This is a common statement which has its roots in the type of writing classes taught in the American schools. It is based on an ornate British style of writing resulting from a delicate pen nib dipped in ink. (See illustration) When pressure is placed upon the pen, the nib splits open, thus creating a thicker line in contrast to the thin line which is usual with very little pressure on the pen. Students spent much time drawing circles and vertical lines to become competent in this style. The letter forms have lots of loops, and many flourishes, none of which suit our need for clear, speedy writing today with a ball point pen.
The original style was known as Copperplate or Spenserian, both of Victorian origin. The term "Copperplate" means engraving on a copper plate which was used in printing presses. This style of writing was taught to the Colonial children who labored for hours over their writing samplers.
Today’s schools teach the Palmer Method, or Zaner Bloser, both British based. Strangely enough, neither of these styles has been taught in England for many years. Italic is the choice there; it is an elegant hand of Italian origin; slanted, legible, and taught as a printed style in the primary grades. The letters are then connected in the upper grades. The result is a very consistent and contemporary style, suited to rapid writing and legibility.Here in the U.S., primary grade children are taught to print using vertical lines and full circles. (By the way, the circle is one of the most difficult shapes to draw.) Then in the fourth grade, the students must switch to slanted, connected, and looped letters based on an oval. The ball point pen is totally inappropriate for this ornate style created for an engraver’s tool or a delicate "dip" pen. This writing style disintegrates during hurried note-taking in college. Many people have switched to simple printing, which is easy to read, and with practice, can be written rapidly.
Roman writing discovered in the ruins of Pompeiin walls (the first graffiti) was all capitals (upper case) with no connecting lines. As writers speeded up their lettering, they connected some letters, and began to slant to the right. Try dropping the loops from your writing, or simply printing. Use upper and lower case for better legibility, with slanted lines and oval shapes. You could also take a course in Italic calligraphy. Then use a fountain pen with a broad edge to enhance the look or your writing. Good Luck!If you wish a professional analysis of your writing and specific ideas on how to make it more legible, send me a page of your usual writing and a check for $25.00. After following my suggestions for three months, send me a second page, and I will analyze it and send further comments and suggestions. If you focus on your writing and practice, you can definitely improve your handwriting.
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