TRAITS AND STROKES

Upper Zone
 Upper Zone
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The upper zone of writing includes the upward
extensions of loops and stems of the bi zonal letters "b", "d", "h", "k", "I" and "t",
the top of the letter "y" (a tri zonal letter), "i" dots, "j" dots and "t" bars, and the
upper portions of capital letters.

INTERPRETATION: The upper zone is related to abstract intellectual and

philosophical interests. Picture intellectual pursuits (e.g., reading, writing, etc.)
as "higher," more abstract activities in contrast to concrete physical and
material drives (e.g., eating, sleeping, etc.) which are "lower," more basic
activities that are essential for our survival.
 Extension Height
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Loop and stem extensions include any parts of letters
which extend into the upper zones, with the exception of the letters "t" and "d".
Measure the height of the letter from the baseline to its top when comparing its
height to the middle zone.

INTERPRETATION: Intellectual and spiritual motivation. Greater height reflects

a greater need for intellectual stimulation and cultivation of mental and spiritual
life.
 "t" Stem Width
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: According to Copybook, upper stems of the letter "t"
should be retraced, rather than looped.

INTERPRETATION: Sensitivity to criticism of performance. Larger loops reflect

more sensitivity to criticism of performance. Picture the loops as open targets
which are vulnerable to being pierced with "arrows" of criticism.
 "d" Stem Width
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: According to Copybook, upper stems of the letter "d"
should be retraced, rather than looped.

INTERPRETATION: Sensitivity to criticism of appearance. Larger loops reflect

more sensitivity to criticism of appearance. Once again, picture the loops as
open targets which are vulnerable to being pierced with "arrows" of criticism.
 "t" Cross Position
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The position of the cross on the "t" often varies within a
sample.

INTERPRETATION: Level of ambition and goal-orientation. Low means fear of

failure, Middle is realism, High is ambition and Above The Stem is lacking in
realism.
 "t" Cross Laterality
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Laterality refers to placement of the "t" cross to the
left, center or right of the stem.

INTERPRETATION: Procrastination versus impatience. Left means

procrastination while Right is impatience.
 "t" Cross Length
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The length of the "t" bars often varies within samples, but
one length may be found more frequently than others.

INTERPRETATION: Enthusiasm. The longer the length, the more the enthusiasm.
 "t" Cross Pressure
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Examine the pressure of the "t" bar. Do not compare
this pressure to the pressure of the rest of the writing.

INTERPRETATION: Willpower, or the ability to exert self-discipline and do the

things which need to be done. The heavier the "t" cross pressure, the stronger the
willpower and the more consistent the pressure, the more consistent the willpower.
Right-handed writers with "t" cross pressure Thinner On The Right are sarcastic
and apt to lose momentum along the way, while left-handed writers become
increasingly energized as projects proceed.
 Unrelated "t" and "d" Items
• "d" Stem Curved
• "t" Stem Separated
• "t" Cross Knotted
• "t" Cross Connected
• "t" Cross Arch
• "t" Cross Bowl
 "d" Stem Curved
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The upper stem of the letter "d" curves to the left.

INTERPRETATION: Has an interest in poetry.

"t" Stem Separated

VISUAL DESCRIPTION: For one or more "t", the stem is separated so that it
looks like there are two stems starting at the bottom which join into one towards
the top.

INTERPRETATION: Stubbornness. Picture the two separated "t" stems as legs

firmly planted apart in order to maximize balance and resolution.
 "t" Cross Knotted
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "t" cross begins at the base of the "t",
swings up and to the left of the "t" stem, and loops back to the right of the
"t" stem.

INTERPRETATION: Persistence. Picture the knot as arms tied around

something and holding on - just like a knot is tied around something to secure
it.
 "t" Cross Connected
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "t" is not really crossed. Instead, the "t" bar stroke
begins at the base of the stem, follows the stem up through the middle zone, then
curves to the right.

INTERPRETATION: Has initiative and may also be aggressive.

 "t" Cross Arch
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Some of the "t" bars are convex in shape and look like
little arches, bending down on the edges.

INTERPRETATION: Using self-control to change behavior. Picture the arch as a

bending bar of steel, illustrating the energy and self-discipline being applied
towards the development of new habits.
 "t" Cross Bowl
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Some of the "t" bars are concave and look like
small, shallow bowls.

INTERPRETATION: Superficiality, or lack of depth. Picture the "t" cross bowl as

a shallow receptacle which is unable to hold much substance.
 Capital Letters
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Compare the height of the capital letters to the
height of the middle zone.

INTERPRETATION: How we see ourselves and the amount of self-confidence

we have. Larger capital letters reflect more self-confidence and self-esteem.
Very small capital letters indicate humility and low self-confidence, while
extremely large capital letters represent an inflated self-image that is unusually
self-confident. Just like capital letters start sentences, self-confidence and self-
esteem are lead components of our basic self-concepts.
 Unrelated Capital "I" Items
• VISUAL DESCRIPTION: There are several ways to
write a capital "I".
• INTERPRETATION: The capital letter "I" shows how the
writer sees him/herself.
• Format
1. Simplified - Single Line
2. Simplified - Crossed
3. Narrow
4. Copybook
5. Circular Formations
6. Reverse Formations
7. Leftward Formations
8. Overly Embellished
9. Below Baseline
 Simplified - Single Line
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" is written as a straight line only.

INTERPRETATION: Sticks to the essentials of life. The stick-figured "I" is

the quickest, most basic way to write a capital "I". Accordingly, the person
who writes that way is efficient and basic in his or her approach to life.
 Simplified - Crossed
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" is written as a straight line with a
perpendicular line crossing the stem on the top and on the bottom.

INTERPRETATION: Intellectually-oriented and derives security from operating

within predictable limitations. Picture the perpendicular lines as boundaries
protecting the person.
 Narrow
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" may have loops, but they are quite thin and the
leftward extension is very short.

INTERPRETATION: Up-tight and experiencing a degree of inner tension or

anxiety. The stroke is tight and so is the person.
 Copybook
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" looks like the Copybook "I".

INTERPRETATION: Possesses good self-control and conforms to societal

norms. Copybook writing is conforming because it is the standard form of
writing taught in school.
 Circular Formations
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" looks like two connected circles.

INTERPRETATION: Self-centered. Picture the circles "turning in on

themselves" just like a self-centered person might.
 Reverse Formations
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" looks like it has a curved claw to the left.

INTERPRETATION: Greed. Picture the curved claw to the left as a grasping claw
or hand, grabbing things to enhance material security (security and the past are
reflected by the left side). See Margins.
 Leftward Formations
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The bottom part of the "I" curves to the left, but the
curved left stroke does not resemble a claw.

INTERPRETATION: Avoidance of responsibility. Picture the person turning

away from responsibility.
 Overly Embellished
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Extra strokes in the forms of curls or other flourishes
are added to the "I" in a variety of combinations.

INTERPRETATION: Creativity to the point of self-absorption. While usually

creative, embellishment reflects added, unnecessary flourishes which fail to
contribute substance to the communication. This, in turn, reflects self-absorption
because the embellishment has more meaning and value to the sender than to
the receiver.
Embellishment Any addition to the Copybook standard of writing which is not needed as a part of the
basic letter form. An extra stroke appended to a letter form which is in excess of Copybook form.
Flourish A decorative stroke used as an accessory to the standard letter form. A curved swinging stroke,
placed either at the beginning or the end of a word, or used as a "t" bar, which calls attention to the
script.
 Below Baseline
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "I" is written below the baseline.

INTERPRETATION: Self-consciousness and/or submissiveness.

Vertical Location of the "i" Dot
VISUAL DESCRIPT ION: Examine the height of the dots on the "i".

INTERPRETATION: Imagination. The higher the "i" dot, the more the
imagination. A low "i" dot reflects attention to factual detail. Overall, the
vertical location of the "i" dot represents a continuum of attention to
abstract versus concrete elements.
 Centering of "i" Dot
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: Imagine a line extending up from the base of the "i" and
note the placement of the dots to the left or right of the line.

INTERPRETATION: Procrastination versus impatience. Left means

procrastination while Right is impatience. Centered is moderately patient while
Mixed vacillates between procrastination and impatience.
 Unrelated "i" Dot Items
• Connected to Following Letter
• Circle, Star, Heart, Cross, etc.
• Dash
• An " " or “ "
• Downward Slash
• Missing
 Connected to Following Letter
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "i" dot is connected to the following letter and is
hard to recognize as a dot.

INTERPRETATION: Inventiveness. Picture the "i" dot connected to the following

letter as a "new connection" since "i" dots are typically written - whatever their
shape - as distinct, unconnected formations. In the same manner, inventiveness
can be considered as making "new connections" between previously
unconnected ideas or inventions.
 Circle, Star, Heart, Cross, etc.
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: A circle, star, heart or cross is used instead of an "i" dot.

INTERPRETATION: Originality. Since "i" dots are usually written as dots, picture an
"i" dot written as a circle, star, heart, cross or other formation as an original "piece
of art."
 Dash
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: A straight, horizontal line is used instead of an "i" dot.

INTERPRETATION: Critical of others. Picture the dash as knife-like criticism

directed outwardly.
 An " " or “ "
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: A " " or " "-shaped formation is used instead of an "i" dot.

INTERPRETATION: A sharp, critical thinker. Picture the " " or " " as a surgeon's
tool used to "cut" ideas into pieces, lay them out and get to the bottom of things.
 Downward Slash
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: A short vertical line is used instead of an "i" dot.

INTERPRETATION: Critical of self. Picture the dash as knife-like criticism

directed towards self.
 Missing
VISUAL DESCRIPTION: The "i" dots are missing.

INTERPRETATION: Inattentive to detail (what you don't see is what you

don't get).