The benefits of writing by hand | Katie McCleary | TEDxEustis

Summary

This engaging talk highlights the transformative power of handwriting, focusing on its ability to improve focus, critical thinking, and personal connection. The speaker shares their experience with diverse groups, encouraging them to write freely without judgment. By comparing handwriting to digital writing, the talk emphasizes how pen-and-paper activates deeper cognitive processes and helps filter distractions. The story of Derek, a busy business leader who benefits from the practice, illustrates how this simple act can reconnect individuals to their values and improve their leadership. Ultimately, the speaker urges the audience to embrace handwriting for clearer thinking and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing by hand improves cognitive processes by engaging different neurosensory experiences and fine motor skills.
• 😀 Handwriting helps focus and filters out distractions, allowing for deeper connections between thoughts and experiences.
• 😀 Handwriting is unique to the individual, like fingerprints, creating a personal and meaningful connection to what is written.
• 😀 In a noisy world, handwriting helps us focus on what truly matters by slowing down and engaging critically with our thoughts.
• 😀 Expressive writing is a transformative practice that can benefit people from various walks of life, from students to professionals.
• 😀 Writing by hand is a slower, more intentional process than typing or texting, which leads to better thought synthesis and deeper understanding.
• 😀 Educational research supports that students learn and retain better when they write by hand, compared to using digital tools.
• 😀 Writing by hand disrupts the 'thought worm' explosion in your brain, helping you focus and make meaningful connections.
• 😀 The act of writing by hand can be a powerful tool for emotional connection, self-reflection, and leadership development.
• 😀 The process of writing by hand fosters critical thinking, encourages deep focus, and allows for a deeper connection to personal stories and goals.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker’s talk?

The main message of the speaker's talk is that writing by hand, as opposed to typing or texting, is a powerful tool for improving cognitive processes, deepening personal reflection, and creating meaningful connections with one's thoughts and emotions.

Why does the speaker emphasize handwriting over digital writing?

The speaker emphasizes handwriting because it engages different cognitive processes, such as fine motor skills and neurosensory experiences, which typing on a screen or using a keyboard does not. Handwriting is slower, more deliberate, and uniquely personal, which helps in creating deeper, more meaningful connections.

What cognitive benefits are associated with handwriting?

Handwriting improves critical thinking by helping to focus attention, organizing thoughts better, and filtering out distractions. Research shows that handwritten notes lead to better comprehension and memory retention compared to typing on a device.

What are 'thought worms' and how do they relate to the writing process?

'Thought worms' are a metaphor for the numerous associations that arise from a single thought. Writing by hand allows a person to sift through these thought worms, filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on what truly matters, which aids in clearer thinking and reflection.

How did Derek's experience with handwriting influence his leadership?

Derek's experience with handwriting led him to reconnect with meaningful memories, such as his mother stirring a pot with a red spatula. This emotional connection helped him reflect on his leadership style, making him more humble, useful, and focused on being of service to others.

What does the speaker mean by saying handwriting is 'sacred'?

The speaker refers to handwriting as 'sacred' because it is deeply personal and meaningful. Just like a signature, it represents an ethical commitment and reflects one's individuality, making the writing process not just an act of recording thoughts, but an expression of the self.

How does writing by hand help in reducing distractions?

Writing by hand helps reduce distractions by forcing the writer to slow down and focus on the task at hand. Unlike typing, which often leads to multitasking and distraction (e.g., checking social media), handwriting requires full attention, which helps increase focus and minimize external influences.

What does the speaker suggest about modern education’s focus on digital writing?

The speaker acknowledges the importance of preparing students for a digital world but emphasizes the need to balance this with teaching critical thinking skills. Handwriting helps students make deeper connections with what they learn, which is essential for problem-solving and deeper understanding.

What research supports the benefits of handwriting in education?

Educational researchers have found that students who take notes by hand learn and comprehend better than those who use digital devices. This is because handwriting involves more active engagement with the material, which leads to better memory retention and understanding.

What impact did the writing activity have on Derek’s business mindset?

Derek's writing activity helped him reflect on his role as a leader. It allowed him to reassess how he shows up in the world, focusing on being of value to others. This reflection shifted his mindset, making him a better leader who is more intentional and emotionally attuned to his actions.