainstormers are asked to take on the role of an average person who will be affected by the idea or solution in question, whether that’s an employee, client, or another party, and they act out a scenario that could stem from the idea to help them decipher what problems might arise from it. Consider this brainstorming technique for more extroverted teams. 

Best for: group brainstorms, extroverted team members

17. Reverse brainstorming

Reverse brainstorming is grounded in a little bit of chaos. It encourages brainstormers to play the role of disruptors by brainstorming problems first and then solutions. To kick off the brainstorming questions, a team leader will usually ask, “How do we cause [insert problem]?”

Once your team has listed the causes, they’ll have a new and different perspective for coming up with solutions to problems. 

Best for: group brainstorms, idea generation, problem-solving

18. Reverse thinking

Reverse thinking is a bit of a mashup of the figure storming and six thinking hats brainstorming techniques. It encourages brainstormers to merely ask themselves, “What would someone else do in this situation?” Then, it prompts them to think through why that person’s solution would work or not and if your current solution is more effective. 

Best for: group brainstorms, extroverted team members, vetting ideas thoroughly

Group brainstorm techniques

Most brainstorming techniques can be applied to groups of brainstormers, but these specific brainstorming techniques promote (and some even require) participation from everyone. When facilitated well, group brainstorming techniques not only yield more ideas but they can also:

Boost team morale through lighthearted brainstorming games and by involving participation in every step of the brainstorming process

Promote creative thinking, especially when brainstormers are given time to prepare their ideas and  a structured approach to solve problems

Bring more diverse ideas together, thanks to the unique perspective each brainstormer has and their individual strengths

All this to say, group brainstorming techniques are all about putting people’s heads together. 

19. Eidetic image method

The eidetic image method is grounded in setting intentions, and it begins with group members all closing their eyes to do just that. For example, if a company is setting out to design a new smartwatch, the brainstorming facilitator would encourage all brainstormers to close their eyes and quietly meditate on what smartwatches currently look like. 

Then the group would discuss and close their eyes once more and quietly imagine new features to add to the device. They’d all open their eyes and discuss again, essentially layering on the possibilities for enhancing a product. This brainstorming technique is ideal for revamping or building on an existing product or solution. 

Best for: visual thinkers, creating an idea anew

20. Rapid ideation

Great for teams that get sidetracked or have difficulty staying focused in meetings, the rapid ideation brainstorming technique encourages brainstormers to race against a clock and come up with as many ideas as possible—and importantly, not take themselves too seriously. This can be done by having brainstormers shout out ideas to a facilitator or write them on a piece of paper. You might find that some of the same ideas keep popping up, which likely means those are worth pursuing. 

Best for: extroverted team members, tight deadlines

21. Round-robin brainstorming

Participation is required for the round-robin brainstorming technique. Everyone must contribute at least one idea before the entire group can give feedback or share a second idea.

Given the requirement that everyone must share an idea, it’s best to allow brainstormers time to prepare ideas before each round-robin brainstorming session. This brainstorming technique is great for introverted team members and also for larger groups to ensure everyone can contribute. Moreover, the round-robin brainstorming technique also promotes the notion that the only bad idea is no idea. 

Best for: introverted team members and developing a surplus of ideas

22. Step-ladder brainstorming

Ideal for medium-sized groups of five to 15 people, the step-ladder brainstorming technique prevents ideas from being influenced by the loudest brainstormers of a group. 

Here’s how it works: A brainstorming facilitator introduces a topic to their group of brainstormers and then dismisses all but two brainstormers from the room. The two brainstormers left in the room discuss their ideas for a few minutes and then one brainstormer is welcomed back into the room and shares their ideas before the original two brainstormers divulge their ideas. 

Brainstormers are added back into the room one by one, with each new brainstormer sharing their ideas before the rest of the group divulges theirs, and so forth. Once the entire brainstorming group is back in the room, it’s time to discuss the ideas they’ve built together, step by step. 

Best for: introverted team members, vetting ideas thoroughly, honing in on an executable solution

23. Charrette

You might want to book a few rooms for this one. The charette brainstorming technique helps break up a problem into smaller chunks and also breaks up your brainstormers into separate teams to address them. 

For instance, you might reserve three rooms, write a topic or problem on a whiteboard, and have three sets of brainstormers walk into those rooms to jot down their ideas. Then, the sets of brainstormers rotate rooms and build off of the ideas of the group that was there before them. Consider it effective teamwork at its best.

Best for: vetting ideas thoroughly, honing in on an executable solution

More brainstorming techniques

For more unconventional approaches to get your individual or your team’s wheels turning, consider adding some of these brainstorming techniques to your arsenal of ways to ideate. 

24. ‘What if’ brainstorming

A very off-the-cuff brainstorming technique, “what if” brainstorming is as simple as throwing out as many “what if” questions surrounding a topic as possible, similar to the rapid ideation brainstorming technique. For instance, “what if this problem occurred in a different country,” or, “what if this problem occurred in the 1800s?” 

Walking through the scenarios might help spur new obstacles pertaining to your problem. Essentially, the “what if” brainstorming technique helps your team evaluate all the possibilities.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, creating an idea anew, vetting ideas thoroughly

25. Change of scenery  

It’s no secret that physical surroundings can impact your team workflow and even creativity. When your brainstorming session is in a rut, consider relocating to another location, perhaps a park, a walking meeting, or even a coffee shop.

Being in a new setting might spur new ideas and even loosen up your brainstormers so that they’re more open to sharing ideas and helping you achieve quantity over quality.  

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, creating an idea anew

26. Random word picker

As this name implies, this brainstorming technique is a little random. Begin by tossing words into a hat and then pull them out and discuss how they relate to your brainstorming topic at hand. You may want to use a template to keep track of your thoughts and any new ideas the word association sparks.

To further organize your thoughts, consider pairing this brainstorming technique with word banking, meaning categorizing random words together and then drawing associations between their category and the brainstorming topic. 

Best for: group brainstorms, creating an idea anew

27. Storyboarding

Turns out, storyboarding isn’t only for television and film. You can also apply this as a brainstorming technique, meaning illustrating or drawing a problem and possible solutions. Consider it another way to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, especially those your solution impacts. It’s also a means to visualize any roadblocks you might experience when executing a solution. 

Best for: individual or group brainstorms, problem-solving, vetting ideas thoroughly

28. Wishing

Wishing is as simple as it sounds: You just wish for the solution you want to build. Think: “I wish our company was carbon neutral,” and then think of the possible ways in which you could achieve this, as well as areas that might be impossible to address for this. This will help uncover obstacles you might face and maybe even shed light on what you’re capable of overcoming. 

Best for: individual or group brainstorms, creating an idea anew

29. Crazy eights

A short and fun brainstorming technique, crazy eights delivers on quantity by encouraging brainstormers to think quickly using a template that has eight boxes and only eight minutes on the clock to sketch out eight ideas. Once the timer stops, the group discusses their ideas. 

For a larger group, consider having each brainstormer narrow in on only three ideas and give them a longer time limit of six minutes to sketch them out in more detail.

Best for: group brainstorms, visual thinkers, developing a surplus of ideas

8 tips for a productive brainstorming session

No matter which brainstorming technique is right for you and your team, consider the following best practices to brainstorm most effectively . Of course, it all begins with the brainstorming facilitator and how they set the tone for the session.

1. Allow time to prep 

A brainstorming facilitator isn’t the only one in a brainstorming session who needs time to prepare for a meeting . They also should give brainstormers some context ahead of the session, such as in the form of a meeting agenda , to get in the correct mindset for the brainstorming session. 

At least one day is standard but as little as two to 10 minutes is useful. Moreover, brainstorming facilitators should also have a few ideas in their back pocket for any creative ruts that might creep in.

2. Set a clear intention

The more context you can provide brainstormers from the get-go, the more fruitful ideas they can produce. For instance, clearly spell out what types of ideas you’re looking for. Whether it’s quickly executable ones or ones that are entirely pathbreaking, identify specific targets to address. 

Additionally, be sure to let brainstormers know of any constraints you or your organization is operating under, including project timelines or budgets, so they’re generating executable ideas.

3. Invite new teammates and ideas

When the same people brainstorm together over and over, they can tend to produce the same ideas over and over. For this reason, consider introducing new people to your brainstorming session to shake up the usual and lend a fresh perspective—and hopefully fresh ideas—to your brainstorming topics. Invitees can be colleagues from different departments, customers or clients for a focus group, or an outside consultant.

4. Promote inclusivity

Every brainstorming session should be considered a safe space to share ideas—even unconventional ones. Remember, the only bad ideas are no ideas, and any idea shared shouldn’t be shot down or judged. In addition, the brainstorm facilitator should ensure every brainstormer is treated equally and given the same amount of time to talk. This might mean setting a timer for each brainstormer to talk and acknowledging those who are dominating conversations. Likewise, every brainstormer should be open and curious to ideas.

5. Think out of the box

Creative thinking begins with not taking ourselves too seriously. Just as you encourage inclusivity, encourage imperfections and out-of-the-box thinking, too. This could include anything from fun team building games to unique icebreaker questions. Hey, even a bevy of silly ideas to build off of is better than no ideas at all. Brainstorming techniques like wishing can encourage team members to open up.

6. Amplify creativity with music

Similar to how a change of scenery can inspire new ideas, even a little background music can promote creativity. Consider putting some on for your brainstorming session, and for the best results ensure it’s:

Instrumental

In a major key

On a fixed tempo and volume

7. Mix and match brainstorming techniques

Just as brainstorming techniques aren’t necessarily one-size-fits-all, they also aren’t all one-type-fits-every-session. Be prepared to pivot your brainstorming technique depending on what your group of brainstormers is most receptive to and also how many ideas you're juggling. 

8. Execute your ideas 

Coming up with bright ideas is great. But they’re pretty useless unless you effectively execute them. While some brainstorming techniques build the execution process into them, others might require you to follow up with brainstormers using project templates to map out a plan using creative solutions. 

Brainstorming is about quantity over quality

When done right, a brainstorming session shouldn’t feel like a chore but rather an opportunity to create something together, especially when your brainstorming technique supports different styles of thinking and expression. 

And whether you're operating as an individual or on a team, there’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing your ideas come to fruition. Get the creative ideas flowing, then customize your workflow management tool to turn those ideas into action. 

Related resources

15 types of employee performance reviews

What is self-management? (7 skills to improve it)

Don’t like giving feedback? These 20 tips are for you

How to delegate effectively: 10 tips for managers

Free Printable Brainstorming worksheets

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Brainstorming worksheets are an essential tool for teachers to help students develop their reading and writing skills. These worksheets can be used in various stages of the writing process, allowing students to explore ideas, organize their thoughts, and plan their writing effectively. By incorporating brainstorming worksheets into their lesson plans, teachers can encourage students to think critically and creatively about various topics. This not only enhances their writing abilities but also improves their reading comprehension and analytical skills. Furthermore, these worksheets can be tailored to suit the needs of students across different grades, ensuring that they remain engaged and challenged throughout their learning journey.

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3 Favorite Brainstorming Technique for 2nd Grade

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Organizing writing in 2nd grade can be a challenge. What if I told you there was a better way to set up your students for success with their writing organization while also adding bold details? I’ve found over the years that the best writings my students have produced all had the same beginnings: a good brainstorm. So today, I’m sharing three of my favorite brainstorming techniques that will set your students up for a successful writing piece!

Picture This!

The first brainstorming technique I want to share with you is probably the easiest to implement in grades k through 12. I like to call this brainstorming technique “Picture This,” which asks students to do exactly what the name implies… create a picture.

For this brainstorm, students first start with a picture of what they’d like to write about. For example, if you’re working on personal narratives, you could have a student sketch the place and some key details of what their narrative may include: sights, sounds, even smells.

To take this brainstorming technique a step further, after students finish their drawings, let them create a mini word bank to describe the items they included in their drawings. During their writing, this word bank can serve as a reminder and a personal “word wall,” which they can reference for keywords.

Like the brainstorming sheet? At the bottom of this post, I’m sharing FREE printables so you can easily use these in your classroom!

Four Square Brainstorm

This b rainstorming method has been around for a long time and for a good reason! It is structured to help students produce strong writings but flexible enough to be used in many different writing situations.

I love using this brainstorming method in 2nd grade when we’re working on expository or step-by-step writing.

When using for expository or procedural writing, students write the topic sentence in the middle box. Then, moving from top to bottom, left to right, they add details to each box to support their main topic. In the sample above, you can see how the student wrote their topic sentence:  My favorite snack is ice cream.  Then, they supported their topic with details as to why that’s their favorite.

For procedural writing, students work to write the steps in each box. Another variation of this brainstorm includes using the last box as a place for students to write their conclusion statement. No matter how you choose to use this brainstorming method, your students will create a well-organized foundation for their writing pieces.

Love all these brainstorming ideas but want to have everything done for you when it comes to your writing lessons? Check out this chunky writing bundle!

Bubble or Brain Web Brainstorm

The last brainstorming method I’m sharing with you today goes by many names: brain map, brain web, bubble map, writing web, etc. But, in the end, the results are the same: one large bubble that contains the focus topic, to which smaller ones with details, ideas, and words connect.

I like using this brainstorm in 2nd grade to help students guide their thinking process when writing about a topic about which they know many details or have learned a lot of information. This strategy allows students to sort through the “closet” of their brains on a certain topic and create categories within that topic. Then, add details to each of the categories.

In the sample above, the student uses this method to organize their thinking for making s’mores. In the middle bubble, the student placed their topic. Then, outstretched from there, you can see a “materials” bubble and steps bubbles. Once the web is complete, the student can use the categories to build a well-organized and clearly outlined writing.

Writing Brainstorm Sheets For Better Writing

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Favorite Brainstorming Techniques for 2nd Grade

Starting your writing with a brainstorming exercise is the perfect way to lay a solid foundation for your students’ writings. A brainstorm can help students organize their thoughts and think of important details before the hard work of writing begins. This small win makes the writing process seem less intimidating and more attainable for even your most struggling writers. These three brainstorming techniques are the perfect place to start when organizing your student’s writings.

More Writing Posts

• Are You Making These Mistakes in Your Writing Instruction? (And how to fix them)
• 5 Simple Ways to Improve Student Writings
• How to Build Reading and Writing Skills with a Reading Response Journal
• Simple Ways to Support Spelling During Writing
• Small Moments for Big Impact

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Hi, I'm Leigh.

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4 Organized Brainstorming Templates, Charts and Worksheets | Free Download

By archtc on October 13, 2019 — 7 minutes to read

Brainstorming Templates, Charts and Worksheets for a More Efficient Brainstorming Session

Brainstorming is a creative process of gathering insights without the pressure of contributing ‘sensible’ ideas. It helps hasten the thought process by allowing the free flow of ideas from the participants regardless of how meaningful, wild, or weird the ideas might seem. It aims to find an out-of-the-box solution or idea through an unfiltered array of options.

This is a highly-interactive process that can get out of control; especially if the person facilitating the session is not experienced or skilled enough to control it. The same is true if the participants are also new to the process. In order to achieve its goals, it is important to have a structured brainstorming session and this can be done by using special techniques and templates.

To read more about different brainstorming techniques, check this article .

• Tips for Brainstorming Templates, Worksheets and Charts Part 1
• 4 Organized Brainstorming Templates: Free Download Part 2
• Additional Sources Part 3

Brainstorming templates help to provide flow and structure to a brainstorming session. In addition to that, some of the benefits of using a brainstorming template are:

• It helps kick-start the brainstorming process . A template will guide the facilitator and the group to begin the session. It helps the facilitator to prepare the participants and get them warmed up for a successful thinking process. The same is true for the participants as the visual aid will help them get their thoughts flowing.
• It also helps to provide consistency throughout the brainstorming process . Certainly, this activity will not only be done only once within a company or during a project. There will be multiple situations or occasions where a team will need to get together for a brainstorming session. By using a template, participants or team members can anticipate what’s going to happen and will come prepared and ready for the ‘storm’ ahead.
• Although brainstorming is structured, most templates offer some flexibility . They can be customized to the preferences or requirements of the team, or depending on the topic or issue to be discussed. It can also be updated based on what is needed at that moment, or if the company or the team has adopted a different brainstorming approach.
• By having a visual representation of what they need to accomplish by the end of the session, the group will have an idea of how much time should be spent on each item and be able to manage their time wisely . Brainstorming sessions can really be long, especially if the participants get too excited, and having a tool to remind them of what they still have to do is a big help to get things done faster.
• It lets the group focus on what is really important . Groups may be side-tracked, at any point, during the session. Using a template will help the brainstorming group to get back on track.

Besides general brainstorming templates, there are also brainstorming charts and brainstorming worksheets :

Brainstorming Worksheet

Brainstorming is a helpful way of creatively coming up with ideas related to a topic or a solution to a problem at hand. However, this creative process can get out of control if there is no structure or direction to the discussion. There are also times when the brainstorming process is not just working, and the team is facing a blank wall.

Brainstorming worksheets are often helpful in these cases. They provide a visual way of brainstorming. Worksheets help to create a mental image of what you want to come up; especially if things are not going smoothly. They also provide a step-by-step guide on how a person or a group should go about the activity.

Although we know that brainstorming is almost like coming up with a list of ideas, the worksheet narrows down a typically wide area to one that can be explored during the session.

Worksheets also work for groups who have no experienced facilitator or for those who are starting out and unfamiliar with the brainstorming practice.

Here are some pointers on how to effectively use a brainstorming worksheet during a session:

• The good thing about worksheets is that they are customizable, easy to use, and easy to create . There are many brainstorming worksheets downloadable from the Internet that are designed to suit different purposes. There are many which are specific in nature, and many that can be used no matter what the topic is. If you cannot find one matching your needs, you can easily create your own.
• When you’re choosing which worksheet to use, concentrate on the question you need to answer, or the problem you need to have addressed at the end of the session . Make sure that the format of the worksheet will lead you in the right direction. The worksheet must help you direct your thoughts towards that goal.
• It is also important to note that the worksheet must be efficient . It should be simple enough to help frame the group’s mindset but should also be on point when it comes to leading the group’s thought processes. Do not resort to a worksheet that you think will only complicate the brainstorming session as the process is already complicated enough.
• However, as you let the worksheets guide you during the brainstorming session, it is important to allow some level of flexibility when it comes to the process itself . It should only serve as a guide, but you should never be restricted from going beyond what the worksheet requires. Remember that brainstorming is a no-limit, no-filtering process. Let the worksheet lead you, but also allow your ideas to flow freely.

Brainstorming Chart for an Efficient Thinking Process

Brainstorming is a creative and a highly-participative activity where all the participants can offer their ideas, without judging whether an idea is right or wrong. After all the ideas have been heard, the best ones are discussed and then the best ones are chosen and applied.

One way to make the brainstorming session easier and more structured is the use of charts. Using brainstorming charts helps the participants visualize ideas and see the relationships and hierarchy between those ideas. In turn, participants will be able to think of more ideas; which are more focused and more relevant to the discussion. This will make way for improved communication and a more efficient decision-making process.

Brainstorming charts also help organize ideas into something that immediately makes sense, as opposed to disorganized random ideas. Instead of just thinking about ideas, participants are also able to expand their thought processes to include the relationships between issues, the underlying stories behind an issue or the issues the brainstorming session is trying to address.

On the other hand, charts are also useful for individual brainstorming, especially if someone is having a hard time coming up with ideas.

The use and integration of different shapes, lines, connectors, colors, and fonts makes the brainstorming session, the visual thinking and the learning process even richer. These visual aids represent information, and they also trigger the brain into seeing relationships between pieces of information with symbols and images.

Brainstorming charts also allow the participants to learn new concepts and knowledge and integrate them with what they already know.

Here are some pointers on how to make better use of brainstorming charts to make the session more efficient:

Choose the best chart

Charts are widely used not only in brainstorming activities but also in academic settings to aid learning. Since there are many charts to choose from, the hard part is finding the best one to help your group accomplish its goal or goals by the end of a brainstorming session.

Keep a file of the brainstorming you just used

Tip: if you use status.net for your brainstorming sessions, all data is collected automatically and available for further reference, with flexible export and print functions.

Brainstorming Templates: Free Download

Click Here to Download Brainstorming Templates DOCX

Click Here to Download Brainstorming Templates 2 DOCX

Click Here to Download Brainstorming Templates 3 DOCX

Click Here to Download Brainstorming Templates 4 DOCX

Additional Sources

• How to Create an Effective Brainstorming Question Template + Free Download