7.4 LINE SPACING

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Spacing between lines of writing is another feature that can often be gathered by a quick glance, and it shows how important it is for the analyst to have a sizable sample of a person’s writing. Otherwise, this important feature of line spacing could not be noted.

Here are various examples:

CLOSE SPACING:

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Here, the lines are practically compressed together, representing a person whose thoughts are equally cluttered. This shows someone overanxious to express himself, fearful that he cannot get enough into the space allowed, just as he might try to talk fast.

When the letters of one line actually encroach into the next, it shows that the writer has practically forgotten what he just wrote, or he wouldn’t be jumbling into it.

AVERAGE SPACING:

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This shows a clarity of thought, a person who meets issues as they come along and is never hasty about pressing his ideas on others. In some instances, it may indicate too casual an outlook, too easy an acceptance of things, but on the whole it is a sign of good balance, unless other features of the handwriting contradict this.

WIDE SPACING:

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Much emphasis has been given to such spacing as a symbol of great minds, and it is true that many famous personalities have preferred this style. Usually, however, such notables are writing on important subjects and therefore are more careful and methodical in their writing.

Also, as in the case of speeches or essays, the space between the lines is intended as an allowance for changes and other notations. Unquestionably, wide spacing is inspired by a feeling of importance. But in most cases it simply shows a person of careful nature, who attaches much weight to everything he says and is often not only brief, but cautious in his statements. Wide spacing, it should be noted, enables few words to take the place of many—a good index to the writer’s character.

EVEN SPACED:

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This should be carefully checked when analyzing the space in between lines. Even spacing—whether cramped, average, or wide shows a person with fair judgment. When spacing; Boy, they show a mind swayed by uncertainty.