Common SmartWisdom Questions & Answers

These questions were answered by the founder, Jonathan Kemp. Please click on any of the blue titles for the relevant answers.

A - Who does SmartWisdom work for?

  • Does SmartWisdom work for everyone?

    Yes. If you’re comfortable with traditional handwritten note-taking, SmartWisdom will work for you. Whether you’re planning a project, writing a blog, or recording knowledge in a meeting, presentation, or class, SmartWisdom shifts the focus from just writing things down to actually understanding them. Recording becomes a natural part of the process.

  • Does SmartWisdom work for both right-handed and left-handed users?

    Yes. Right-handed users usually use the template in landscape and may rotate it when writing at 6 o’clock. Left-handed users sometimes prefer a portrait orientation, or even working anti-clockwise. SmartWisdom gives you that flexibility.

  • Does SmartWisdom work for non-native English speakers?

    Yes, and in fact, it can be beneficial. You don’t need to worry about spelling or grammar. SmartWisdom naturally focuses on key words—nouns, adjectives, and verbs—so you capture the meaning with fewer words, without losing clarity.

  • Does SmartWisdom work in every language?

    Yes. As long as the language can be written, SmartWisdom can add value. For example, Dutch users may use short multi-word phrases for a single concept, while Chinese users may place two or more characters on a single connector.

  • Does SmartWisdom work for all learning styles?

    Yes. Whatever your preferred learning style, SmartWisdom strengthens it:

    • Visual: Concentric circles make knowledge highly visual.

    • Auditory: Improves listening and concentration.

    • Kinesthetic: The curved connectors are physically engaging.

    • Reading/Writing: Writing in capitals makes reading and recall easier.

  • I’m not a visual thinker – can SmartWisdom still help?

    Absolutely. If you can read a table, you can use SmartWisdom. You’ll gain far more than if you relied on memory or traditional notes written in sentences or bullet points.

  • Can SmartWisdom work for neurodiverse individuals?

    Yes. I have dyslexia myself, and SmartWisdom completely transformed my ability to study, work, and manage meetings. It helps with focus, listening, and comprehension, making it highly effective for people with a wide range of neurodiverse profiles.

  • Can SmartWisdom help with mental health challenges?

    Yes. Having lived with bipolar disorder and depression, I know how hard it is to concentrate during difficult times. SmartWisdom doesn’t remove the challenges, but it makes a big difference in staying focused when listening or reading, planning effectively, and organising both your thoughts and the knowledge you’re absorbing.

B - Learning SmartWisdom

  • How long does it take to learn and master SmartWisdom?

    You can learn SmartWisdom in under a day and start using it immediately. Like any skill, the more you practise, the easier and more natural it becomes. After three months of consistent use, it will feel quicker and more intuitive, and after six months, it often becomes second nature.

  • When do the benefits start?

    There’s no fixed timeline, but many users notice benefits within just a few days—improved listening, sharper focus, and greater understanding often come quickly. Over time, you’ll capture more knowledge in less time, with a clearer structure.

  • What is the cost?

    • Free resources: Templates (printable and digital), Knowledge Books (PDF), and summary guides.

    • Online training courses:

      • Business course: Free taster, full course £39.

      • Student course: Free taster, full course £19.

      • Sponsorships are available if affordability is an issue—contact me directly.

    • Corporate in-house training:

      • Group training: £8,600 (excl. VAT and equipment).

      • Senior executive training: Rates available on request.

  • How do I know where to start on the template?

    It’s simple—you usually start at 1 o’clock and work clockwise. You can structure your knowledge by time sequence or topic, which is especially useful for reports, presentations, or essays. Don’t worry if the order isn’t perfect at first; you can refine it later as a second step.

  • What are the circles on the template for?

    The template has three concentric circles:

    • First circle: Spacers for organising the information

    • Second circle: Chapter headings, ideal for meetings, interviews, presentations, lectures or classes

    • Third circle: Paragraph headings.

    The circles create “glance access”—allowing you to quickly scan and absorb up to an hour’s worth of information with greater ease.

  • What are the zig-zag shapes on the template for?

    These “Switchbacks” help you change direction when writing near the bottom or top of the template. They make it easier to use the space efficiently, especially between 5 and 7 o’clock and again around 12 o’clock.

  • How do I know how to break up the knowledge?

    The training guides you. At first, you may write partial sentences, but within days or weeks, you’ll naturally identify keywords that carry the most meaning. Ideally, you record one unit of knowledge (usually one word) per connector, which makes structuring and categorising information far easier.

  • What is ‘glance access’?

    Glance access is the ability to look down briefly, understand your SmartWisdom quickly, and continue listening without losing focus. This is possible because SmartWisdom uses single units of knowledge, with the most important ideas in the centre and the details outside of the outer circle.

C - SmartWisdom Writing and Terminology

  • What if my writing is untidy?

    That’s no problem. Your SmartWisdom notes are for you, and as long as you can read them at a glance, they’re effective. If you share them with others, talking through the content will help people quickly see how everything connects.

  • Do I have to write in capitals?

    No—it’s optional. Capitals can improve glance access, though they may slow you down slightly. You’ll still save time by not writing unnecessary connecting words, and capitals often deepen your engagement with the knowledge.

  • Why did you develop specific terminology for SmartWisdom

    Because SmartWisdom isn’t just traditional note-taking (recording others’ words) or note-making (writing your own ideas). It’s about processing information as you write, which sharpens your understanding and recall. To reflect this shift, new terms were introduced.

  • Do I need to remember or use SmartWisdom terminology?

    Not at all. You can learn and use SmartWisdom without memorising the vocabulary. Use whichever words make the most sense to you.

  • What are some of the main SmartWisdom terms, and why do you use them?

    • Information Athlete: A person skilled at managing and using information proactively.

    • SmartWisdom Knowledge: Knowledge you’ve processed with SmartWisdom.

    • Knowledge Harvesting: Replaces note-taking; proactive gathering and structuring.

    • Knowledge Cultivation: Replaces note-making; generating and refining your own ideas.

    • Knowledge Books: SmartWisdom notebooks.

    • Knowledge Base: The SmartWisdom template itself.

    • Knowledge Stem: Single words written on connectors.

    • Spacers, Connectors, Starter Connectors, Switchbacks: Features of the template that help structure knowledge.

D - Using SmartWisdom When Working With Others

  • What will my clients and colleagues think if I start using SmartWisdom?

    Most people are intrigued when they first see it. This curiosity is often an ice-breaker and gives you a chance to explain that SmartWisdom is about listening better and understanding more deeply—qualities that strengthen relationships.

  • I can’t afford to have my head down taking notes when working with others.

    That’s precisely why SmartWisdom helps. You capture less than with traditional note-taking, which means you can maintain stronger eye contact and stay more engaged with the people you’re working with.

  • How does SmartWisdom help build relationships?

    SmartWisdom supports deeper listening and stronger connections. The built-in questions encourage others to think more thoroughly about their points, and adopting their language helps you align more quickly. In meetings, your recall is often sharper than others, and your summaries, questions, and attentiveness build trust and strengthen relationships.

E - SmartWisdom and Technology/Software

  • Can you use SmartWisdom on a laptop, tablet, or iPad?

    Yes. SmartWisdom can be used on any device that allows handwriting with a digital pen. If the template can be uploaded, you can use it directly; otherwise, you can sketch your own three concentric circles. Official templates are also available for free download.

  • Do you have software for SmartWisdom?

    Not at the moment. SmartWisdom is most effective when handwritten, as typing reduces comprehension. Software may help share or develop more complex plans—if that’s your preference, you can explore visual mapping apps for PC or iPad.

  • Is there an app for SmartWisdom?

    No, there isn’t currently an app. SmartWisdom is typically handwritten—either on paper or with a digital pen on a tablet or iPad. Phones are less effective due to their small screen size.

F - SmartWisdom Templates and Knowledge Books

  • Do I have to use the template?

    No, you can use blank or lined paper. However, the official template offers three clear advantages:

    • It helps structure your knowledge.

    • It provides glance access.

    • It looks more professional in a business or study setting.

  • I have a nice notebook and don’t want to give it up.

    That’s absolutely fine. You can still use SmartWisdom in your notebook. That said, dedicated templates and Knowledge Books serve as helpful reminders to apply the method consistently, and they include prompts for SmartWisdom codes and relevant questions.

G - Comparing SmartWisdom and Other Techniques

  • I’ve developed my own note-taking style—can SmartWisdom still help?

    Yes. If you’re currently writing in complete or partial sentences or using bullets, SmartWisdom will help you shift to capturing single units of knowledge. This makes your understanding deeper and your recall sharper.

  • Is SmartWisdom the same as Mind Mapping?

    No. While there are similarities, SmartWisdom was specifically designed to overcome the limitations of mind mapping. Scientific studies have confirmed its unique benefits in both business and academic settings.

  • What’s the difference between SmartWisdom and Mind Mapping?

    Three main distinctions:

    1. SmartWisdom is easier to learn and master, particularly when gathering information from others in meetings, interviews, presentations, lectures and classes.

    2. Its circular template enhances readability and glance access.

    3. It integrates coding and questioning to achieve deeper insights.

  • I’ve tried Mind Mapping, but it didn’t work for me—will SmartWisdom be any different?

    Yes. Many people who found mind mapping difficult have found SmartWisdom to be much easier to use—especially for capturing spoken information in meetings, interviews, lectures, and classes.

H - Other Questions

Please get in touch. I’d be happy to help. You can use the contact page and select the option, “I have a question for the creator.”