How to Write Faster and Neater

Handwriting is a lost art form. The speed and tidiness of word processing has rendered many people unable to write legibly and efficiently. Even in our technologically advanced generation, this has its repercussions. The obvious inconvenience is heavy reliance on computers; however, what’s more significant is the loss of the physical act of turning thoughts into characters, which is a powerful kinaesthetic method of connecting our mind with our words and producing better writing.

Although it’s physically impossible to write faster than you can type, honing your penmanship is a fine way to display the sophistication and effectiveness of your character. Here are some tips you can easily try out to improve your writing.

1. Use the Tripod Grip

While there are numerous ways of holding a pen, it’s been tested and proven that the traditional tripod grip is the most efficient. This grip offers the most precise control while exerting the minimal amount of energy. Simply grip the pen between your thumb and index finger, supporting it with the side of your middle finger just above the top knuckle.

2. Write Lightly

Do you write so darkly that the imprints burn through to the other side of the page? This is the leading cause of slow writing, and it also results in writer’s cramp. By writing hard, you stress your fingers and your wrist, thus obstructing the fluidity of your hand movements. Writing lightly goes hand-in-hand with holding the pen lightly. Avoid tightening up your grip and your writing will naturally become quicker and freer.

3. Keep Your Wrist Straight

Your fingers should be moving to create the words, and your arms should be moving to glide the pen across the page, but your wrist needs to remain in a straight, neutral position. Using wrist movements to write applies muscle strain, and so does planting the wrist firmly on the table.

4. Get a Nice Pen

A high-quality pen is simply a joy to write with. It’s much better to invest in one nice pen rather than a pack of standard ones. You don’t need an expensive fountain pen, although many writers’ recommend them for their free-flowing ink. What you want is a pen with ink which flows with the slightest effort and a grip is neither too thin nor too hefty.

When I write an article for this blog, I always manually handwrite the first draft. Although this might seem inconvenient, it’s much easier for me to brainstorm and organize my thoughts when I’m working with something tangible. Word processing obviously offers many editing and material advantages, but it doesn’t replace the intimate experience of writing.

Photo by ThisParticularGreg