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I believe the power of the pen takes two forms:
In the work environment, there is no substitute for performance but there are many other factors that contribute to the whole. Identifying a wash list is fairly easy, including personal appearance, demeanor, job knowledge, and credibility to name a few. When a business or technical meeting is on the calendar, the kind where an important decision is pending or you need to make a strong impression, we generally try to present ourselves in the best possible professional way. Choosing a writing instrument appropriate to the occasion, one that compliments the rest of your personal ÒpresentationÓ and suggests you consider written material important, will make a favorable contribution. We all know about Òpower ties,Ó the Òbusiness look,Ó so why doesnÕt it follow to add a power pen ? Frankly, it does ! That instrument makes a direct statement that you care about what you write, you are inclined to attend to the details, and it can generate some beneficial discussion. YouÕd be surprised how many people notice and want to talk about fine writing instruments. And by the way, in a short time youÕll begin to see other people in your organization using a nice pen. IÕm not going to recommend a particular companyÕs products here. ItÕs safe to say that Mont BlancÕs jewel-top pens are almost the default power pen these days, almost to the point they are too common. There are many other manufacturers that make quality writing instruments that will serve well in the power pen role, including Waterman, Pelikan, Parker, Sheaffer, Namiki, S.T. Dupont, and Visconti (see http://tech-writer.net/penmanufacturers.html for a more complete list) .
As with any writing instrument, the pen should feel comfortable and you should use it so you are familiar with it for writing. The intent may be image-oriented in this case, but you will be called upon to write with it and do not want to appear nervous or unfamiliar about it. The words on paperÉ Edward Bulwer-Lytton had it right, ÒThe pen is mightier than the sword.Ó There is no substitute for having the ability to put thoughts on paper. In this era of automation, emails, and the impersonal, handwritten correspondence gets attention - as well it should. Choose your writing instruments, stationery, develop your handwriting skills, and have at those elected representatives and business associates. Then take a quiet break and send a letter to a friend. The benefits ? More than you might imagine possible.
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Penmanship >
The Power of the Pen
While
I much prefer the fountain pen for general writing, a
suitable gel ink pen is more convenient for meetings
or technical discussions. My personal
choice is the Waterford Kilbarry (guilloche - red shown),
but I routinely opt for others too. When possible, I carry a matched
set, i.e., fountain pen and gel roller. The Pelikan 600
series is a
convenient size for
men or women, usually offered as a fountain pen, rollerball,
and ballpoint (install a Parker gel refill in these),
and available in various prices
ranging upward for the precious metal or limited editions.
The pen chosen will depend on personal preference, of
course, but tend to the conservative
designs.