Profile pieces

Definition

Profile pieces are a type of journalistic writing that focus on an individual, offering an in-depth look at their life, personality, and experiences. These pieces often include interviews, anecdotes, and detailed descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the subject, creating a connection with the audience. They are useful for developing story ideas that highlight unique perspectives and human interest aspects, making them compelling for readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profile pieces require extensive research and often involve multiple interviews with the subject and those around them to provide depth.
2. These pieces typically blend elements of storytelling and journalism, using descriptive language to engage readers emotionally.
3. A successful profile piece not only informs but also entertains, revealing something new about the subject that may not be widely known.
4. Writers must balance objectivity with personal insights when crafting profile pieces to ensure authenticity while maintaining journalistic integrity.
5. They are particularly effective in showcasing diverse voices and experiences, allowing underrepresented individuals to share their stories with a broader audience.

Review Questions

• What are the essential elements that should be included in a profile piece to effectively capture the subject's essence?
  • To effectively capture the essence of the subject in a profile piece, essential elements include detailed descriptions of their personality and environment, engaging anecdotes that illustrate their experiences, and insightful quotes from interviews. These components work together to create a vivid narrative that draws readers in and helps them connect with the subject on a personal level. Balancing factual information with storytelling is key to making the profile both informative and engaging.
• How do profile pieces differ from traditional news articles in terms of style and purpose?
  • Profile pieces differ from traditional news articles mainly in style and purpose. While traditional news articles focus on delivering factual information quickly and concisely, profile pieces take a more narrative approach, exploring the life and experiences of an individual in depth. The purpose of profile pieces is not just to inform but to engage readers emotionally and provide insights into the subject's character and life journey, making it a more immersive experience for the audience.
• Evaluate how profile pieces can contribute to the development of story ideas within journalism by highlighting unique perspectives.
  • Profile pieces play a significant role in developing story ideas within journalism by highlighting unique perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. By focusing on individual stories, they can uncover broader social issues or cultural themes through personal narratives. This approach enriches the journalistic landscape by adding depth and context to reporting, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of complex topics. Ultimately, these profiles can inspire further stories that explore related themes or other individuals' experiences in similar contexts.

Related terms

Feature Writing: A style of journalism that goes beyond hard news to explore stories in a more narrative form, often focusing on people, events, or issues.

Human Interest Story: A type of news story that emphasizes the emotional aspect of a person’s experience, aiming to evoke sympathy or interest from the audience.

Narrative Structure: The organizational framework that structures the storyline of a piece of writing, which can be crucial in profile pieces to maintain reader engagement.