April 22nd, 2008 in Communication, Featured

Handwriting: A Skill For A Digital Age

It seems like those of us who spend most of our day at a computer are slowly losing those handwriting skills our elementary school teachers spent years drilling into us. More than anything else, it’s a matter of disuse: many people hardly ever write anything out by hand and, if they do, it’s a quick note meant only to last until the next time they’re at a computer.

But good handwriting is a skill worth honing, especially in a digital age, and for plenty more than writing your aging grandmother — although I’m sure she appreciates legible writing.

Bad Handwriting Kills

In any given year, approximately 7,000 people die because a pharmacist couldn’t read a prescription. And while prescription pads will likely become electronic in the future, there will always be professions that rely on hastily jotted notes. Not all of these jobs will go electronic any time soon. Consider construction sites: not practical places for most electronic devices. But if you wander around a building site before anyone gets around to painting, you’ll see pencil marks on most of the lumber. Measurements, locations and quantities are all written on the wall, and while an illegible note might not kill anyone, there’s a high likelihood it could cost a contractor some money.

Good Handwriting Saves Lives

There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the brain and, in turn, the motor skills required for writing notes by hand. Neurologists can often tell a great deal about what is happening inside someone’s skull by looking at samples of their handwriting — especially if they have past samples. For instance, you can follow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in a patient very clearly through writing samples — handwriting can show the affects of the disease even in very early stages.

Different neurological disorders manifest themselves in different ways, especially on paper. Some can cause an overall decay in handwriting skills, while others can cause a patient to drop letters or words. There are, of course, a wide variety of psychologists who use graphology (handwriting analysis) for the purpose of understanding a person’s mindset as well. However, there is far more controversy about graphology than the simple observances made for the purpose of diagnosing neurological problems.

Handwriting as Learning Mechanism

Handwriting notes is a technique recommended by many educators as an excellent way to cement ideas in your mind. But handwritten notes work best if you can go back and look them over — and can tell just what they say. Pen and paper also offer a flexibility for diagramming that just isn’t available in word processing software. You can draw arrows quickly and create mind maps that aren’t restricted by a programmer that you’ve never met. You can even tear up paper (or use smaller pieces) and shift them around.

Writing out papers or notes by hand can also help provide a certain amount of focus that is difficult — if not impossible — with a computer. I know I have trouble focusing on a writing project when I want to check my email, read a few blogs or generally distract myself with the internet. To keep myself on track, I’ve had to pick up a pad of paper and go somewhere without a computer. Some days, it’s the only way I can stay focused.

Preparing for Emergencies

What if your power goes out? Your Blackberry runs out of juice? You’re stranded away from a printer? There are times that legible handwriting is absolutely crucial. Whether the power is on or off, odds are you have work that must get done. You may have to write out a document by hand and FedEx it to a client, or you may be writing in order to type it up later. You may even have to scribble down the phone number of a tow truck. No matter which, the effort is worthless if no one can read it afterwards. It’s practically a version of Murphy’s Law: if you write down something important, it’s bound to be illegible.

And there are jobs that may take you away from your computer — hard to believe, but true. If you’re interested in philanthropic work that will take you deep into a third world country, it’s in your best interest to have good handwriting. Even if you have access to email at all hours of the day, the people you might work with probably won’t.

Handwriting is a Digital Age Skill

Handwriting is an important skill — equally important to that ability to type 75 words per minute that you listed on your resume. You may not need to spend hours a day on perfecting your letters, but writing often enough to maintain a legible hand is worth your time. If nothing else, writing a long letter or outlining your next project can give your mouse hand a rest and stave off carpal tunnel syndrome a little while longer. Writing uses far different muscles in your hands than typing and can break up a series of repetitive actions: consider handwriting a stretching exercise.

And you don’t need to go to the extreme of calligraphy. All you need is a legible style of writing: writing as if you left your mental caps lock on can be a quick way to write an easy-to-read note. A suggestion to keep in mind, though, is that writing in capital letter or in print usually takes longer than cursive. If you’re going to work towards legible handwriting, cursive letters may be the most productive in the long run.

Thursday Bram

Thursday Bram blogs about a variety of topics, from personal finance to small business. She is the author of an upcoming book on the tools and tricks you need to build a career you can take with you during long-term travel. More information about Thursday and her book, Working Your Way Around the World, is available on her personal site, ThursdayBram.com.

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Farfield says on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 am
Nice words. I love writing by hand, and I rediscovered this about half a year ago. I bought a Moleskine notebook and weekly planner and it gave me a better way to plan my week.
I also bought a nice fountain pen and I think I will not go back to digital calendars or note-taking. I used to have the bad habit to sit behind my laptop in meetings, and actually I definitely don’t like it when other people do this!
Michael Leddy says on April 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 am
Good post!
I’ll toot my own horn, but also Lifehack’s horn, by calling attention to this related post: Advice for students: Writing by hand.
B says on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
So do you have some suggestions for resources to use if you wont to improve your cursive hand writing?
LouiseV says on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 am
7000 deaths per year due to misred prescriptions?!!! Wow! My jaw dropped at that one.
I make it a point to match all my e-cards with snail mail and I actually find it therapeutic to write my friends letters and cards, not to mention they really appreciate getting them.
When I get the mail and see bills, junk mail, bills, fliers and every so often a letter from a friend who shares the same ‘traditional’ philosophy as me – it just makes my day!
Just for discipline,I might just rewrite this comment by hand!
Louise
JohnH says on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 am
I really like Gunnlaugur Briem’s “From Zigzags into Writing”. Many more resources can be found at the Fountain Pen Network’s penmanship forum.
Tim says on April 22nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
When I use a fountain pen, I am more inclined to take my time and make it more than legible. I try to make it look like an artform.
For the most part, I hate fountain pens, they are really messy. My pilot V5 Hi-tecpoint 0.5 is my favourite pen at the moment, but I do tend to get sloppy sometimes. My fountain pen (graduation present from my parents) tends to make me take more pride in my work.
I would recommend taking up Calligraphy to anyone. Especially those who need to learn some patience.
JohnH says on April 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
Fountain pens messy? I have to wonder what pen you have… I have 15 or so fountain pens so far and none of them are messy. My favorites are both Watermen pens.
I have another comment in modersation because it contains two URLs, but Googling for Gunnlaugur Briem’s “Quick Results” will get you to one great resource on fixing up handwriting. More links are at the fountainpennetwork.com in the penmanship forum.
kureshii says on April 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I have a tablet – best of both worlds. Handwriting recognition needs reasonably good handwriting, and the pressure-sensitive digitiser means I can still make really nice digital cursive writing. Those handwriting skills aren’t going anywhere for now.
Jonny says on April 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I’ve been very pleased with Getty-Dubay.
See http://www.handwritingsuccess.com/
kureshii says on April 22nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I have a tablet – best of both worlds. you still need reasonably neat handwriting for text recognition to kick in properly, and the pressure-sensitive digitiser means I still get great-looking digital handwriting. Those handwriting skills aren’t going anywhere soon.
oyun says on April 22nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
thanks…
condibujos says on April 22nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I really like this post and have been some time looking for ways to improve my handwritting.
Can you please put in here some resources on that issue?
Thank you all very much for your help.
Adam says on April 22nd, 2008 at 1:03 pm
It actually did my handwriting good to be mostly digital ever since highschool (eight years ago). I’m a lefty and didn’t realize I was improperly taught to write when I was little (forced to slant to the right, resulting in “hook” writing), but doing so little actual writing by hand has made it easier for me to break this habit and learn to write better and more comfortably.
anni of ugg australia says on April 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
My handwriting sucks, i am trying to improve it. Nice article!
christa says on April 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I love how writing in a good old fashioned #2 pencil feels. I find I write better with that kind of drag on the page. I write better with certain pens than others. I find that if a certain pen is too “fast” I will write worse.
My handwriting is a mix of cursive and script actually, but the feel of using a wood pencil just makes writing fun!
christa says on April 22nd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Oops! Meant to say my handwriting is a mix of cursive and print! duh.
Ron says on April 22nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I took a written test about a month ago and when I was done the two hour exam my fingers felt like jello! After that experience I realize how little I actually write. Nice article about a “lost art”.
Ron
http://www.rondesi.com
Rob O. says on April 22nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Understandably, as one technology becomes common, older ones lose their place in society — so keyboards have largely relegated paper & pen to the dustbin.
But I wonder if the increasing popularity of tablet PCs could bring about a renewed demand for handwriting. Windows-based tablet PCs easily and accurately read handwritten input — in fact, the adaptive nature allows the software to continually improve its handwriting recognition.
Maybe 20 years from now, we’ll show someone a keyboard and they’ll wonder what it does…
Leisureguy says on April 22nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Good handwriting is a pleasure both for writer and reader and is very easy to learn. I particularly recommend Italic handwriting. This post explains how I learned and recommends some books and some materials you can readily find at art supply stores.
Klaus-Otto K. says on April 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Preserving handwriting skills is important. What is not stressed enough in the article is the fact that sometimes only a hand written letter will do. Your handwriting is an important part of your personality.
Keep up the good work…
Ross Goodman says on April 22nd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Hi
This is just the post I have been looking for. I have just bought myself a moleskine notebook and a new Fisher pen with the intention of improving my handwriting.
All I need now is a list of resources to show me what to do.
Ross
http://www.RossGoodman.com/fundraising
Ann says on April 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I still use a paper calendar and write out my To Do lists. My position is that anything – from a rock and a stick to the most advanced digital tool – will only work if you use it!
For what it’s worth, my daughter is in kindergarten and they still spend a lot of time learning how to write legibly.
MrAchievement - Stanley Bronstein says on April 22nd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
I’ve read that studies have shown that people with highly legible handwriting write clearly because, deep down, they have a desire to be understood. Whether or not that is the case, I’m not sure.
One of the best things one can do to improve their handwriting is to print. Printing is much easier to read than cursive writing. I started printing in 6th grade and haven’t stopped since.
One interesting story I have about handwriting was when I took the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) over 20 years ago. For the essay portion, the instructions said to answer the essay using cursive writing in your usual style.
I asked one of the proctors what I should do since printing (and not cursive) was my usual style. They didn’t have an answer.
SO, the first paragraph of my essay went something like this:
I realize that the instructions say to use cursive handwriting, but they also say to use your usual style of handwriting. Please be advised that printing is my usual style of handwriting and not cursive. If I were to write this out in cursive, several things would happen, all bad. You wouldn’t be able to read it and it would slow me down so much I wouldn’t be able to finish in the time allotted. Consequently, I am going to use my judgment and I am going to print. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
—–
All I know is that I was accepted to law school …
MrAchievement
Stanley Bronstein
Attorney, CPA, Author, Blogger & Professional Motivational Speaker
griff says on April 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I really liked this site with regard to handwriting. I have been hoping to find the time to practice in the near future.
http://briem.ismennt.is/index.htm
This is also interesting
http://www.paperpenalia.com/handwriting.html
Peter Knight says on April 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 am
I don’t think I can ever get used to doing my stories with a keyboard, and I’ve found very many other creative fiction writers that feel the same. I feel more connected with my writing when I use a pen, and a good fountain pen (or a pencil, the smooth flow over the paper seems part of it) works best, ballpoints less so. There’s no spelling checker on a pen though, so I guess we all do our final draught on the computer.
Thanks for the post, a forgotten subject methinks. Great replies too!
Peter
Steve says on April 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 am
I get through an A4 block of notes every 2 or 3 moths. I always have it to hand (it’s on my knee right now as I’m waiting to go into a conference call) and I archive completed blocks with a finished date so that I can go back to any notes later if I should need to. Not taking by hand is way easier for me as I can underline and circle areas to highlight them as I need.
Sangrail says on April 25th, 2008 at 10:08 am
@Griff: Those links are exactly what I need and was looking for.
I get bad hand cramping after hand-writing only a very short time, so I know I must be doing something very wrong, but til now, I hadn’t been able to find advice on say, the proper ergonomics of handwriting, hand position etc, and what style of letter was easiest to write.
*Thank* you.
Dubious says on April 27th, 2008 at 9:39 am
“7000 deaths per year due to misred prescriptions” sounds like a case for making doctors use a keyboard instead of their handwriting. You can’t make doctors write more legibly: it’s literally a life and death situation and they still can’t do it. However, it’s very easy to force them to use a keyboard to print out prescriptions.
Good handwriting is as dead as calligraphy and needlepoint. It’s nice as an archaic art form, but saying that everyone should do it is ridiculous.
arghadip bhowmik says on August 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
my age is 24+ i am very busy now for mba please tell me is it possible to inprove my hand writing.if possible give some tips i donot want to tke any tusion for this also please tellme can i improve it in 1 dec because exam will start from that day
Kate Gladstone says on September 15th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Re:
“A suggestion to keep in mind, though, is that writing in capital letter or in print usually takes longer than cursive. If you’re going to work towards legible handwriting, cursive letters may be the most productive in the long run.”
As a handwriting instruction/remediation specialist, I’d suggest applying the research which has found that the fastest and most legible handwriters avoid purely cursive (or purely printed) handwriting.
Highest-speed highest-legibility handwriters strongly tend to join some, *not* all, of their letters — making the very easiest joins and skipping the rest — and use distinctly print-like shapes for letters whose printed and cursive shapes significantly “disagree.” Please keep this in mind before you advise anyone to write in cursive …
For more information on the matter, as well as handwriting help that takes the above facts into account, please visit my web-site at http://www.HandwritingRepair.info or http://www.HandwritingThatWorks.com
Mishu says on July 25th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
You are right about the fact that we are forgetting the writting skill as for today’s computer stuff. But we need to have the skill in ourself.
Thanks for sharing your thought with us.
Mishu
Mrs Universe says on January 18th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
There is something about pen and paper that is so romantic :) An art of expression should never be lost or neglected…