Writing the profile Profile a short vivid character

Writing the profile Profile – a short, vivid character sketch which includes a creative mix of facts, quotes and short stories (anecdotes)

1. Follow an outline • Outline is due with final and rough (Monday/Tuesday) • You can use map/web/cluster or traditional Roman numeral • Have 3 -7 main sections • Each section needs 2 -4 paragraphs with quotes and stories/anecdotes

1. Follow an outline (cont. ) Sample outline – Strawser Lifeguarding I. Lead – quote about saving someone II. Saving someone story III. Responsibilities of job IV. Physical requirements V. Future tie-in (and quote)

2. NO LISTS Bad example Strawser likes pepperoni and sausage pizza. She also likes The Killers. Her favorite sport is swimming. She likes volleyball, too.

2. NO LISTS, cont. Follow an outline and lists won’t be a problem Pick topics (from outline) and develop To become a lifeguard, Strawser spent two weekends in a lifeguard training class which included training in rescues as well as CPR and first aid safety.

3. Have a creative beginning Possible lead – (Real) story Ashley Strawser felt like her lungs were about to explode. With a five-pound brick in her hands, Strawser kicked furiously to the surface of the pool and completed the final test of her lifeguard training.

3. Have a creative beginning Question Is lifeguarding more strenuous than just sitting on top of a stand for six hours straight? Quote “I have only had to rescue someone once, but it was nervewracking, exhilarating and rewarding all at the same time, ”

4. Stay objective! • No opinions This heroic girl. . . Clearly her job is meaningful. • No first person I asked Strawser about… When (I) asked/interviewed…

5. Requirements • Turn in outline, rough and final (typed) • Have LOTS of paragraphs • 350 -450 words (approx. ) • Use several quotes/stories, and many relevant facts

6. Miscellaneous tips • Use last name, not first • Vary your sentences (Don’t start all with name or he/she) • Have your partner proofread • Get one other proofreader before turning in final (Monday/Tuesday – BOC)

Reminder list • • Phrase headline Summary subheadline Creative lead Sections that follow outline with transitions between • Quotes, stories, facts in each main section • NO LISTS

Creative headline “How to save a life” “Suitcases of toys” • Shorter than news headlines • No verb needed* • Double meaning a plus (How to save a life – song ref. )

Use transitions Shark outline A. Job dangers B. How he got into field How to write a transition? He gave the shark a hug. "Do NOT try this at home, " he said. He has had practice, a lifetime of it. As a kid, he thought of sharks as “the last dragons, the last dinosaurs we had on the planet. Everyone was afraid of them. ” (note the partial quote!)

Use transitions Gardener outline • Groups that help him • His desire to promote walking, exercise How to write a transition? During the spring, a Leadership Winter Park class also took a turn clearing and planting the gardens on a Saturday morning. A visit should be a journey -- a walk from one garden to another, says Knight. He wants this to be a "step garden" where all residents, especially seniors, can get at least 2, 000 steps a day. Knight, 71, thinks this amount of exercise each day can help keep visitors healthy.

Writing reminders • After 1 st reference – use last name • “Quote quote, ” Name said. • Medium length paragraphs (more than 1 -2 sentences, no more than 5 -6) • Stay in 3 rd person; no opinions

What now? • Get your outline together • Make sure you have facts/quotes/stories for each part • Follow up interview (quickly) as needed • GET TO WRITING!