While some people have gorgeous handwriting that looks like something only a computer could generate, others may struggle to make their penmanship legible. Many of us have been asked to clarify what our writing says because it was so bad. Luckily, there are many ways that we can make our handwriting classy, or, at the very least, legible.
Why Your Handwriting Matters
You might think that poor penmanship isn’t a big deal, but it can have a significant impact on an individual. These are just a few reasons why our handwriting matters:
The Stigma Isn’t Fun or Fair
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma that surrounds bad penmanship. Those with bad handwriting may be perceived as unintelligent.
Miscommunication Occurs
A package that needed to be delivered in a timely fashion may not ever reach its destination due to poor handwriting. To avoid this, the sender can always use personalized labels so that the package will at least be returned to the sender.
Lower Grades in School
People with poor handwriting tend to receive worse grades. School teachers may become frustrated that they can’t read a student’s writing and simply mark it wrong, even if the student did the work correctly.
It Can Frustrate Everyone
Not only is it annoying to those who are trying to decipher bad handwriting, but it can also be incredibly frustrating to the writer. Imagine people constantly asking you to clarify what you mean after every statement. It would get old very quickly. Good handwriting saves the time of both you and whomever is reading it.
Changing Your Handwriting
Many people think that the handwriting they have now is unchangeable because it is ingrained in them. However, it is completely possible to change your handwriting.
Sit Up Straight
Good posture is important when it comes to handwriting. Avoid writing in recliners or chairs that do not have hard backs, and make sure that you have enough room. You will have better control when your posture is correct, and it will also keep you from straining your back.
Hold the Pen Correctly
Hold the pen between your index finger and thumb, with the barrel of the pen resting comfortably on the middle finger. The grip should be loose and feel comfortable for you.
Be Conscious of Your Writing
Most of us are thinking about what we are writing rather than how we are writing. In order to change your penmanship, you will have to become conscious of how you craft each letter. This will train you to eventually write this way automatically.
Avoid Writing with Your Fingers
A lot of people write with their fingers, which means that they end up “drawing” the letters. Instead, the majority of movement should be in the forearm and shoulder. This may feel odd at first, but, with enough practice, it will soon become second nature. Pulling the pen up and down the sheet of paper rather than pushing it will also help your writing become more fluid.
Try Not to Get Frustrated
Retraining your arm and hand will take some time. Don’t become dejected about your slow progress. Perfect penmanship doesn’t happen overnight. The “practice makes perfect” motto is completely true when it comes to perfecting your handwriting.
Take Your Time
A good amount of bad handwriting can be fixed easily by simply slowing down. If there is no need for a rush, take your time and concentrate on making each letter look nice.
Practice in the Air
Many professionals recommend drawing big letters in the air to practice using your shoulder to write. You should feel the muscles in your back, chest, shoulder, and arm working as you write. When you become comfortable with this, practice making smaller letters in the air.
Pick Up a Handwriting Course Book
There are plenty of good course books out there for you to work through and improve your penmanship. If you are simply trying to make your writing more legible, the National Adult Literacy Association has an excellent guide. Those who are looking to take their writing to the next level may be interested in learning what it takes to create beautiful calligraphy.
Good Handwriting Still Matters!
Even though we live in a technology-driven age, our handwriting is still important. For instance, research shows that writing things by hand could help a person’s learning and cognitive function. Even if most of our writing is done on keyboards, handwriting is still an essential skill to have.
While some people have gorgeous handwriting that looks like something only a computer could generate, others may struggle to make their penmanship legible. Many of us have been asked to clarify what our writing says because it was so bad. Luckily, there are many ways that we can make our handwriting classy, or, at the very least, legible.
Why Your Handwriting Matters
You might think that poor penmanship isn’t a big deal, but it can have a significant impact on an individual. These are just a few reasons why our handwriting matters:
The Stigma Isn’t Fun or Fair
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma that surrounds bad penmanship. Those with bad handwriting may be perceived as unintelligent.
Miscommunication Occurs
A package that needed to be delivered in a timely fashion may not ever reach its destination due to poor handwriting. To avoid this, the sender can always use personalized labels so that the package will at least be returned to the sender.
Lower Grades in School
People with poor handwriting tend to receive worse grades. School teachers may become frustrated that they can’t read a student’s writing and simply mark it wrong, even if the student did the work correctly.
It Can Frustrate Everyone
Not only is it annoying to those who are trying to decipher bad handwriting, but it can also be incredibly frustrating to the writer. Imagine people constantly asking you to clarify what you mean after every statement. It would get old very quickly. Good handwriting saves the time of both you and whomever is reading it.
Changing Your Handwriting
Many people think that the handwriting they have now is unchangeable because it is ingrained in them. However, it is completely possible to change your handwriting.
Sit Up Straight
Good posture is important when it comes to handwriting. Avoid writing in recliners or chairs that do not have hard backs, and make sure that you have enough room. You will have better control when your posture is correct, and it will also keep you from straining your back.
Hold the Pen Correctly
Hold the pen between your index finger and thumb, with the barrel of the pen resting comfortably on the middle finger. The grip should be loose and feel comfortable for you.
Be Conscious of Your Writing
Most of us are thinking about what we are writing rather than how we are writing. In order to change your penmanship, you will have to become conscious of how you craft each letter. This will train you to eventually write this way automatically.
Avoid Writing with Your Fingers
A lot of people write with their fingers, which means that they end up “drawing” the letters. Instead, the majority of movement should be in the forearm and shoulder. This may feel odd at first, but, with enough practice, it will soon become second nature. Pulling the pen up and down the sheet of paper rather than pushing it will also help your writing become more fluid.
Try Not to Get Frustrated
Retraining your arm and hand will take some time. Don’t become dejected about your slow progress. Perfect penmanship doesn’t happen overnight. The “practice makes perfect” motto is completely true when it comes to perfecting your handwriting.
Take Your Time
A good amount of bad handwriting can be fixed easily by simply slowing down. If there is no need for a rush, take your time and concentrate on making each letter look nice.
Practice in the Air
Many professionals recommend drawing big letters in the air to practice using your shoulder to write. You should feel the muscles in your back, chest, shoulder, and arm working as you write. When you become comfortable with this, practice making smaller letters in the air.
Pick Up a Handwriting Course Book
There are plenty of good course books out there for you to work through and improve your penmanship. If you are simply trying to make your writing more legible, the National Adult Literacy Association has an excellent guide. Those who are looking to take their writing to the next level may be interested in learning what it takes to create beautiful calligraphy.
Good Handwriting Still Matters!
Even though we live in a technology-driven age, our handwriting is still important. For instance, research shows that writing things by hand could help a person’s learning and cognitive function. Even if most of our writing is done on keyboards, handwriting is still an essential skill to have.