Writing a bio can – and should – be more than just a presentation of credentials and accomplishments. With a little effort and creativity, you can make anyone interesting! Here are a few points to help you to write bios that intrigue:

Gather the facts

The obvious first step is to gather all of the pertinent facts about your subject. This might include a Curriculum Vita, a list of personal accomplishments, a summary of degrees, courses and workshops – you won’t use it all, but collect anything that supports a well-rounded description of the person or group in question. Don’t forget volunteer involvements and perhaps influences/mentors. In addition to this background information, try to arrange a quick interview with the person or group about whom you’ll be writing – this will help you to uncover their more personal side.

Determine the style

Depending on your subject, and where this bio will be used, certain styles will be more appropriate than others. Writing about an executive needs to be somewhat formal, but can also be dynamic in tone. If you’re writing about a service or care provider, their bio should convey their approachability.

Create a theme or story

Taking all of the information you’ve gathered, look for an interesting theme or story to tell. Sometimes an obvious theme will emerge from the facts, their language or the analogies they use. Look for key words that add colour and interest. Find a way to connect events and shape the chronology into a story.

Start writing

You’ve put the planning and thinking in place to write an intriguing bio, so get to it! Don’t forget to keep the most essential information up front so that it’s easy to find. Include all of the relevant credentials and accomplishments without overloading the reader. Make it personal – include a quote from your subject that supports the story or theme that you’ve developed.

No one needs or wants a boring bio. Put in the research, thinking and creativity up front to make sure your writing describes someone worth getting to know!

Marlene Oliveira

Marlene Oliveira

Communications advisor and copywriter at moflow
Marlene Oliveira is communications consultant and copywriter at moflow and founder of the Nonprofit MarCommunity blog. Having worked in the nonprofit sector since 1999, Marlene specializes in working with capacity building and grant-making organizations, advising on communications strategy, and writing stories and other content.
Marlene Oliveira

@mo_flow

Marlene Oliveira