Handwriting expert analyzes WRAL anchors' writing

Handwriting expert Regina Undorfer analyzed handwriting samples from three WRAL anchors – David Crabtree, Bill Leslie and Debra Morgan. She also answered 10 questions from WRAL viewers.

Regina asked each anchor write a paragraph (at least eight sentences long) on a blank piece of printer paper with an ink pen. The subject matter and spelling were not important, she said. The anchors were asked to write in cursive using their most spontaneous, comfortable handwriting. After writing their paragraph, the anchors were asked to sign their name. The anchors also told Regina if they are right or left handed, their age and sex.

Regina then analyzed their writing samples and looked for elements and patterns that reveal information about their personality and characteristics that each writer unconsciously transmits onto paper. More information about handwriting analysis can be found below the anchors' results. 

David Crabtree

See David's handwriting & Regina's analysis

Bill Leslie

See Bill's handwriting & Regina's analysis

Debra Morgan

See Debra's handwriting & Regina's analysis

Graphology as a science
Graphology, the study of relationship between handwriting traits and personality traits is not at all new. It dates back to early beginnings in Italy (17th century) and later followed by French enthusiasts in the 1800s. The French investigators mostly focused on form hence, the “school of fixed signs” which dominated until the German scientists of the 19th century moved into a more holistic view. This period introduced the works of psychiatrists, physiologists, philosophers, criminologists, and many more persons of science to include a gestalt approach to evaluating handwriting.

Analysis and the analyst
Handwriting analysis is a tool. It must offer objective evaluation of the writing specimen and must above all cause no harm. I tell you this, because any true graphologist or handwriting specialist is bound by code of ethics. The analyst must protect the privacy and well-being of the writer. The analysis is an introspective device to examine patterns of behavior. An analyst who claims certain behaviors are evidenced in any one fixed trait is not a good analyst. In my opinion, the best graphologists are those that continue their education, belong to a handwriting organization, and/or work towards certification in the organization which has earned their respect.

The legality of analyzing handwriting (private and corporate)
Privacy Rights must be respected – legally. When an individual retains an analyst for handwriting evaluation, it is obvious and understood that the client has extended to the analyst permission to give opinion on the handwriting (no privacy violation). If a sample of handwriting that is intended to be personal is obtained and shared without authorization or knowledge, it is not legal to produce the analysis. If the writer is informed that the handwriting will be reviewed by others (including a handwriting analyst) there exists no violation. In the corporate world as an aid in personnel selection, handwriting analysis is done and legal; however, the analysis must only address the job description nothing else. It is a fantastic nondiscriminatory tool. Admissibility of handwriting in court settings fall under handwriting identification or question document work and is governed by Federal Rules of Evidence, Rule #702.