ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF

Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr, man with a messy signature.

Is your signature so scruffy it could be confused for a toddler's scribble? Perhaps your letters are clear and uniform. According a handwriting expert, a person's signature is unique and can reveal clues to an individual's personality.

Messy signatures made the headlines when it transpired that Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr's messy scrawl annoyed his mother Shona. She ordered him to practice his handwriting.

"A signature is a mirror to how you portray your image to the outside world," says Auckland forensic graphologist Mike Maran, and when reviewed in conjunction with a body of handwriting, its appearance can say a lot.

"People with an illegible signature may have a desire to avoid appointments or commitment," says Maran. "It can also show a desire to hide behind their true self or not to reveal their true personality."

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In some people an indecipherable signature can be an indicator of high intelligence. "Or it can be a sign of rudeness, saying their time is more important than yours".

Is your signature readable? If not, it may be a sign you're trying to hide your true self.

But in many cases a scrawled signature may not be so mystifying. "It can simply point to a busy person who is signing off documents all day and their signature may become a scribble because of time constraints".

In comparison, a signature that is legible says to the reader that the signee is "trustworthy and genuine because they are showing off their true name".

He says those who write their name with large, bold letters are usually people who like to show off and enjoy the limelight. While small writing can point towards someone with a secretive personality. These people are also more likely to be able to concentrate for long periods of time.

The slope of the letters can also reveal certain characteristics. "People with a right handed slant are more extroverted and a slant that goes left usually belongs to people who are introverted or are dwelling on the past."

Registered psychologist Sara Chatwin, of MindWorks, says there are lot of factors that influence a signature's appearance, and maybe we shouldn't be too quick to judge.

"Sometimes a person could be rushed or tired and just want to get it done. There are so many extraneous variables when it comes to the look of a signature."

She says a person's age can also come into play. "If we've been writing a signature for a number of years we may become used to the process and that may make us a little lethargic or relaxed with its appearance."

 - Stuff