In contrast with memoir, the profile shifts away from the self-as-subject, and, instead, focuses on the other-as-subject. Profiles convey a particular and dominant impression, an angle, of a specific human subject. As such, profiles verge much more closely to literary journalism than purely academic work. A profile requires keen writerly sensibilities: the ability to convey an angle, share a personality, and animate another human-being that they might be alive on the page.
Questions:
- How would you distinguish between a profile and a biography?
- Other than this collection, where else have you previously encountered a profile?
- What skills do you need to develop in order to write a strong profile?
- What resources will help you?
- How would you say the process of composing a profile differs from the process of composing a literacy narrative or memoir?
- Why do profiles matter?
Student Writing
- Trinity Barnett – Wrestling: A Sport With So Much To Offer
- Celia Browne – Missy Franklin
- Daniel Flores Zelaya – Realities of a Civil War
- Caitlin Garnett – Jack and Raif: A Lesson in Leadership
- Tiaya Hubbard – Mr. New York
- Trey-Lee Orndorff – To Be Both the Learner and the Teacher
- Amy Undieme – Devastation Struck Home
- Elizabeth Winsor – New Life
- Josie Malave – A Tale of Two Countries
- Caitlin Egan – Life Changing Accident
- Tamrah McMullin – Calling to Development
Additional Resources
The graphics are outdated, but the emphasis on profile as a story that requires research and interviewing is just what students need to know. Additionally, watch Mike Dronkrers’ Ted Talk, “How to Interview ‘Almost’ Anyone.”