By Adam Brand, Forensic Handwriting Examiner
Presented to the Adam Brand Graphology Speaker Series
Hosted by Michael Eager, San Francisco Regional Mensa
Understanding Graphology
Graphology is the study of handwriting to learn more about a person's character, emotions, and behaviour. According to Adam Brand, a forensic handwriting examiner based in London, handwriting reveals more than words—it reflects how our brains work. He says, "Handwriting is brainwriting."
Even when people lose the use of their hands and write using other parts of their body, their writing style stays the same. This is because writing comes from the brain, not the hand.
The Basics of Handwriting Analysis
Graphologists study handwriting using five key features:
Movement
How smoothly the pen moves across the page. This shows natural rhythm and the writer’s flow of thought.
Layout
The spacing between letters, words, and margins. This reveals structure, clarity, and personal boundaries.
Form
The shape and style of letters. This shows how expressive or conventional a person is in their personality.
Stroke
The pressure, thickness, and smoothness of the lines. This relates to strength of emotion, drive, and self-control.
Zones
The top, middle, and bottom parts of letters. These highlight thinking style, emotions, and practical focus.
What Strokes Can Tell Us
Strokes give clues about a person’s inner state. There are two common types:
Pasty Stroke
Thick, smooth, and paint-like. Suggests sensitivity, love of beauty, and comfort. May hint at addiction problems. Example: Prince Charles, known for being artistic and gentle.
Sharp Stroke
Thin, pointed, and angular. Suggests discipline, order, and high thinking. May also seem cold or unfriendly. Example: a well-organised and focused person.
Borders, Pressure and Health
Borders
Smooth edges show control and self-awareness. Fuzzy or uneven borders may suggest a more relaxed, unfocused, or careless attitude.
Health Warnings
Uneven pressure or abnormal stroke patterns may suggest stress, emotional tension, or early signs of health concerns like Parkinson’s disease.
Pressure
Heavy pressure indicates energy, confidence, and strong willpower. Light pressure can suggest gentleness, sensitivity, or low physical drive.
Is Graphology a Science?
Graphology is not considered a strict science. This is because:
Results often depend on the individual examiner, are hard to repeat reliably, and may be affected by the "Barnum effect"—where people accept vague, positive traits as personally accurate.
However, some studies have found links—for example, slower writing may show someone is more agreeable. Still, graphologists say this is too simple and handwriting should be looked at as a whole.
Signatures: The Public Self
1. Shapes
Circles suggest kindness and warmth (e.g. Cheryl Cole). Squares show a practical and structured mind (e.g. General Montgomery). Triangles reflect drive and boldness (e.g. Donald Trump). Threads indicate creativity and unpredictability (e.g. Boris Johnson).
2. Size
Large signatures often suggest confidence or a desire for attention. Small ones may show modesty or secrecy. A growing signature (like Mussolini's) might reflect ego, while shrinking (like Galileo's) may hint at fear or shame.
3. Zones
Upper zone writing reflects imagination and ideas (e.g. Prince Philip). Middle zone covers emotions and social life. Lower zone shows needs, actions, and the physical world.
4. Other Clues
Clear writing shows honesty; messy writing may hide feelings (e.g. Bernie Madoff). Larger first names suggest approachability; larger surnames show formality. Underlines signal a wish to be noticed.
Circles or cross-outs can show self-doubt or insecurity—these are red flags in recruitment. Straight baselines show balance (e.g. Thomas Edison), falling lines show sadness (e.g. Queen Elizabeth), and rising lines show hopefulness (e.g. Winston Churchill).
End strokes and loops show drive or need for attention (e.g. Meghan Markle, Queen Victoria). Pen type matters too: thick nibs for boldness, pencils for hesitation, sharp pens for directness.
Can You Change Your Handwriting to Change Yourself?
Yes—but it takes time and effort. In France, "graphotherapy" is used to build confidence. One method involves raising the cross on the letter 't' to boost self-belief.
Handwriting in the Digital World
Even with more digital tools, handwriting still matters. Signatures are often used for identity and legal reasons. Graphologists now use software to study digital writing speed, pressure, and rhythm to detect forgery and personality clues.
Conclusion
Graphology might not be a full science, but Adam Brand believes it is a helpful and powerful tool. It reveals truths people may not say out loud and can guide choices in work, law, and personal life. Handwriting is more than marks on a page—it's a mirror to the mind.
