What Is a Labored Signature?

Writers commonly use the term "labored signature" to refer to signatures that appear shaky, awkward or forced, rather than natural or flowing. One sign of a labored signature is inconsistency in letter formation -- forming the same letter differently in different places, even if only slightly. Several factors contribute to signatures exhibiting a labored effect.

Forgery

• Forged signatures often appear labored; that is, they appear as though the writer exerted great effort to make them as authentic-looking as possible. People sign their own signatures quickly, not beginning and ending with bold lines as if the writer pressed the pen down first and then slowly formed the letters. Forged signatures are often more readable, although their strokes appear quivery and unstable.

Age or Level of Education

• Beginner writers cannot produce natural, flowing signatures. Kindergartners sign in typical labored fashion: shaky, crooked, slanted and sometimes even illegible. They lack the effortlessness in signing only practice can bring. Likewise, illiterate adults with little educational training struggle to sign their names naturally, as well as adults learning a second language with a foreign alphabet.

Disability

• Individuals with hand motor skill problems may find writing difficult, and therefore their signatures may appear labored. Similarly, a person with a temporary disability that impedes the use of his natural writing hand, such as a broken arm, will produce a labored signature. Generally, unless he is ambidextrous, any person trying to write with his left hand when he is naturally right-handed will labor over his signature.

Emotional and Mental Factors

• Whether as a result of a permanent disability or a temporary situation, stress and anxiety can also affect a person's handwriting, making it appear labored. Researchers at the University of Texas found that people writing in stressful situations exhibited small changes in the features of their handwriting.