Why not take some samples of handwritting and then make some comparisons?

Basic features of handwriting

Look for, and be able to identify the main characteristics and features of the writing. Check for:

• Size, scope and proportions
• The general layout
• Direction of the lines
• The degree of connection
• Regularity
• Rhythm, consistency and evenness
• Degree of broadness
• Speed of writing
• Covering of space
• Shading
• Form of letters
• Angle and slope of the writing
• The tendencies for right and left
• Word and letter spacing
• The degree of attention
• Pressure
• Decoration and distortion

Now, follow the basic analysis process below, which you can use on other samples. The more you practice, the more you become able to analyse without referring to the written guidelines.

Graphology - Basic Analysis

Is the sample valid?

This basically means has the style of the writing been affected by any external influences? For example, an uneven writing surface, awkward writing position, or written whilst on the move (in a car or train, or bus etc.). You cannot analyse a sample, which is not reliable. For the purpose of checking slope and coverage it is more difficult to analyse samples that have been written on pre-marked or lined paper.

Size

There are many aspects to the size of writing; alone it does not indicate many things. Size, especially the relative size of the parts of letters needs to be considered along with other factors.

There are some simple indicators however small writing is generally a strong indicator of a detailed, technical personality. Large rounded and dominant central case letters indicate a friendly and sociable personality.

Letter-word slope

Is there a consistent slope to the letters, perhaps to the left or right within the sample? Check by drawing lines through the up and downward strokes. Backwards slopes indicate an introverted personality; forward slopes are extraverted. Upright strokes often indicate personalities who are motivated by factors other than people, for example who are neither an extrovert nor introvert.The degree of slope reflects the degree of extraversion or introversion. The degree of consistency of the slope that is to say parallel strokes indicates the degree of emotional consistency.

Line slope

Writing which rises to the right shows optimism and cheerfulness. Sagging to the right shows physical or mental weariness. This applies to signatures sloping-downwards also.

Flow

One of the essential indicators but like any other factor should not to be used on its own. Generally, restraint is indicated every time the pen leaves the paper, and the converse applies. Talkative, eager, impulsive people have a more continuous flow of writing. Flowing writing has linked letters and sometimes linked words.

Thoughtful, and considered people will have fewer linked letters and no linked words. Artistic and conceptual people who like space and time around themselves will often have completely separated letters. One as to be aware this follows that pressure at school is on some children to ‘write joined-up’. The reason for this is because the common view is that to do otherwise is ‘not grownup’, is unnatural and often counter-productive. In any event continuity of flow does not correlate to intelligence.

Spacing

Space between words indicates social attitude to others. Close words are a sign of sociability. Large spaces between words indicate the person is comfortable alone, and may even distrust others. Spacing between letters shows artistic spatially aware and artistic temperament.

Decoration and Distortion

Try not to confuse the two. Decoration is intended; distorted is malformed and unintentional. Both are different to unfinished letters, which is a different indicator. Decoration is generally a sign that the writer wishes to be noticed more than he or she is at present. Malformed letters indicate a variety of things that must be dealt with individually. Unfinished words can be a sign of intelligence and impatience.

Basic features of handwriting

Try writing a few sentences freely on a level surface.

Basic features of handwriting

Look for, and be able to identify the main characteristics and features of the writing. Check for:

· Size, scope and proportions
· The general layout
· Direction of the lines
· The degree of connection
· Regularity
· Rhythm, consistency and evenness
· Degree of broadness
· Speed of writing
· Covering of space
· Shading
· Form of letters
· Angle and slope of the writing
· The tendencies for right and left
· Word and letter spacing
· The degree of attention
· Pressure
· Decoration and distortion

Now, follow the basic analysis process below, which you can use on other samples. The more you practice, the more you become able to analyse without referring to the written guidelines.

Graphology - Basic Analysis

Is the sample valid?

This basically means has the style of the writing been affected by any external influences? For example, an uneven writing surface, awkward writing position, or written whilst on the move (in a car or train, or bus etc.). You cannot analyse a sample, which is not reliable. For the purpose of checking slope and coverage it is more difficult to analyse samples that have been written on pre-marked or lined paper.

Size

There are many aspects to the size of writing; alone it does not indicate many things. Size, especially the relative size of the parts of letters needs to be considered along with other factors.

There are some simple indicators however small writing is generally a strong indicator of a detailed, technical personality. Large rounded and dominant central case letters indicate a friendly and sociable personality.

Letter-word slope

Is there a consistent slope to the letters, perhaps to the left or right within the sample? Check by drawing lines through the up and downward strokes. Backwards slopes indicate an introverted personality; forward slopes are extraverted. Upright strokes often indicate personalities who are motivated by factors other than people, for example who are neither an extrovert nor introvert. The degree of slope reflects the degree of extraversion or introversion.

The degree of consistency of the slope that is to say parallel strokes indicates the degree of emotional consistency.

Line slope

Writing which rises to the right shows optimism and cheerfulness. Sagging to the right shows physical or mental weariness. This also applies to signatures sloping-downwards..

Flow

One of the essential indicators but like any other factor should not to be used on its own. Generally, restraint is indicated every time the pen leaves the paper, and the converse applies. Talkative, eager, impulsive people have a more continuous flow of writing. Flowing writing has linked letters and sometimes linked words.

Thoughtful, and considered people will have fewer linked letters and no linked words. Artistic and conceptual people who like space and time around themselves will often have completely separated letters. One as to be aware this follows that pressure at school is on some children to ‘write joined-up’. The reason for this is because the common view is that to do otherwise is ‘not grownup’, is unnatural and often counter-productive. In any event continuity of flow does not correlate to intelligence.

Spacing

Space between words indicates social attitude to others. Close words are a sign of sociability. Large spaces between words indicate the person is comfortable alone, and may even distrust others. Spacing between letters shows artistic spatially aware and artistic temperament.

Decoration and Distortion

Try not to confuse the two. Decoration is intended; distorted is malformed and unintentional. Both are different to unfinished letters, which is a different indicator. Decoration is generally a sign that the writer wishes to be noticed more than he or she is at present. Malformed letters indicate a variety of things that must be dealt with individually. Unfinished words can be a sign of intelligence and impatience.

The Three Cases – “Divisions of the Personality”

An essential aspect to analyse is the bias of the writing towards upper, central and lower cases. The upper case is the area in which the extended up-strokes are found in the tall letters like b, d, f, h, l, t, etc. The central or middle case is the central region occupied by letters with neither long up-strokes nor long down-strokes, such as a, c, e, m, n, o, etc. Which obviously means that the lower case is the area occupied by the extended down-strokes of letters such as g, j, p, q, etc.

Idealism
Religion
Philosophy

Upper

Imagination
                                  ----------------------
Logic
Pragmatism

Central
Common-sense
Instinct                       -----------------------

Animal appetite
Lower
Physical force

The central case contains most of the writing. The upper and lower cases are those, which extend above and below the central body of each letter. The three cases represent the three aspects of our personality. If it helps you to assess the relative dominance of the three cases draw a horizontal set of ‘tram-lines’ through some lines of writing to mark the division between the three cases. Look at the relative dominance and extent of each of the cases.

Upper - our ‘higher’ selves, and thinking about religion and philosophy
Central - our mental and social approach to life
Lower - our physical aptitudes and attitudes

Look where the writing is mainly concentrated, and where the emphasis is; this is where the emphasis of the personality is too. Look for any encroachment from upper case to the line above, or from lower case to the line below - it’s a sure indication that the encroaching case is dominant. Also, look at the central case to see if there is an upward or downward pull. An upward pull is best spotted if you see an arched pattern running through the central case. Seeing a pattern of troughs through the central case best spots a downward pull. The pull pattern in the central case also indicates the emphasis of the personality.

Other Clear Indicators

Large broad upper loops are a sign of emotion.

* Right-pulled lower loops show interest for the good of others
* Left-pulled upper case shows a fondness for the past
* Uneven upper loops show changeable satisfaction, or disillusionment
* Full left-pulled lower loops show physical fulfillment
* Closed ‘e’s and other small closed central loops show secrecy
* Unconnected or improperly formed ‘s’s at word ends show independence
* Word-end ‘s’s where top of letter is formed into downward right loop, shows a yielding or co-operative nature
* Angular central case is a sign of an interest in ideas rather than people
* Rounded central case shows interest in people
* Uncompleted case letters as in ‘a’s and ‘b’s etcetera, if open, when normally they would be joined loops, show a casual nature; very open shows propensity to gossip
* Small writing is generally a sign of technical personality
* Loops in angular writing show a potentially difficult character
* ‘T’ cross strokes connecting a number of ‘t’s with a single line shows speed of thought, yet this is not a guarantee of correct thinking
* Omitted ‘i’ dots and ‘t’ cross strokes shows forgetfulness or carelessness

Position and style of ‘i’ dots show different things

- Directly above, close to and in line means exacting
- In front means active and thinking
- Flicked shows sense of humour
- Behind shows thoughtful-
- Inconsistent or varying positions, means a distracted mind

General

You should try to build up a picture of the person you are analysing by using as many different indicators as possible. Also, try to use other personality tests and systems to build up a multi-dimensional picture; the more perspectives you can use the better.

If this brief introduction interests you then check out Graphology through the many websites, or find a book on the subject and teach yourself more. Graphology to many people is a captivating subject and a useful additional way of providing insight into your own personality and those live and work around you.