An artistic and copperplate script conveys the impression that the writer has old-fashioned values, likes elegant presentation, and aims for high educational standards.

The signature is always the public face of the writer. In this case, it is slightly larger than the text, showing he is conscious of how he comes across, and this is reinforced by the elegant paraph (flourish) underneath.

The upward sloping lines show an ambitious and positive attitude - he is someone who expects to get good results, and the left margin widening towards the right shows his impatience to do so. The rightward tendency in the upper zone shows that he can promote his beliefs, ideals or goals.

The care and attention to presentation, the accuracy of the diacritics (i dots and t crosses) and the evenness of the base line in the middle zone, show he is good at keeping control and operating in a logical andanalytical fashion. If he makes a statement, he has thought it through and intends it to carry weight.

The emphasis of the script is in the middle zone, indicating that he makes sure current issues are dealt with appropriately.

Sir Bob Balchin is deputy chair of Goldsmiths College, University of London It’s a bit like a horoscope in that one always likes to believe it applies to oneself. I recognise some of the characteristics, and I suppose it it is fairly accurate.

I was taught italic handwriting by a first-class teacher at primary school when I was nine or 10. Calligraphic handwriting is becoming rarer - I like to think I am doing my bit to keep it alive.

Elaine Quigley and Sir Bob Balchin were talking to Harvey McGavin. Does someone you know have unusual handwriting? Send an example - including his or her signature - on unlined paper with contact details to Jill Craven, Friday magazine, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX