How does a notary public confirm an individual's willingness to sign a document?

The confirmation of an individual's willingness to sign a document is crucial in the notarial process to ensure that the signature is given freely and without any form of coercion. The best practice for a notary public is to directly ask the signer if they are signing voluntarily and without any pressure. This approach allows the notary to assess the signer's state of mind and assesses if they are signing of their own free will, which is a fundamental requirement of notarial acts.

This method focuses on the consent of the signer, ensuring that they fully understand the implications of signing the document and that they are doing so willingly. While other options may provide some insights or context, they do not directly confirm the individual's voluntary intention in a manner that aligns with best practices in notarial duties.

Reading the document aloud could clarify the contents but does not specifically confirm the willingness to sign. Having a witness present may add an additional layer of oversight but does not replace the need for the notary to confirm the signer's consent. Examining body language can provide some cues but is subjective and not a reliable method for confirming willingness. Therefore, the most effective and proper method for a notary public to ensure that an individual is signing willingly involves direct verbal confirmation.