Profile pieces

Definition

Profile pieces are a type of feature story that focuses on a person, exploring their life, personality, and experiences in depth. These articles often combine interviews, anecdotes, and rich descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the subject, making them relatable and engaging for readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profile pieces can highlight a wide range of subjects, including everyday people, celebrities, or local heroes, offering a unique perspective on their lives.
2. Effective profile writing often involves in-depth research and multiple interviews to capture different facets of the subject's personality.
3. Strong descriptive language is crucial in profile pieces to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions in readers, helping them connect with the subject.
4. The structure of profile pieces can vary but typically includes an engaging lead, a series of personal stories or insights, and a conclusion that ties back to the subject's journey.
5. Profile writing requires balancing factual reporting with narrative techniques, making the subject's story compelling while ensuring accuracy.

Review Questions

• How do profile pieces differ from traditional news articles in terms of structure and storytelling?
  • Profile pieces differ from traditional news articles by focusing on narrative storytelling rather than just presenting facts. While news articles prioritize delivering information quickly and concisely, profile pieces take time to explore the subject's life and character in depth. This allows for a more engaging structure that often includes personal anecdotes and rich descriptions, giving readers a deeper understanding of the individual being profiled.
• Discuss the importance of interviews in creating effective profile pieces and how they enhance storytelling.
  • Interviews are vital in creating effective profile pieces as they provide first-hand accounts and personal insights directly from the subject. They help writers capture authentic quotes and stories that enhance the narrative. Through interviews, writers can uncover unique details about the subject's background, motivations, and experiences that bring the profile to life. This personal touch makes the story relatable and engaging for readers.
• Evaluate how the use of anecdotes can transform a standard profile piece into a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.
  • The use of anecdotes can significantly transform a standard profile piece into a compelling narrative by adding layers of relatability and emotion. Anecdotes serve as illustrative examples that connect readers to the subject’s experiences on a personal level. When crafted well, these stories can evoke empathy and curiosity, encouraging readers to invest emotionally in the subject's journey. By weaving anecdotes throughout the narrative, writers create a richer tapestry of storytelling that captivates audiences and elevates the overall impact of the profile.

Related terms

Feature Writing: A style of journalism that emphasizes storytelling and human interest elements, going beyond just the facts to include context, emotion, and detail.

Interviews: Conversations with individuals to gather information, quotes, and insights that help shape a narrative or provide deeper understanding of the subject.

Anecdotes:

Short, interesting stories about real incidents or people that illustrate a point or add depth to a profile piece.