Profile piece

Definition

A profile piece is a type of journalistic writing that offers an in-depth look at a person, often highlighting their background, achievements, and personality. This style of storytelling allows readers to connect emotionally with the subject by exploring their motivations, challenges, and unique traits, making it a powerful tool in sports journalism to showcase athletes or figures within the sports world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profile pieces often incorporate interviews with the subject and those close to them, providing multiple perspectives that enrich the narrative.
2. These pieces aim to humanize athletes by revealing their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs outside of their professional achievements.
3. A well-written profile piece engages readers by creating vivid imagery and emotional resonance, pulling them into the life of the subject.
4. The best profile pieces often include anecdotes that illustrate key traits or moments in the subject's life, making them relatable and memorable.
5. Profile pieces can serve to highlight important social issues or themes in sports, such as perseverance, identity, or community impact.

Review Questions

• How does a profile piece differ from other forms of sports journalism in terms of its approach to storytelling?
  • A profile piece differs from other forms of sports journalism by focusing on the individual rather than just reporting scores or events. It takes a deeper dive into the subject's life, presenting a narrative that includes personal experiences and emotions. Unlike traditional news articles that prioritize factual reporting, profile pieces aim to create a connection between the reader and the subject through rich storytelling and character exploration.
• What techniques can writers use in profile pieces to ensure they capture the essence of their subjects effectively?
  • Writers can use various techniques such as conducting thorough interviews to gather firsthand accounts and quotes from the subject and those around them. Incorporating descriptive language helps paint a vivid picture of the person's life experiences. Additionally, using anecdotes allows writers to highlight key moments that define the subject's character, making them relatable. All these methods contribute to crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.
• Evaluate how profile pieces can impact an athlete's public perception and contribute to broader conversations in sports culture.
  • Profile pieces can significantly influence an athlete's public perception by presenting them as multi-dimensional individuals rather than just competitors. By sharing personal stories and challenges faced, these articles can foster empathy and connection with fans. Furthermore, they can spark broader discussions about important themes such as mental health, social justice, or community involvement within sports culture. This not only humanizes athletes but also encourages audiences to engage with pressing issues beyond the field.

Related terms

Feature Story: A feature story is a detailed article that focuses on a specific aspect of an event or a person's life, emphasizing storytelling and human interest rather than just reporting facts.

Character Development:

Character development refers to the process of creating a complex and relatable character in writing, allowing readers to understand their motivations and growth over time.

Narrative Structure: Narrative structure is the organized framework that defines how a story is told, including the sequence of events, perspectives, and emotional arcs involved.