A profile is a type of feature story that focuses on one person or group such as a band or company. Profiles can be satisfying to write for journalists who love creative writing, descriptive storytelling and dynamic news angles.
In this article, I will discuss how to write an unforgettable profile on a person or entity by giving pro journalism tips on preparing for your interview, conducting a successful interview, outlining the story and delivering a profile to your audience.
The introduction is first on the list of the most important components to an enjoyable feature article or profile. For these types of interviews, face-to-face contact is ideal. Journalists will have a better chance of producing a highly insightful story about their subject in person.
Also, face-to-face conversations enhance the overall quality of the written story, making it easier to recall the mannerisms and expressions of their subject. A great profile or feature story is descriptive, accurate in depicting the subject’s character and personality and informational. In the end, journalists want their readers to feel like they know the person who was interviewed, too.
However, there is more writing a sensational feature article than just creative storytelling. Every great journalist is always prepared. By prepared, I mean: know your subject.
Know them well enough that you are able to lead the conversation with relevant, open-ended questions, if things start to slow down. A good rule of thumb I like to follow when it comes to journalism: If the story doesn’t excite me, it’s not for me. I believe my success from interviews came from knowing and genuinely admiring whoever I was talking to.
Third party perspectives.
Journalists gain trust from their audience based on their ability to produce error-free, well researched stories. A story isn’t even considered for publishing if it doesn’t contain at least three reliable sources. In turn, those additional viewpoints put a spin on the news or story angle.
Pack powerful storytelling with equally dynamic imagery. Showing original visuals with your words will satisfy a diverse audience’s appetite.
Statistics: HubSpot
So collaborate with an impressive photographer or take things into your own hands, cop a camera and run wild!
Outline your story.
Now that you have notes, an interview and a range of quotes from family, friends and coworkers to choose from, you can bang out a solid profile. Gather all of your information and break it down into digestible parts of a bigger story, this is your outline. Find your angle. Why are you interviewing this person right now? Make sure you have a direct approach that shows why this person is relevant to your audience.
Put everything into context.
The biggest question of any story is: why should I care? Why should you care to share it, and why should your audience care to read it? While you are expanding on how this story directly impacts your audience, you should prepare to fill holes by further analyzing or explaining the topic in your own words. Or, if you prefer, you can gather additional sources or reconnect with old sources.
At this point, you should have a pretty solid concept of how to write an appeasing profile your readers and subject will enjoy. The only thing that could go wrong now is if you fail to proofread. Proofreading is key. I know most journalists are so exhausted, proofreading is the last thing we want to do once we have finished writing a story. However, all of that great journalistic work will be for nothing if it isn’t error-free. I suggest you proofread any finished writing at least three times before submitting for publishing or final review.
A very bold way to tie up your story is with using a quote from the main source. It is more impactful than any regurgitated conclusion of everything you already discussed.
If you found this article super helpful, feel free to send me a quick note on what else you need help with as a journalist: briakiaramedia@gmail.com; all other comments can be left below.