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Graphology - Handwriting Analysis

How Graphology Experts Analyze Handwriting

Graphology, the study of handwriting and handwriting analysis, is now an accepted and increasingly used technique for assessing people in organizations. Handwriting analysis is an effective and reliable indicator of personality and behavior, making it a useful tool for various organizational processes such as recruitment, interviewing and selection, team-building, counseling, and career planning.

Graphology is 'brainwriting' - the handwriting comes directly from the writer in a uniquely personal and individual way, irrespective of how the person has been taught to write. An expert graphologist understands the styles of different countries and languages and makes allowances for 'taught' influences. Also largely irrelevant to the actual analysis is the content of the written text.

The science of graphology uses at least 300 different handwriting features in its investigative approach. The graphologist's interpretation skill lies in the psychological art of understanding the particular blend of handwriting features - an expert can see the writer 'step off the page.'

Graphology Theory and History

A person's handwriting, the script, and its placing on the page express the unique impulses of the individual: logically, the brain sends signals along the muscles to the writing implement they control. By examining a handwriting sample, an expert graphologist can identify relevant features of the handwritten script and the way the features interact. The features, and interaction between them, provide the information for the analysis. No single handwriting sample will exhibit all 300 different features, of course - a typical analysis will involve far fewer.

No single handwriting feature proves anything specific or absolute by itself; a single feature alone can only identify a trend. It is the combination of features, and the interaction between them, that enables a full and clear interpretation.

Graphology is actually a very old and respected science - the study of handwriting and its analysis was first developed by the Chinese 3,000 years ago. The Romans used graphology, and through the centuries since then various civilizations and cultures have analyzed handwriting to identify the essence of the person who produced it.

The modern approach to handwriting analysis was established by a group of French clerics, led by Abbe Michon, who defined key aspects of the science in the 1870s, after 30 years of study. This work formed the basis of modern graphology, although the science is still being researched and expanded today.

Professional graphologists operate to a strict code of ethics, and these experts are constantly in demand; those who use it recognize its value in the workplace as an additional method of understanding character. It is therefore an extremely useful tool in identifying the quality and capacity of an individual's talents and potential, particularly in career guidance and improving relationships. Like other powerful behavioral or intuitive models, it is not easy to explain how and why graphology works, nevertheless, it continues to be used, respected, and appreciated by many because it achieves a high level of results.

Graphology - An Introductory Guide to Handwriting Features

As previously stated, there are around 300 features - this introductory article attempts to explain some of the basic ones that can be readily understood and which provide interesting information.

Slant

Right slant indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities. If the handwriting is generally upright, this indicates independence. A left slant tendency shows emotion and reserve. This writer needs to be true to self first and foremost and can be resentful if others try to push for more commitment from them.

Size

Handwriting is made up of three zones - or cases - middle, upper, and lower. A basic average measure - or benchmark - by which size can be judged is 3mm per zone. This gives a benchmark for a non-remarkable full height of 9mm. More than this is large; less than this is small. Large size handwriting can mean extravert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behavior might not be exhibited to strangers. Small size can, logically, mean the opposite. Small size handwriting can also indicate a thinker and an academic, depending upon other features in the script. If the writing is small and delicate, the writer is unlikely to be a good communicator with anyone other than those on their own particular wavelength. These people do not generally find it easy to break new ground socially.

Pressure

Heavy pressure indicates commitment and taking things seriously, but if the pressure is excessively heavy, that writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterward. Light pressure shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, but can also, if the pressure is uneven, show a lack of vitality.

Upper Zone or Case (as in l, t, h, etc)

Tall upper strokes are reaching towards goals and ambitions or, if they are very extended, there may be unrealistic expectations of what the person feels they must achieve. If there are reasonably proportioned upper zone loops, this indicates someone who likes to think things through and use their imagination in a sensible way. Wider upper zone loops indicate more of a tendency to dream up ideas and mull them over. If the up-stroke goes up and then returns on top of itself, the writer may be squeezing out imagination and keeping to the basic requirement of getting down to the job in hand.

Lower Zone (as in g, y, p, etc)

Lower loops are also varied and have different meanings. For example, a straight stroke shows impatience to get the job done. A 'cradle' lower stroke suggests an avoidance of aggression and confrontation. A full loop with heavy pressure indicates energy/money-making/sensuality possibilities, subject to correlation with other features. A full lower loop with light pressure indicates a need or wish for security. If there are many and varied shapes in the lower zone, the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again, the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.

Word Spacing

The benchmark by which to judge wide or narrow spacing between words is the width of one letter of the person's handwriting. Wide spaces between words are saying - 'give me breathing space'. Narrow spaces between words indicate a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse.

Line Spacing

Handwriting samples are always best on unlined paper, particularly for exhibiting line-spacing features. Wide-spaced lines of handwriting show a wish to stand back and take a long view. Closely spaced lines indicate that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.

Page Margins

The sides of the page each have a meaning. The left side margin shows the roots and beginnings/family. The right side shows other people and the future. The top is goals and ambitions. The foot of the page shows energy, instincts, and practicality. Therefore margins are very informative. If the writer has a wide left margin, the interest is in moving on. If it is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated. A narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things. A wide right margin shows that there may be some fear of the unknown.

Middle Zone or Case (as in a, c, e, etc)

These middle zone shapes can give some particularly interesting information. The middle zone in the script represents the ego - from it we get a lot of information as to how the writer feels and acts in public settings - what makes them tick socially and at work. Some people's handwriting consists of only one single style, but many people will have a mixture of two handwriting styles or more. Again, this provides useful information. All of these features have potentially positive and negative connotations; the analyst uses the flow and facility (ease, smoothness) of the script to infer a positive or negative interpretation.

Arcade

This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches. It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy, and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn, and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.

Garland

Garland is like an inverted 'arcade' and is a people-orientated script. These writers make their m's, n's, and h's in the opposite way to the arcade writer, like cups, or troughs, into which people can pour their troubles or just give information. The Garland writer enjoys being helpful and likes to be involved.

Angle

Angled middle zone is the analytical style, the sharp points, rather than curves, give the impression of probing. The angle writer is better at employing talents at work and for business or project purposes, rather than nurturing, which is the strength of the Garland writer. As with any indicators of personality style, the interpretation doesn't mean that each writer needs to be categorized and prevented or dissuaded from spreading their talents and interests, but the analysis can helpfully show where the person's strengths can be best employed.

Thread

Thread handwriting is like unravelled

From Nepal, Kathmandu
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Shailgiri, This is very informative and appreciate the initiative to post this. Regards Jay Menon
From India, Hyderabad
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Hi,

I would like to know whether HR professionals are still using graphology to understand new employees. In the past, it was utilized, but nowadays, with more systematic selection methods like assessment centers, techniques such as graphology are seldom employed. Analyzing based on graphology would necessitate a significant amount of time, and since it relies on human judgment, incorrect assessments can be made.

I welcome others to comment on this topic. Your input is highly appreciated.

From Sri Lanka
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Informative and nice! 😂 Here, I would like to mention that a person's handwriting can differ according to situations; yes, the pattern can be the same. However, it is very hard to analyze the nature and behavior of a stranger through writing, unless you are an expert in reading "writings".

Please note the corrected version above. I have fixed the spelling and grammar errors and adjusted the paragraph formatting for better readability. Let me know if you need any further assistance.

From India, New Delhi
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Hi Shailgiri,

This is really awesome. I am actually waiting for this detailed information. I would be grateful if you can let me know the site address you got this entire stuff. You can mail me at .

Thanks, Regards, Kiran.

From Netherlands
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Hi Shamil,

I am a handwriting analyst myself. I work at an executive search and recruitment firm. My CEO, a certified graphologist himself, is now adding a section to our firm that will exclusively do handwriting analysis and compatibility analysis. This science is mostly used for the CXO level. Currently, I don't think it is being used at the lower levels though.

Shilpa

From India, New Delhi
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Hi,

This is Ravi here. I am a new member of this site. I find the overall site very energetic and active.

A small introduction about me: I have a BE and an MBA, and I am currently working as an IT Recruiter with an Executive Search Firm in Bangalore. Additionally, I am a Certified Handwriting Analyst and Graphotherapist from the USA. I conduct training programs primarily to coach people to become independent Handwriting Analysts. Beyond this, I provide a lot of therapy; you can change your subconscious personality characteristics by altering your handwriting. I have analyzed over 5000 handwriting samples and have provided therapy to more than 1000 people, with a success rate exceeding 99%.

I recently read an article about Graphology which, though exhaustive, was very misleading. For example, a straight lower zone stroke does not necessarily indicate someone in a hurry to complete a job; it signifies something else. Also, please remember, never draw conclusions on a trait based solely on a single alphabet. To arrive at an analysis, one must go through at least 3 pages of a subject's handwriting.

Please feel free to contact me if anyone needs assistance.

Best Regards,

Ravi.R

From United Kingdom
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Hi Ravi,

I would like to get some more details on this. In fact, my handwriting is very poor. I also want to improve in any way. Please suggest. I have completed my MBA and working in HR as a Senior Executive.

Regards,
Hari


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Hi Ravi,

The post was superb, and you are the most expert person in graphology... Conducted training for more than 1000 people, it's amazing. I want to do a course on the same, and I want to be a professional in Graphology. Could you please guide me on which are the best books and how to get certified in this?

Please email me at my personal ID: sridar@gmail.com.

Thanks & Regards,
Sridar


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Dear Shailgiri and Dear Ravi,

Thank you for the posting and also for the comments and your expert insights. In the recent past, there was another posting on the same subject, but these discussions died down in the initial stages. I suggest and wish that those who are truly interested in Graphology communicate regularly on the subject with more detailed coverage. This is a subject that requires extensive reading and analysis, and expertise and accuracy can only be gained through experience.

Any further inputs and comments in this direction are highly appreciated.

Ramesh Menon
team1dubai@gmail.com
www.team1dubai.blogspot.com

From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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