[b]Handwriting[/b] is a form of expressive movement - it is our movement frozen on paper. • In school, we are all taught to write the same way. How we choose to vary our writing is a result of our individual and unique personalities. • Whereas handwriting represents how a person feels privately (their true personality), the person's signature represents the public image that the writer wants to project. Therefore, a big difference between a person's writing and their signature indicates a big the difference between their private and public self. When the writing and the signature are identical, then "what you see is what you get" and the person presents themself identical to how they feel inside. [b]SIZE[/b] - [i]The size of the writing indicates the writer's desire to be noticed. When we look at someone's attire, we assume someone wearing very bold colors wants to be noticed more than someone in neutral tones. Their clothing reveals an aspect of their personality. Well in handwriting, large bold writing typically indicates "notice me"! Medium sized writing indicates a desire to fit in. Smaller writing indicates less of a desire to be noticed. [/i] [img]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson_files/page5_1.jpg[/img] [spoiler][img]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson_files/page5_2.jpg[/img] By just knowing SIZE and knowing that a signature represents our "public image" and how we write represents how we feel privately, we can learn something about the writers of the examples below. a) Small writing with a Large signature This person is spending significant energy to overcome their private quiet nature and to be noticed. The gap in the size, from small writing to large signature, indicates a big difference between how this person feels inside (a more private personality) and how they present them self (a personality who gets attention). b) Small writing with a small signature Often found in the writing of person with good concentration and possibly introverted. When I work with a person like this I make sure that I have all my facts in order to the last detail, because they pay attention to details. c) Medium writing with Large Signature It is rather common for people to sign their name a little larger than they normally write, and this indicates putting a little effort out there to be noticed.[/spoiler] [b]SLANT[/b] -[i]It is important to remember that the more things that you look at in handwriting, and the longer the writing sample, the better that you will understand the writer. Now we are going to add the SLANT of the writing to the list of things that we will look at.[/i] [img]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson_files/page5_3.jpg[/img] [spoiler][img]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson_files/page5_4.jpg[/img] Now, so far considering Slant and knowing that a signature represents our "public image" and how we write represents how we feel privately, lets apply this to a few cases. a) Left slant writing with a right slant signature This person is privately a more reserved person, but they are giving the appearance of being more socially outgoing. You can be sure that inside they are carefully not nearly as spontaneous and outgoing as they appear. b) Strong right slant on writing with a vertical slant on the signature - This person has an intense personality, but they give the appearance of being more analytical and reserved. They have learned to control their intense nature in the public eye. As you get to know the person better, you would get to see this other side of them. c) Small vertical writing with large, right slant signature Here the writer has an analytical mind with attention to detail, and is presenting an image of a commanding presence and interpersonal skills. Although this person appears to be outgoing and socially very comfortable, inside they are feeling more reserved and private.[/spoiler] [b]BASELINE[/b] -[i]An important factor in judging the writer's emotional stability and disposition is the baseline of the writing. The baseline is the actual line upon which letters are written. On unlined paper, the baseline is assumed by the writer. However, even on lined paper the writer does not always adhere to the line provided. The baseline changes based on the immediate mood of the writer and can vary from day to day or moment to moment. Because of this, any interpretation derived from baseline should be prefaced by the phrase "at this time". In the Handwriting Insights slide deck there are 10 different variations covered. Here I will cover the four most common baselines. [/i] [img]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson_files/page5_5.jpg[/img] [spoiler][img]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson_files/page5_6.jpg[/img] Remember, when the writing matches the signature (in slant, size, baseline, etc.) then "what you see is what you get." Now, considering that the writing represents how we feel privately, and our signature is our public image, let's look at some examples where the baseline of the writing does not match the baseline of the signature. a) Descending baseline on writing, ascending baseline on signature This is something that I bet you will see surprisingly often. It indicates that the writer is acting upbeat while inside they are feeling overwhelmed, tired, or pessimistic. Most of us want to put on a good face for the world to see. It is nice that the writer gives us this clue that they may need more support and encouragement. b) Normally Straight baseline on writing, ascending baseline on signature Again, you will see this fairly often. It indicates that the writer is fine, however they choose to act even more upbeat than they feel inside.[/spoiler] [b]What's yours?[/b] source: [spoiler][url=http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson.html]http://www.handwritinginsights.com/lesson.html[/url][/spoiler]