Signatures...

As we have discussed, signatures can play an important role in your professional life.  A sloppy signature, a "printed" signature, or a "crazy" signature can affect your job search, college application, or loan applications -- and if you don't have a consistent signature, your bank may not even allow you to write a check.

There are many sites out there wish suggestions for "better signatures" but really, a smooth, cursive, consistent signature works best.

A very famous signature appears no the U.S. Constitution.  It became so famous, in fact, that people will still tell you [over 200 years later] to "Put your 'John Hancock' right here on this line."

Another famous signature (Walt Disney) was the inspiration for the "Disney" font used throughout the Disney corporation.

 

President Obama has a distinctive signature because the first letters of his first and last name encircle part of each word -- and they are very prominent.

 Sometimes you can make your signature more personal by addition little flourishes, but be careful because some older, "stuffier" people will see it as unprofessional or immature.

 And while you can have a very flamboyant  signature with loops and curls, remember that you have to sign your name the same each time.  So don't over-complicate it.

 

Finally, don't over-simplify your signature either.  Occasionally you will have to sign in for something... or sign equipment out... and if they can't read your signature you may be in trouble.  This particular signature belongs to Eoin Colfer:

So for today, I want you to practice your signature.  Here is a sample "Cursive Letters" chart, but remember that you don't have to use these particular styles:

Use this "Professional Signature Practice Page" to work on a professional signature:

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