Online Free Help Although most people receive some kind of training in proper handwriting technique as small children, we often let go of those lessons as we grow up. Especially in an age when communication and note-taking have moved increasingly to computers and cell phones, many people find themselves in a situation where their handwriting is completely illegible. Even if your writing is clear enough to understand, there's always room for improvement. Method 1 Preparing to Write 1 Gather the best materials. All you need is a piece of paper and either a pen or a pencil — it seems simple enough, right? However, poor quality materials can make a significant impact on the legibility of your writing. The page should be smooth — not rough enough to catch the tip of your pen and create snags in the line of your letters, and not so smooth that the tip of your pen goes sliding about without your control. Use lined paper sized appropriately for your c...