Great strategist who favours an argument
By Emma Bache
In the third in an occasional series for The Times, Emma Bache, our resident graphologist, delivers her verdict on David James.
David James CV
David James, 65, is one of the UK's best-known corporate rescue specialists. He famously lifted the lid on the Iraqi supergun affair after uncovering suspect parts at a subsidiary of Eagle Trust, the company he was chairing. He was called in by the Government to save the Millennium Dome from premature closure. Other assignments have included Dan Air, British Shoe Corporation and LEP, the security and logistics company. His interests include art, opera, cricket and racehorses.
THIS eye-catchingly dynamic handwriting is markedly angular in formation, which denotes a writer who favours logic, facts and a ferociously good argument over any form of compromise. Disciplined and steadfast, they are not one to change their mind easily.
However, there is also a pronounced right slant which modifies any tyrannical traits as there are certainly excellent communication skills in the broadest sense and a real willingness to swap ideas and experiences with others.
There is a passionate streak to the writer in that they are quick to react or overreact. Compassionate and excitable, they make lively companions. Although the middle zone letters are small, there is a careful balance of upper and lower zones that underlines stability and inner equilibrium. The tall strokes and connecting strokes into the upper zone show the writer’s independence of thought as well as clear cut and penetrating ambition. Despite this forward thinking and purposeful approach to life, there is also an endearing modesty which enables them to put any personal needs to one side in favour of more far reaching goals.
There is frequent retracing of strokes in the upper and lower zone letters which is a strong indicator of repression and inhibition. In such an obviously high calibre of intellect, these tendencies are likely to relate to a long-held fear of failure and ridicule, the seeds of which are sown in childhood but often result in a highly ambitious and even spiritually aspiring adult.
The retracing or covering strokes in the lower zone result from tension that the writer feels as he unconsciously denies basic instincts.
Tension always needs an outlet and the occasional ink-filled oval shows that the writer can have sudden outbursts of temper. In fact there is an earthy intensity about them which also proffers an excellent sense of humour and, when relaxed, an ability to enjoy all the pleasures of life.
It is interesting to note that the spacing within the words themselves is narrow and quite cramped at the beginning of the letter and gradually uncoils and lengthens as the writer relaxes. This too is indicative of how they personally relate to others exhibiting caution and restraint on first meeting. They are, however, their own fiercest critics and when they display a cutting sarcasm or sharp tongue, they may merely be reflecting how they feel about themselves. It would be a dullard indeed who took any long-term offence at such spirited communication from a restless mind.
The long and sloping “t” bars, which can cover an entire word, are self protective and point to a barely concealed feeling of unease and fear of the future. Certainly there is much anxiety in this writing — note the retraced loops and even a slight descending baseline. This can be either tiredness, a transitory feeling of disappointment or both. Either way here is someone who is finding it very difficult to relax at this point in their life, however good they are at appearing the opposite.
This writer can be emotionally inhibited on a one-to-one basis, but at work they are the great strategist and activist.