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A profile article entertains and informs, helping readers understand what motivates the subject of the interview, what he or she values and what has most impacted that person's life. Most publications, from newspapers to magazines to websites, regularly feature profiles. Knowing how to craft a profile piece that's engaging and moving can help you break into new markets and provide readers with a glimpse into another person's life, including what they can learn from that person's experiences.



  1. 1
    Start with background research. Compile as much information as you can about your subject before you interview him or her. If the person is a celebrity or is frequently interviewed, they may have a media kit you can request. The kit often includes a bio, resume and possibly copies of other interviews with the subject. You can also conduct an online search for news articles about the person. If you have the person's permission, you may also talk to family, friends or colleagues before the interview. They can offer background information that will help guide you in deciding what questions to ask.
  2. 2
    Decide on an angle. Even with the personality profile category, there are several variations. For example, you may want to take a "day in the life of" angle, where you accompany that person during their daily routine. Your profile would offer a glimpse of what it's like to do that person's job and live his or her life. The focus is more on daily events than on an extensive life story. Or, you can write a life history, starting with the person's childhood and continuing to the present day. This kind of profile includes more details about how and why the person became who he or she is, such as events from childhood, relationships and career experiences.
  3. 3
    Prepare for the interview. Write a list of questions to ask the person, starting with most basic, and moving on to more complex questions or those that may be difficult for your subject to address. Brainstorm as many questions as you can. You probably won't have time for all of them, but having a lengthy list provides more flexibility. If a subject doesn't want to discuss a particular subject, or if those questions don't produce valuable answers, you'll have plenty more to choose from. Also, make sure you have all the equipment you need, including a tape recorder or video recorder, extra batteries and a pen and notebook for taking notes.
  4. 4
    Conduct the interview. Now you're ready to speak one-on-one with your subject. You can conduct your interview in-person or over the phone. If you conduct the interview in-person, stay alert for details you can use, especially if you're at the person's home or office. You may want to include the way the room is decorated, for example if there are a lot of family photos or mementos around, or if the room is bare. You can also include details about the person's mannerisms, such as if he or she fidgets a lot, seems nervous or is very casual or upbeat during the interview.
  5. 5
    Review your notes. Before you write, read through your notes and the transcript of your interview. Watch for quotes that are exceptionally engaging, informative or controversial; these will help you write a profile that will hold reader attention. Also, read your notes keeping in mind the audience you're writing for, whether it's local or national, or limited to a certain age group or profession. Choose the information that is most relevant for that audience.
  6. 6
    Start writing. Put together your interview notes and background research, striving for a mix of direct quotes, paraphrasing and anecdotes. Also, look for the bigger picture. In addition to telling your subject's story, relate it to current events or to the era in which that person grew up. Whenever you can, help readers relate to the person by showing how his or her story is similar to that of your target audience.
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Categories: Writing

In other languages:

Italiano: Come Scrivere un Profilo, Português: Como Escrever um Perfil, Español: Cómo escribir un perfil, Deutsch: Eine Kurzbiographie schreiben, Русский: написать биографический очерк, 中文: 写履历


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