The tight script shows this man likes his privacy, while the right slant shows he is receptive but only in the professional sense. The script is too closed to allow people a clear picture of what he is thinking.

Hard-to-read writing usually means the writer doesn’t want to communicate personally, preferring to listen and observe. The signature is unclear, but the large loop on the first name signals pride in achievements won through hard work and enterprise. However, everything about this writing is minimalist.

This man does not promote himself loudly. He will be recognised by his knowledge and ability to call the shots, but people will not really know how he feels or too much about his life in general.

Wide spaces between words show a brain which excludes distractions and concentrates on priorities. The simplified downstrokes show impatience - he wants things done yesterday - bt some curved end-strokes to the words allow social fluency when appropriate. This style of script usually denotes a scientific or mathematical ability. Generally, he is a man of few words, but those he offers will be telling.

Alan Wells is director of the Basic Skills Agency I am not sure whether anyone I know would agree with the analysis but I think it is fairly accurate. Often I don’t know what I’m thinking, so it’s not surprising that no one else does.

Few would think listening skills were one of my main talents - I’m certainly impatient. I would question one conclusion: I failed science O-level and passed maths only after more attempts than it took to conquer Everest.

Elaine Quigley was talking to Harvey McGavin. Does someone you know have unusual handwriting? Send an example of at least 100 words - with their signature - on unlined paper with contact details to Jill Craven, Friday magazine, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX