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 assessment of people in organizations. Handwriting analysis is an effective and reliable indicator of personality and behaviour, and so is a useful tool for many organizational processes, for example: recruitment, interviewing and selection, team-building, counselling, 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 the 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 is in the psychological art of understanding the particular blend of handwriting features - an expert is able to 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 is able to 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 less).
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 enable 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 civilisations and cultures have analysed 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 recognise 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 behavioural 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 give 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 behaviour 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 afterwards.
Light pressure shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, but can also, if the pressure is uneven, show 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, and 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 indicates that 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.
Narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things.
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 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 categorised 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 wool, waiting to be made up into something fresh. These writers are mentally alert and adaptable, but can also be elusive and lack patience. They are responders, rather than initiators. They can be very clever at drawing together strands of information and making something of them. Therefore they observe and bide their time, so that decisions are made at the most appropriate moment.
Wavyline
Wavyline handwriting is often an amalgam of all or most of the other forms and is usually written by people who are mentally mature and skilful. It shows that they can call on a variety of responses, to suit the occasion and indicates good coping mechanisms. They are adaptable and resourceful.
These features and interpretations provide a small but useful guide as to the way people behave, and particularly how they handle their social requirements. Check your own handwriting against these pointers to see what you can learn or confirm about yourself, and see also how effective even just a few simple graphology techniques can be in revealing personality style.
Understanding the personality through handwriting is a valuable way of making the best of both personal awareness and interpersonal situations for the benefit of all concerned.
The aim in using graphology to analyse a person's handwriting must always be positive. The interpretation should enable people analysed to use the understanding gained, to help them live their lives to the highest level of satisfaction that they choose. In a professional or organizational context, graphology can play an important part in enabling working relationships to be forged that will enhance the quality of the group or team performance.
As a child you were taught to write, but it's not likely that you still write in the way you were taught. The fact that you don't helps to explain the reason graphology exists and why graphology can be used to interpret personality.[/b]
From Nepal, Kathmandu
1How Graphology experts analyze handwriting
Graphology - the study of handwriting and handwriting analysis - is now an accepted and increasingly used technique for assessment of people in organizations. Handwriting analysis is an effective and reliable indicator of personality and behaviour, and so is a useful tool for many organizational processes, for example: recruitment, interviewing and selection, team-building, counselling, 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 the 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 is in the psychological art of understanding the particular blend of handwriting features - an expert is able to 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 is able to 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 less).
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 enable 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 civilisations and cultures have analysed 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 recognise 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 behavioural 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 give 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 behaviour 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 afterwards.
Light pressure shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, but can also, if the pressure is uneven, show 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, and 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 indicates that 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.
Narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things.
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 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 categorised 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 wool, waiting to be made up into something fresh. These writers are mentally alert and adaptable, but can also be elusive and lack patience. They are responders, rather than initiators. They can be very clever at drawing together strands of information and making something of them. Therefore they observe and bide their time, so that decisions are made at the most appropriate moment.
Wavyline
Wavyline handwriting is often an amalgam of all or most of the other forms and is usually written by people who are mentally mature and skilful. It shows that they can call on a variety of responses, to suit the occasion and indicates good coping mechanisms. They are adaptable and resourceful.
These features and interpretations provide a small but useful guide as to the way people behave, and particularly how they handle their social requirements. Check your own handwriting against these pointers to see what you can learn or confirm about yourself, and see also how effective even just a few simple graphology techniques can be in revealing personality style.
Understanding the personality through handwriting is a valuable way of making the best of both personal awareness and interpersonal situations for the benefit of all concerned.
The aim in using graphology to analyse a person's handwriting must always be positive. The interpretation should enable people analysed to use the understanding gained, to help them live their lives to the highest level of satisfaction that they choose. In a professional or organizational context, graphology can play an important part in enabling working relationships to be forged that will enhance the quality of the group or team performance.
As a child you were taught to write, but it's not likely that you still write in the way you were taught. The fact that you don't helps to explain the reason graphology exists and why graphology can be used to interpret personality.[/b]
From Nepal, Kathmandu
Shailgiri, This is very informative and appreciate the initiative to post this. Regards Jay Menon
From India, Hyderabad
From India, Hyderabad
hi,
i would like to know whether HR people are yet using graphology to understand about new employees.
in past it was used but now days with more systematic selection methods such as assessment centers techniques such as graphology are rarely used. and to do an anlysis based on graphology will require lot of time and since its a human judgement it humans or we can make incorrect judgements.
i would like others to comment as on this. but what have you have posted here is very much appreciated.
From Sri Lanka
i would like to know whether HR people are yet using graphology to understand about new employees.
in past it was used but now days with more systematic selection methods such as assessment centers techniques such as graphology are rarely used. and to do an anlysis based on graphology will require lot of time and since its a human judgement it humans or we can make incorrect judgements.
i would like others to comment as on this. but what have you have posted here is very much appreciated.
From Sri Lanka
Informative and Nice :lol:
Here i would like to mention that Hand writing of a person can be differ according to situations, yes, the pattern can be same.
But it is very hard to analyse nature and behavior of a Stranger through writing, rather you are very expert in Reading "writings" .
From India, New Delhi
Here i would like to mention that Hand writing of a person can be differ according to situations, yes, the pattern can be same.
But it is very hard to analyse nature and behavior of a Stranger through writing, rather you are very expert in Reading "writings" .
From India, New Delhi
Hi Shailgiri,
This is really awesome. I am actually waiting for this detailed information. I would be greatful if you can let me kow the site address you got this entire stuff.
You can mail me at
,
Thanks,
Regards,
Kiran.
From Netherlands
This is really awesome. I am actually waiting for this detailed information. I would be greatful if you can let me kow the site address you got this entire stuff.
You can mail me at
Thanks,
Regards,
Kiran.
From Netherlands
hi shamil,
i am a hand writing analyst myself. I work at an executive search & recruitment firm. My CEO, a certified graphologist himself, is now adding a section to our firm that will exclusively do handwriting analysis & compatibility analysis.
This science is mostly used for the CXO level. Currently i dont think it is being used at the lower levels though.
Shilpa
From India, New Delhi
i am a hand writing analyst myself. I work at an executive search & recruitment firm. My CEO, a certified graphologist himself, is now adding a section to our firm that will exclusively do handwriting analysis & compatibility analysis.
This science is mostly used for the CXO level. Currently i dont think it is being used at the lower levels though.
Shilpa
From India, New Delhi
Hi,
This is Ravi here. I am a new member to this site. I found the overall site very energetic and active.
Small intro about me. I am a BE, MBA and am currently working as an IT Recruiter with an Executive Search Firm in Bangalore. I also am a Certified Handwriting Analyst and Graphotherapist from USA. I conduct training programmes primarily to coach people to become indepedent Handwriting Analysts. More than this I provide a lot of therapy: you can change your subconscious personality characteristics by changing your handwriting!!! I have analyzed more than 5000 handwriting samples and have provided therapy to more than 1000 people and the success rate has been >99%
I happened to read the article about Graphology which, though was exhaustive was very misleading, Eg., A straight lower zone stroke does not mean anybody who is in a hurry to complete a job. It shows something else. Also, please remember one thing, never conclude on a trait by just looking at a single alphabet. If at all you want to arrive at an analysis, one necessarily has to go through 3 pages of a subjects handwriting.
Kindly contact me if at all somebody needs any help on the same.
Best Regards,
Ravi.R
From United Kingdom
This is Ravi here. I am a new member to this site. I found the overall site very energetic and active.
Small intro about me. I am a BE, MBA and am currently working as an IT Recruiter with an Executive Search Firm in Bangalore. I also am a Certified Handwriting Analyst and Graphotherapist from USA. I conduct training programmes primarily to coach people to become indepedent Handwriting Analysts. More than this I provide a lot of therapy: you can change your subconscious personality characteristics by changing your handwriting!!! I have analyzed more than 5000 handwriting samples and have provided therapy to more than 1000 people and the success rate has been >99%
I happened to read the article about Graphology which, though was exhaustive was very misleading, Eg., A straight lower zone stroke does not mean anybody who is in a hurry to complete a job. It shows something else. Also, please remember one thing, never conclude on a trait by just looking at a single alphabet. If at all you want to arrive at an analysis, one necessarily has to go through 3 pages of a subjects handwriting.
Kindly contact me if at all somebody needs any help on the same.
Best Regards,
Ravi.R
From United Kingdom
Hi Ravi,
I would like to get some more details on this. In fact my handwriting is very poor. I also want to improve, any way. pls suggest. I have completed my MBA. and working in HR as Sr. Exec.
Regards,
Hari
I would like to get some more details on this. In fact my handwriting is very poor. I also want to improve, any way. pls suggest. I have completed my MBA. and working in HR as Sr. Exec.
Regards,
Hari
Hi Ravi,
The post was superb and you are the most expert person in the grphologist... Conducted training for more than 1000 people, its amazing... I want to do course on the same and I want to be professional on Graphology, could you please guide me which are the best books and how to get certified on this.
Please mail to my personal ID:
Thanks & Regards,
Sridar
The post was superb and you are the most expert person in the grphologist... Conducted training for more than 1000 people, its amazing... I want to do course on the same and I want to be professional on Graphology, could you please guide me which are the best books and how to get certified on this.
Please mail to my personal ID:
Thanks & Regards,
Sridar
Dear Shailgiri and Dear Ravi,
Thanks for the posting and also for the comments and your expert comments. In the recent past there was another posting on the same subject. But these all die down in the initial stage itself. I suggest and wish, we (those) who are really interested in Graphology communicate regularly on the subject with more detailed coverage. Because this is a subject which requires extensive reading and analysis and by experience only one can gather expertise and accuracy.
Any futher inputs and comments in this direction is highly appreciated.
Ramesh Menon
www.team1dubai.blogspot.com
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Thanks for the posting and also for the comments and your expert comments. In the recent past there was another posting on the same subject. But these all die down in the initial stage itself. I suggest and wish, we (those) who are really interested in Graphology communicate regularly on the subject with more detailed coverage. Because this is a subject which requires extensive reading and analysis and by experience only one can gather expertise and accuracy.
Any futher inputs and comments in this direction is highly appreciated.
Ramesh Menon
www.team1dubai.blogspot.com
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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