It’s no wonder we’re glued to our laptops, tablets and smartphones at every chance we get, with some questioning the need to even carry a pen and notepad anymore. But don’t put away that ink just yet, because if you think handwriting has no place in modern business you could be missing out.
Here are five reasons why you should bring a pen (and notepad!) to your next meeting:
You retain the information better
A survey by Pilot Pen Australia found that 62% of Australians preferred handwriting lists because they were easier to refer to, while 82% were able to remember something better if they had written it down rather than typed. Another recent study of 650 students in ten different countries found that handwriting was also favoured because of its ability to help them retain more knowledge; with other scientific research by the University of California proving that laptop note taking was less effective than longhand note taking in students because of the tendency to transcribe verbatim rather than process information and reframe in their own words.
It encourages ownership
David Carman, Managing Director of executive training company, Realise Now, believes that taking notes with a pen and paper involves an anchoring process which not only helps retain information, but also gives a sense of ownership that encourages action and follow-through.
You engage better
How many meetings have you been in where people are staring at their phones before it’s even started? Valuable networking opportunities are lost this way, not to mention the distraction that comes from technology devices when you could be really listening, fully present, engaging and connecting with who and what’s happening at that moment.
Back to basics has benefits
It’s easy to get sidetracked by new things: apps, virtual presentations and software; but in doing so we often forget the simple stuff which is where true innovation comes from. So take away the busy tech for a moment and you’ll find inspiration and creativity will come in its place.
It makes a statement
Does a world leader sign a treaty via email confirmation? No, they use a fountain pen! Handwriting has become a choice with pens now a smart accessory, so by using one at your next meeting you’ll show your associates that you mean old-fashioned business and are willing to put pen to paper in a smart and thoughtful manner. You might just rediscover the satisfying joy of writing by hand too, and if you use a Pilot FriXion pen (featuring erasable gel ink) you can even remove your mistakes – just like pressing delete.
Pilot Pen has an extensive range of pens suitable for every writing from simple note-taking to stylish calligraphy, colouring-in, artistic illustration and more. Check out the range at www.pilotpen.com.au