The writing of each of us is unique, just like our character; for this reason, according to graphology, calligraphy and personality are in close correlation. Graphology is a fun pastime, especially if you want to interpret the writing of someone you know, but it is essential to mark the boundaries between pseudoscientific pastime and science. If you are interested in the scientific aspect of graphology, learn the techniques with which graphological experts perform graphological analyzes comparing the handwriting of the suspects and threatening letters.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Fast and Fun Graphology Analysis
Step 1. Don't take graphology too seriously
Graphologists claim to be able to identify personality characteristics through writing. There is probably a grain of truth in this - for example, we can all recognize a handwriting with an "energetic" or "neglected" appearance. However, since these claims are not backed up by scientific evidence, scientists consider graphology a pseudoscientific discipline without any foundation. At best, these links are mere assumptions with numerous exceptions. They are fun, but they are not a foolproof method to apply for the selection of personnel in the workplace, or to unmask false friends in private life.
Never trust those who claim to be able to trace the psychological profile of a person who has committed a crime or adultery through the analysis of writing. This is unlikely and the allegations could hurt the unjustly blamed victims
Step 2. Obtain a sample of writing, preferably in italics and on an unlined sheet
Writing in italics is easier to analyze than writing in block letters or on a lined paper. It would be preferable that you get several samples written a few hours apart. Writing changes according to mood and circumstances, so the characteristic of a single sample may be worthless.
Step 3. Observe the pressure of the pen on the paper
Some people tread on the sheet, while others use predominantly lighter pressure. You can tell by how marked the letters are and by the marks on the back of the paper. Here's what graphologists say about it:
- Marked pressure indicates strong emotional energy. The writer could be intense, sensual, or strong.
- Medium pressure indicates a relatively calm but confident person who may possess a good deal of sensitivity and memory capacity.
- A light pressure is a sign of introversion, or it indicates the need of the personality to avoid conflicts as much as possible.
Step 4. Check the inclination of the writing
Writing, especially in italics, tends to lean to the right or left. Try to analyze it, paying particular attention to the letters in italics with the buttonhole (such as b, d or h).
- A tilt to the right indicates that the writer is eager to write, or writes quickly and vigorously. If this happens often, the writer may be determined and confident.
- An inclination to the left indicates a lack of will to write, or reveals a personality tending to be closed in on itself. Some argue that these types of writers are more prone to repress their emotions and not show themselves to others than those with right-leaning writing.
- Vertical writing reveals a balanced and rational personality.
- Note that these graphological laws may not be applicable to left-handed handwriting analysis.
Step 5. Observe the pace of the writing on the base staff
When writing on a non-ruled sheet, the handwriting can be ascending, adhering or descending from the top and bottom edge of the sheet:
- An ascending writing reveals optimism and good humor.
- A descending writing could denote a lack of confidence or fatigue.
- A zigzag writing could indicate an unstable or insecure person, or an inexperienced writer.
Step 6. Look at the size of the letters
Large letters indicate an outgoing and expansive subject, while narrow letters are typical of the handwriting of an introverted, shy or controlled person.
Step 7. Check the space between letters and words
Does your friend write the letters too tightly together? If so, he could be an introverted subject. If there is space between one letter and another, it could be available and independent. Some graphologists also evaluate the space that the writer leaves between the end of one word and the beginning of the next; the shorter the distance, the more the writer loves crowds. Others take a different approach and argue that more space between words denotes a more precise and organized way of thinking.
Step 8. Check the links between the letters within the words
The connections between the letters in italics are subject to in-depth analysis, as there are multiple variations. Graphologists have conflicting opinions in this regard; here are some common interpretations.
- Garland lettering: the concave of the connecting strokes between the letters face upwards. It could denote a strong and spontaneous character.
- Arched handwriting: the connections between the letters that draw downward open vaults are associated with particularly creative personalities.
- Handwriting: the pressure of the pen becomes lighter and lighter at the end of a word, sometimes leaving small dots on the paper. It usually denotes a messy style and lacking in firmness, although there are other interpretations.
Method 2 of 2: Forensic Graphological Expertise
Step 1. Try to understand the limitations of forensic handwriting
There is a lot of controversy over the objectivity of graphology in this field, especially in Europe, where graphology is often used in legal proceedings. The graphological report could suggest the suspect's age and sex, but it does not claim to identify his personality. Its main purpose is to recognize counterfeits and compare a suspect's handwriting with a ransom note or with other circumstantial evidence.
Step 2. Request writing samples
All samples should be written spontaneously, with similar ink and paper. To practice, ask a group of friends to write the same sentence. When they finish shuffle the sheets and use the techniques described below to match each paper to its author.
Graphological experts use at least 3 copies of a complete letter, or more than 20 copies of the same signature
Step 3. First, look for the differences
A common mistake is to find a couple of similarities between the samples, conclude that they belong to the same author, and stop investigating. First work on finding the differences and then move on to the similarities. With this in mind, continue your research.
Step 4. Compare the pace of the writing on the base staff
Look at the line on the paper, or put a ruler under the words if the paper is not lined. Many writers tend to write above or below the line. Some respect the staff, others are more disordered and have a less homogeneous spelling.
Step 5. Measure the distance between the letters
This is a more complicated but also more objective analysis than most graphological comparisons. Take a millimeter ruler and measure the space between the letters or words. A noticeable difference in space could indicate different writers. This is more likely if in one sample of writing the words are connected with pen strokes and in the other they are separated by spaces.
Step 6. Observe the height of the letters
Are the rods of the l or k much longer than the central body of the handwriting? This is a more reliable characteristic than the width of the eyelet of the letters and the inclination of the words.
Step 7. Compare the shape of the letters
There are dozens of curves, eyelets, links and letter endings that distinguish every single writer. Without taking a formal course, the best way to learn is to analyze a single writing sample and then compare it to someone else's. Here are a couple of examples to get you started:
- Nobody likes to write like an automaton. Check the different versions of a letter within the same paper to identify unreliable differences. For example, if someone writes two types fi f, one with a wide buttonhole and one with a narrow buttonhole, you don't have to rely on this difference.
- Now look for a letter with similar characteristics. For example, in cursive writing a person generally uses a capital l in italics, or a simple vertical line, or a line with two bars. It is rare that you use more than one variant.
Step 8. Look for evidence of forgery
If you want to practice some more, ask your friends to copy someone else's signature and show them along with the authentic one. Here are some important signs:
- Imitators have to write slowly to always keep the original document in sight. This can be seen from the hesitation of the graphic gesture, evident in the variations in the thickness of the stroke and in the anomalies of both pressure and writing speed.
- If the forger is unsure or pauses, there are ink spots or small spaces between the letters. This happens especially at the beginning and at the end of the signature.
- Try writing your signature five times and you will likely notice significant variations. If two signatures are too similar, one of them could be false.
Advice
- If the writing has an irregular inclination, the writer is probably stressed. In this case it is difficult to conduct an accurate analysis.
- If you are surprised by someone's predictions, based on graphology, stop for a moment and think, especially if they ask you for money. Would his predictions fit any other person of your age and gender? Did the graphologist use vague words that almost anyone could use?
- This guide may not be suitable for languages where you do not use an alphabet (such as Chinese) or in which you do not write from left to right (such as Arabic).
- If someone doesn't put the slash on the t or the dot on the i, they might just be careless or write straight away.
- Writing undergoes changes during adolescence, in subjects suffering from certain ailments or age-related health problems.
