Document Examiner vs. Graphologist

Handwriting analysis is employed in two different fields. The first is often referred to as "questioned document examination," a branch of the forensic sciences. Document examiners, according to the Association of Forensic Document Examiners, "answer questions relating to the reliability and authenticity of a document which may involve signatures, handwriting in general, or hand printing." This is a different branch of science from graphologists, or graphoanalysts, who examine handwriting characteristics in order to assess the character and personality of an individual. Graphoanalyst is a registered trademark of the International Graphoanalysis Society.

To determine authorship of a particular signature or handwriting sample, a forensic document examiner will consider certain characteristics, including

1. Spacing of words and letters
2. Ratio of relative height, width, and size of letters
3. Pen lifts and separations
4. Connecting strokes
5. Beginning and ending strokes.
6. Unusual letter formation.
7. Slant.
8. Baseline characteristics
9. Flourishes and embellishments
10. The length, size, and location of diacritics (dotting of i's and crossing of t's).

is lonely a need of yours?

Word Spacing

We speak and we pause to breathe at the end of a thought. Some people speak quickly wih less breathing space between their words than others do. Some people speak so fast that their words run into one another. The spaces between words have been compared to taking a breath in speech and reveal one’s need for social distance. How much space do you need in order to feel comfortable around other people?

The amount of space a writer leaves between words is a good indication of how much personal space she demands from others and the degree of self-restraint she uses in social situations. What is a “normal” amount of space between words? A good rule of thumb is to use the width of a letter m in the writing you are analyzing.

SPACING BETWEEN WORDS

Compressed spacing between words- needs to be close to others; likes crowds.

Average spacing between words- feels comfortable contact with others.

Wide spacing between words- avoids people contact; has problems dealing with others.

EXAMPLE:

Notice the word spacing on the note below. The writing indicates a person who isolates themselves from others. He or she has difficulty dealing with others so would avoid people contact, if possible.

 This is the handwriting of Ted Kaczinski the "uni-bomber," who lived like a hermit in an isolated cabin in Montana. He had difficulty dealing with people and society in general.

All wide space writers aren't like Ted, but they usually avoid people contact as much as possible. Many wide space writers are married and have children, but, even then, they are usually loners. They normally have a hobby, second job or some other excuse to avoid the family and friends as much as possible.

Ideally, the spacing should be twice the size of the middle zone letters, such as a, o, m, n and s.

Mr. Baier said Mr. Spitzer’s signature suggests he “does not like to beat around the bush” and has a “pretty big ego.”

“Boy, he wants you to get to the point,” Mr. Baier said. “People who talk very slowly probably drive him crazy. He probably finishes their sentences for them.”

Mr. Baggett had trouble deciphering Mr. Spitzer’s first name on the document sent to him by the Journal, mistaking Eliot for “Carol.” But Mr. Baggett said the signature shows the writer is good at leading a small group or project.

Mr. Spitzer’s worst quality, based on his signature, is a penchant to be “dominant and controlling,” Mr. Baggett said.

Former Comptroller Bill Thompson’s signature suggests he does not show emotion.“He’s ruled by his head, not his heart,”“He’d be very cool under pressure.”Mr. Baggett described Mr. Thompson’s signature as the “most self controlled and objective” of the ones he reviewed. But he’s not going to be the most dynamic politician, he said.“He is logical, he is cool under pressure, he is a bit self-centered and that lacks impulsiveness.  He’s also secretive and he keeps his emotions close to the vest,” Mr. Baggett said. “He would be a great poker player, however he is not the smartest candidate and he is not the most egomaniacal candidate.”

his signature suggests “he likes to be seen exactly for who he is,” Each letter in his signature is identifiable, she said.“People like this cannot fake it and don’t want to fake it,” she said.Mr. Lhota’s signature as one of his favorites because he has “fluidity, he is emotionally expressive” and he’s “basically transparent.”His ego is completely in check, meaning that he has a healthy normal self-esteem and he is not a narcissist, which is a wonderful thing for a politician to not be because most politicians are a narcissist,”Mr. Lhota’s signature suggests he has a firm code of ethics and he’s going to get the job done.

the former congressman’s signature suggests he’s “going to enjoy seeing posters of himself.”
“He has a very good opinion of himself,”.Mr. Weiner writes “like an epileptic chicken.”“He has irritation at himself. He has irritation at others,” he added. “His signature is nothing but a one big stroke, which essentially means arrogance, ego and hiding of one’s inner self.”Ms. Peterson described Mr. Weiner’s signature as “threading” because none of the letters can be made out.“People that thread will often will act out without consideration of others,” she said. “It’s a sign of arrogance.”