✍️Feature Writing Unit 12 – Writing Profiles and Personality Pieces

What's a Profile Anyway?

• Profiles are in-depth, engaging journalistic pieces that explore the life, character, and experiences of a particular person
• Aim to provide readers with a comprehensive, intimate understanding of the subject's personality, motivations, and unique qualities
• Often focus on individuals who have achieved notable success, overcome significant challenges, or possess fascinating life stories
• Can range in length from brief character sketches to extensive, multi-part features
• Require extensive research, interviews, and keen observation skills to capture the essence of the subject
• Should offer insights into the subject's background, upbringing, and formative experiences that have shaped their identity
• Strive to present a balanced, nuanced portrayal of the subject, highlighting both their strengths and vulnerabilities
• Ultimately seek to create a compelling, emotionally resonant narrative that connects with readers on a human level

Finding the Perfect Subject

• Identify individuals with unique, compelling life stories or experiences that will captivate readers
• Consider subjects who have achieved notable success in their field, overcome significant obstacles, or possess unusual talents or expertise
• Look for subjects with a strong sense of purpose, passion, or mission that drives their actions and decisions
• Seek out individuals whose experiences or perspectives challenge conventional wisdom or offer fresh insights into familiar topics
• Consider the subject's willingness to open up and share their story, as well as their availability for interviews and follow-up
• Evaluate the potential impact of the subject's story on readers, and whether it will resonate with the target audience
• Ensure that the subject's experiences or achievements are verifiable and can be substantiated through research and fact-checking
  • This may involve consulting public records, news articles, or other reliable sources to confirm key details

Research and Prep: Digging Deep

• Conduct thorough background research on the subject, including their personal history, professional achievements, and public image
  • Consult a variety of sources, such as news articles, social media profiles, and public records, to gather comprehensive information
• Identify key themes, turning points, or defining moments in the subject's life that will serve as the foundation for the profile
• Develop a list of potential interview questions that explore the subject's motivations, challenges, and personal growth
  • Craft open-ended questions that encourage the subject to share detailed anecdotes and reflections
• Familiarize yourself with the subject's field of expertise or area of achievement to ask informed, relevant questions
• Investigate any controversies, setbacks, or criticisms surrounding the subject to ensure a balanced, objective portrayal
• Reach out to the subject's colleagues, friends, or family members to gain additional insights and perspectives
• Organize your research findings into a coherent outline or structure that will guide your writing process
• Anticipate potential challenges or sensitive topics that may arise during the interview process, and develop strategies to address them tactfully

Interview Techniques That Rock

• Establish a rapport with the subject by expressing genuine interest in their story and creating a comfortable, conversational atmosphere
• Begin with warm-up questions that put the subject at ease and encourage them to open up about their experiences
• Use active listening skills, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions, to demonstrate engagement and encourage the subject to share more
• Ask open-ended questions that invite the subject to provide detailed, reflective responses rather than simple yes-or-no answers
• Be prepared to deviate from your prepared questions when the subject shares an interesting anecdote or insight that warrants further exploration
• Encourage the subject to provide specific examples or stories that illustrate their experiences, challenges, or achievements
• Pay attention to the subject's body language, tone of voice, and emotional responses, as these can provide valuable insights into their character and motivations
• Allow for moments of silence or reflection, giving the subject space to gather their thoughts and share more deeply

Crafting a Killer Opening

• Begin with a compelling anecdote, quote, or description that immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the profile
• Use vivid, sensory details to create a strong sense of place, character, or atmosphere that draws the reader into the story
• Introduce the subject in a way that highlights their unique qualities, achievements, or challenges, piquing the reader's curiosity to learn more
• Establish the central theme or question that the profile will explore, giving readers a sense of the story's direction and purpose
• Avoid clichéd or generic openings that fail to distinguish the subject or engage the reader's interest
• Consider using a non-linear structure, such as beginning with a pivotal moment or flashback, to create intrigue and anticipation
• Ensure that the opening seamlessly leads into the body of the profile, providing a natural transition into the subject's story
  • This may involve foreshadowing key events or themes that will be explored in greater depth later in the piece

Bringing Characters to Life

• Use vivid, sensory details to create a strong sense of the subject's physical presence, mannerisms, and unique qualities
  • Describe the subject's appearance, gestures, and facial expressions in a way that captures their essence and personality
• Incorporate direct quotes that reveal the subject's voice, perspective, and way of thinking, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level
• Provide insights into the subject's background, upbringing, and formative experiences that have shaped their character and worldview
• Highlight the subject's strengths, talents, and achievements, as well as their vulnerabilities, challenges, and personal growth
• Use anecdotes and stories to illustrate key moments or turning points in the subject's life, creating a sense of narrative arc and development
• Explore the subject's relationships with others, including family, friends, colleagues, or mentors, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their character
• Avoid one-dimensional or stereotypical portrayals, instead presenting a nuanced, multi-faceted depiction of the subject's personality and experiences
• Show, rather than tell, by using concrete examples and descriptions that allow readers to draw their own conclusions about the subject's character

Structuring Your Profile

• Organize the profile into a clear, logical structure that guides readers through the subject's story in a compelling, engaging way
• Begin with a strong opening that introduces the subject and establishes the central theme or question of the profile
• Use a combination of chronological and thematic elements to create a sense of narrative flow and development
  • This may involve presenting the subject's story in a linear fashion, while also exploring key themes or topics in greater depth
• Incorporate background information, anecdotes, and quotes strategically throughout the piece to provide context and insight into the subject's character and experiences
• Use transitions and subheadings to guide readers smoothly between different sections or topics, maintaining a cohesive, unified narrative
• Build towards a climax or turning point in the subject's story, creating a sense of tension, resolution, or personal growth
• Conclude with a strong, memorable ending that ties together the central themes of the profile and leaves readers with a lasting impression of the subject
  • This may involve a final anecdote, quote, or reflection that encapsulates the subject's essence or impact

Polishing Your Piece

• Review your draft for clarity, coherence, and logical flow, ensuring that each section builds upon the previous one and contributes to the overall narrative
• Eliminate any redundant or extraneous information that detracts from the central focus of the profile
• Tighten your language by removing any unnecessary words, phrases, or sentences that do not serve a clear purpose
• Vary your sentence structure and length to create a dynamic, engaging reading experience
  • Use a mix of short, punchy sentences and longer, more complex ones to maintain reader interest and momentum
• Ensure that your writing is free of grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing that could distract from the content
• Pay attention to your word choice, using precise, evocative language that captures the subject's unique qualities and experiences
• Read your piece aloud to identify any awkward or clunky passages that need revision
• Seek feedback from trusted readers or editors who can provide constructive criticism and help you refine your writing
  • Consider their suggestions carefully, but ultimately trust your own instincts and voice as a writer