How to Write a Journalism Profile Story
The key to writing a good journalism profile is discovering an interesting tale to tell. A profile is a narrative with a purpose: telling the everyday story of someone---perhaps a well-known figure, perhaps not---in a unique way that transcends time. Journalist Gay Talese is perhaps best known for his 1960s "Esquire" profile, "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold," which is still studied by aspiring writers not only for its entertainment value, but as the model of an excellent profile feature story, capturing the man and the icon in ways the tabloids could not. As Talese told writer Alice Hlidkova of "The Christian Science Monitor": "If you want to write something that can last---meaning something that can be read months, years after you write it because the writing is good, the story is interesting, because the choice of language is superior, it is clear to a large range of readership---have the willingness to rewrite your story."
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Notebook
- Pen
- Audio/video recording device
- Computer
- Interviewee (subject)
Instructions
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Find a subject. Explore the fringes: it does not have to be Frank Sinatra or the Queen of England. It could be the homeless man in the park, the Starbucks janitor on her lunch break, the city librarian or your taxi driver. Get to know them, but remember: The story is more about the person than his or her accomplishments.
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Conduct your interview in person, not over the phone or via email. Personal interviews are essentially the only way to obtain a first hand view and gain observances that add to the feeling of your piece. Remember, a profile is more than just an interview. According to journalist Jim Short, "Listen to what the subject is saying, not just to what you want to hear. Listen to the changes in his/her vocal patterns; watch the eyes; be cognizant of changes in demeanor. Then use these keys to unlock another subject." This approach is precisely what sets Talese and other good profile writers apart from the mainstream news. They do not merely record their subjects' words, but they observe and analyze everything, and then craft their observances creatively yet accurately.
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Record your interview. Notes are not always enough; in fact, for a less-obtrusive, more casual interview, it is best to take few to no notes at all. Instead, record the conversation (with your subject's permission) on a small video or audio recorder. Do not be afraid to ask basic questions, both common and unusual. Do not, however, ask redundant questions. Be flexible in your interviewing, and do not be afraid to abandon prepared questions in favor of interesting rabbit trails. Maintain control of the interview, but do not let it become rigid. Be casual, but be alert.
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Write the narrative. Even as the writer, remember that it is not your narrative. It is your subject's story. Through insight and thoughtfulness, you should be able to make your readers believe they are meeting this person, that it is the reader in the room with the subject, not you.
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Begin your profile with a short, scene-setting phrase: a quotation, a pithy observation on the setting, an interest-grabbing snippet of your profile's essence. Traditional hard news nut graphs are typically not appropriate for profile pieces. Write shorter sentences. Be succinct, be intelligent, but be clear. Your readership will be much wider if you do not sound like an outdated academic textbook. Ernie Pyle was a correspondent during World War II who later won a Pulitzer Prize. He advocated short, punchy sentences that told the story directly and poignantly. He attracted a wide audience of varying demographics because of his writing style's accessibility.
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Tips & Warnings
Be relentless in the pursuit of your subject, and at the same time, remember that profile writing is all about relationships and rapport. It may take some time to get all the information you need. You may need to conduct outside research and cite studies or statistics within your profile. Make sure the information is relevant and timely. It can certainly add clarity and clout to a piece, but it can also weigh it down.
Profiles are fascinating ways to study and relate to the world. They should be memorable, readable and worthwhile.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit different magazines studio isolated on white image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
