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How to Write a Biographical Sketch

Last Updated: March 9, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 551,296 times.

Writing a biographical sketch can help you learn about a figure’s importance and see the world through their eyes. Since you can’t cover a person’s entire life in a sketch, try to focus on their biggest accomplishments, then build the sketch around that. You can even use this technique to write about yourself!

Example Sketches

Researching Your Subject

• For example, suppose you need to write a biographical sketch of poet who lived in the 19th century. Look up poets you’ve covered in class, browse your textbook or anthology of poems, and search online for poets that fit your assignment.
• After reading his blurb in your anthology, you might be interested in learning more about Charles Baudelaire, so you choose him for your sketch.

• For a major historical figure, you’ll probably have more results than you can handle. Search online for your historical figure and “authoritative biography” to find the most important sources.
• If you have trouble finding information about your subject, you might need to choose another option.

• If you’ve chosen a contemporary figure or famous person, searching online might be your best bet. The most credible sources would include reputable news publications, such as the BBC, The New York Times , and NPR.

• You should be able to track down sources at your library or through its interlibrary loan program. If an autobiography or published collection of letters are available, you could also purchase them online or at a bookstore.
• To find good secondary sources, use search terms such as "authoritative" or "definitive biography" of your figure.
• When you find scholarly articles about your figure, check their footnotes or references. You'll definitely want to acquire a book or article about your figure that's referenced in lots of other sources.

• Figure out which of the figure's achievements, qualities, work, and life experience you want to emphasize.

Crafting an Autobiographical Sketch

• For example, writing, "My proudest moment is when I was elected class president," simply states that you're in student government.
• Instead, write why you wanted to be class president: "On a school trip to the state capitol, my congressperson described public service to my class. As they spoke, I remember looking up in awe at the capitol building's towering dome. However, it wasn't awe that inspired my interest in politics; it was the notion that governing is service."

• Suppose a job description lists the skill "Cost management." Writing, "I cut operating costs by 17% at my prior position," just restates a line on your resume.
• Instead, write in your bio, "The complex purchasing system at my last position was like a many-headed Hydra. For every challenge I solved, 2 more came my way. Ultimately, I managed to conquer the beast, consolidated our vendors, negotiated new contracts, and cut our spending by 17%."

• Come up with a thesis as if you were writing about a historical figure. Instead of trying to cover everything you've ever done, focus on 2 or 3 key qualifications.
• Try summing yourself up in a thesis statement, such as "Jane Doe encountered hardships, but every pitfall provided an opportunity to grow." You don't have to include your thesis verbatim in your bio, but it can help you keep your writing focused.

Drafting Your Essay

• A thesis statement for a biographical sketch could be, “The principal themes of Charles Baudelaire’s poetry are rooted in his experience of urban life in Paris and his 1841 voyage to India.”
• If you're writing about yourself, focus on the achievements you're proudest of or those that are most relevant to an application. Additionally, it's usually best to focus on more recent accomplishments.

• For instance, your outline might look like this: I. Thesis: The principal themes of Charles Baudelaire’s poetry are rooted in his experience of urban life in Paris and his 1841 voyage to India. II. Emerging urbanism in Paris A. Describe city life in the 19th century B. Discuss Baudelaire and tavern culture C. Cite and analyze poetic elements: corruption of the city, melancholy, “Spleen” III. Romantic voyage A. Lay the context of the voyage in Romantic poetry B. Discuss Baudelaire’s trip to India C. Cite and analyze poetic elements: ships, the ocean, exoticism

• Your intro should let your reader know what to expect in the coming paragraphs. For instance: "Baudelaire's personal letters and journal entries detail his life in Paris and travel abroad. Analyzing examples from his body of work will demonstrate how these encounters with urbanism and exoticism laid the foundation of his poetry's principal themes."
• For an autobiography, summarize what makes you a winning applicant or state the main points you intend to make about yourself.
• If you're writing an autobiography in the third person, introduce yourself in the first paragraph: "Jane Doe is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Georgia."

• For the body an autobiography, describe the events that impacted on you, challenges you overcame, or occasions when you honed your skills.
• Keep in mind your entire personal bio might only be a paragraph. You might introduce yourself in the first sentence, and the "body" might be 2 or 3 sentences long.

• A better sentence would convey exactly why Baudelaire was important. “Charles Baudelaire dismantled Romantic poetry’s unquestioned adoration of nature” is stronger and more specific.

Revising Your Draft

• Check for any places that seem confusing or leave you guessing. If you're not sure what you meant by a statement, your reader will definitely be lost.

Community Q&A

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• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/write-impressive-biographical-sketch-4531922.html
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/11-4-strategies-for-gathering-reliable-information/
• ↑ https://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/writers-workshop-biographical-sketch-1039.html?tab=4#session1
• ↑ https://www.educations.com/articles-and-advice/motivation-letter-for-studies-abroad-13564
• ↑ https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~sfinger/advice/advice.html#biosketches
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2014/06/03/what-to-do-when-you-need-a-bio-rather-than-a-resume/#65cc18a34e43
• ↑ https://slc.berkeley.edu/you-start-writing-paper-guide-prewriting-techniques-0
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-a-biographical-sketch.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/conciseness/index.html

About This Article

Once you’ve chosen someone to write about in your biographical sketch, choose a key detail about the person’s life, then use that to write a thesis statement. Once you have your thesis, craft an outline made up of 4-5 facts that support your thesis statement. Then, start your essay by introducing the reader to your subject, then follow by describing your thesis and a brief summary of the rest of your essay. The body of your essay should describe facts from your subject’s life that support your thesis. For tips on choosing a figure for your sketch, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Biographical Sketch: Format & Examples

Are you struggling to write a compelling biographical sketch? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a captivating biographical sketch. Whether you’re a college student, a professional, or simply someone interested in learning more about this genre of writing, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need. From understanding the format to crafting engaging content, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

What is a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch, also known as a bio-sketch, is a concise yet informative description of a person’s life, highlighting their achievements, background, and significant contributions. It provides readers with a snapshot of a person’s life, capturing the essence of who they are and what they have accomplished. Biographical sketches are often used in various contexts, such as academic assignments, professional profiles, or introductions for public figures. The key to a successful biographical sketch lies in its ability to engage readers while providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the person being described.

Format of a Biographical Sketch

To create an effective biographical sketch, it is essential to follow a proper format. Here are the guidelines to help you structure your sketch:

• Introduction : Start with a brief introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides essential background information about the person.
• Early Life : Describe the person’s early life, including details about their birthplace, family background, and upbringing. This section sets the foundation for understanding their journey.
• Education : Provide information about the person’s educational background, including any notable institutions they attended and degrees they obtained. Highlight any academic achievements or areas of specialization.
• Career and Achievements : Discuss the person’s professional journey, highlighting significant milestones, achievements, and contributions they have made in their field. Include awards, honors, and notable projects they were involved in.
• Personal Life : Share some insights into the person’s personal life, such as their interests, hobbies, and values. This helps create a more well-rounded picture of their character.
• Impact on Society : Discuss the person’s impact on society, whether through their work, advocacy, or philanthropy. Highlight any initiatives they have undertaken or positive changes they have brought about.
• Legacy : Explore the person’s lasting legacy and their influence on future generations. Discuss how their work or ideas continue to resonate and shape the world today.
• Conclusion : Wrap up the biographical sketch with a concluding paragraph that summarizes the person’s key accomplishments and highlights their significance.

Tips for Writing a Biographical Sketch

To make your biographical sketch stand out, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

• Be Concise : Biographical sketches are meant to be brief and to the point. Focus on the most important aspects of the person’s life and avoid unnecessary details.
• Highlight Positive Aspects : Emphasize the person’s positive qualities, achievements, and contributions. Omit any unpleasant or irrelevant information that may detract from their story.
• Research Thoroughly : Conduct in-depth research to gather accurate and reliable information about the person you are writing about. Verify facts and cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Craft Engaging Content : Use vivid language and storytelling techniques to make the sketch engaging and captivating. Incorporate anecdotes, quotes, or interesting facts to bring the person’s story to life.
• Tailor the Sketch to the Audience : Consider the context in which the biographical sketch will be presented. Adapt the tone, language, and level of detail to suit the intended audience, whether it’s a scholarly paper or a professional bio.
• Proofread and Edit : Before finalizing your biographical sketch, carefully proofread and edit it for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished and error-free sketch enhances your credibility as a writer.

Examples of Biographical Sketches

To illustrate the format and structure of a biographical sketch, let’s explore some examples:

• A.R. Rahman : A renowned Indian composer, A.R. Rahman was born as Dileep Kumar in Chennai in 1966. Despite losing his father at a young age, he was greatly influenced by his mother. Rahman received training under Master Dhanraj and Illaiyaraja and graduated in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music. He established a recording studio in 1992, marking the beginning of his successful film career. Rahman’s music has garnered numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. He is considered a national icon in India.
• Mahatma Gandhi : Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader of the Indian Freedom Movement. After studying law in England, he went to South Africa, where he protested against British apartheid policies. Gandhi returned to India and led the fight for freedom using non-violence and truth as his guiding principles. He advocated for equality and was against untouchability and partition. Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, but his legacy as a champion of democracy and advocate for change lives on.
• Florence Nightingale : Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy, is widely regarded as the founder of trained nursing as a profession. She received education mainly from her father and became an expert on public health and hospitals. During the Crimean War from 1854 to 1856, Nightingale worked tirelessly as the head of nursing, overcoming shortages and difficult conditions. She dedicated her life to caring for the sick and made significant contributions to healthcare. Nightingale’s efforts were recognized when she was conferred the Order of Merit in 1907.
• Aruna Asif Ali : A revolutionary freedom fighter of India, Aruna Asif Ali was born in 1909 in a Bengali family. Educated in Nainital, she married the renowned lawyer Asif Ali. Aruna gained prominence when she fearlessly hoisted the Tricolour in Mumbai in 1942, defying police threats. She remained active in politics, serving as the President of the Delhi Congress Committee and the Mayor of the Delhi Municipal Corporation. Aruna Asif Ali received several prestigious awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize and the Indira Gandhi Award. She passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication.
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam : Known as the “Missile Man” of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he pursued a career in aeronautical engineering. Dr. Kalam played a significant role in India’s space and defense programs, leading the development of successful missiles. His contributions to science and technology earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna. Dr. Kalam’s vision for a technologically advanced India and his dedication to education continue to inspire generations.

Crafting a compelling biographical sketch requires careful research, organization, and attention to detail. By following the proper format and incorporating engaging content, you can create a captivating sketch that effectively portrays a person’s life and achievements. Remember to tailor your sketch to the intended audience and proofread it thoroughly before presenting it.

With the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to write an impressive biographical sketch. So, go ahead and tell the extraordinary stories of extraordinary individuals through the art of biographical sketch writing!

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How to Write a Professional Biosketch

A guide for people in university, health care, government, and nonprofit work..

Posted May 22, 2019 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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As someone who reviews a lot of grant applications, conference submissions, and internship applications, I read a lot of “ biosketches ” (brief descriptions of professional identity ) from people at all career stages.

Unfortunately, many people do not put their best foot forward and sometimes don’t even seem to recognize their key professional strengths. Even distinguished senior professionals sometimes use very dated biosketches that do not communicate their status in the field.

Biosketches are yet another of the many “soft” professional skills that do not get taught in school, but are important for professional success. When you search the internet for guidance on writing a biosketch, the hits mostly take you to very business-oriented examples. Those are fine for corporate settings, but the culture in psychology and related human and social services is different. People who work in anything related to education , health, government, or social justice-oriented nonprofits need a biosketch that fits those professional cultures. If you work—or hope to work—in one of those settings, read on.

What Is a Professional Biosketch?

A biosketch (or sometimes shortened to just “bio”) is a one-paragraph description of your professional identity. It is generally no more than half a page long (single-spaced), and usually ranges from 50 to 300 words.

The main purpose of a professional biosketch is to identify the professional community to which you belong, and to briefly describe the steps you have taken to join that community. As you develop professionally, it also becomes important to describe the ways that your work has been recognized by your professional colleagues.

How Do Biosketches Compare to Other Professional Documents?

Professional biosketches are just one of several different types of personal descriptions that you might come across in human and social services: In addition to biosketches, there are also resumés , “ curriculum vitae ” (usually shortened to “cv”), and reflexivity statements (also called in positionality statements).

Biosketches are different from resumés or “ curriculum vitae ,” which are both more detailed descriptions of your work history and professional accomplishments, with dates and locations and other specifics. People in psychology and related fields say “cv” more than resumé, and cvs are usually much longer. My current cv, for example, is 22 pages long, and even at that length omits a lot of details from earlier in my career.

[Note: the National Institutes of Health has a short cv form that they also, unfortunately, call a biosketch, so you’ll sometimes hear people refer to an NIH biosketch. Those are four- to five-page versions of people’s full cvs. Although they look more like resumés or cvs, what they have in common with other biosketches is that they focus on highlights of your work, in this case those most relevant to the grant proposal. If you apply for federal grants, you can learn more about completing those here, including seeing a sample here .]

Reflexivity statements are also more detailed than biosketches, but focus on how your other personal, social, and historical characteristics can “situate” your work—exploring how your experiences growing up, or as a parent, or someone with a particular health history, for example, change the way you approach scientific questions. They are still work documents, unlike autobiographies, because the goal is to make you a better scholar or therapist.

When Do You Use Biosketches?

Some common places you will see biosketches:

1. Websites for universities, medical schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations. Most university departments have individual pages for each faculty member, and these often include biosketches. For other organizations, you’ll often see an “About Us” page that provides a brief description of key personnel.

2. Conference submissions and other presentations . If you are a student, researcher, or professional trainer, it is increasingly common that you will need to provide a brief biosketch as part of a conference or workshop submission. Many agencies that certify continuing education credits are now required to collect this information, to show that the people delivering the content have the appropriate education and training to do so.

More advanced professionals will also need a biosketch for such things as giving an invited speech or joining an advisory board. I have more than one version of my biosketch, adapted for whether the audience is more research-focused or provider-focused, and also versions for different topics I speak on. For example, sometimes I give talks that are more focused on resilience and other talks are more focused on violence or a specific type of violence, and I’ll adapt my biosketch to emphasize my experience that is most closely related to the topic I’m speaking on. You can see examples of a couple of different versions of my biosketch here and here . The first emphasizes my scientific credentials, the second my writing experience.

3. Grant applications . One of the most important parts of any grant proposal is the “why us” pitch , and there is always a section to describe the key personnel or team who will conduct the project. Each person will need a one-paragraph description of why they are well-suited for their role. This includes federal grants that also require the five-page biosketch form—you will still need to put a brief description of your credentials and why you are a good person to conduct this study in the text of the grant application (do it whether they explicitly ask for that or not).

What Goes in a Biosketch?

For most people, the biggest challenge in writing a biosketch is getting comfortable with what I call “the fine art of blowing your own horn.” I totally get that—my family’s roots are in rural Appalachia, where puttin’ on airs is just about the worst social crime you can commit. I still have to work at graciously accepting compliments—I don’t know if I will ever get over that ingrained discomfort. Nonetheless, the only way for people to find you and recognize that you’d be good for their job or conference or whatever is for you to tell them something about you. I have found that putting it in writing is easier than dealing with the same challenge in a face-to-face setting, so it can be good practice and can give you some lines you can use in interviews or similar situations.

Opening. The opening should introduce you and situate you professionally, by giving your name, degree(s), and current institutional affiliation. Stick to your main affiliations, but it is OK to list more than one (I do). Usually the wording is in the third person. For example (hypothetical made up example), “Maria Vasquez, M.A., is a graduate student in clinical psychology at Awesome University.”

Where You Fit in the Professional Universe. The next couple of sentences should identify your main areas of focus. If you are a senior person, you should communicate that experience. So for example, for me, I emphasize that the major focus of my work is on violence and that I have addressed this problem in multiple roles over the years (researcher, therapist, activist).

If you are a more junior person starting out, then it would be good to get a little more specific about the nature of your interests. For example, “My research interests focus on the impact of childhood neglect on academic achievement.”

If you are a more senior person, then you should stop saying what your research interests are and start describing your research accomplishments. You might think that this seems obvious, but it is probably the single most common mistake I see in professional biosketches—that some distinguished person still sounds like they haven’t finished their first research project. A lot of people will use the convention of saying what they are “best known for,” such as “Dr. Brown is best known for his work in preventing adolescent substance abuse ” or “Dr. Han is best known for creating a school-based curriculum in social-emotional learning.” [Again these examples are made up.]

The first half of your biosketch is also a good place to note any accomplishments regarding these topics, especially if you were the first person to develop a program or pass a law or study an issue. If you are an experienced person, then it is good to say that you “have more than 10 years’ experience providing expert testimony” or “Dr. Brown has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications on substance abuse.”

Your Relationships With Professional Organizations. The second half of your biosketch is a good place to describe some of the ways that you have interacted with or been recognized by professional organizations.

The organizations you emphasize depends somewhat on the purpose of your biosketch (and probably one of the main places that it might make sense to have different versions for different purposes).

If you are applying for a grant or submitting to a research-oriented conference or, for whatever reason, trying to impress university professors or other people in academia.

In these cases, it is good to mention sources of grant (aka “external”) funding that you have received, especially for research. If you are a student or junior professional, these can include funded fellowships or assistantships as well as small grants from your own university. If you are mid-career or senior person, then it is best to emphasize larger research grants from Federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health or from large nonprofit foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This is also a good place to mention any awards.

People often ask me about how far to go back on awards, and a good rule of thumb is to go back no more than one role or career/developmental stage. So, for graduate school applications, yes, put down undergraduate accomplishments, but most high school accomplishments should roll off both your biosketch and your cv or resumé. Once you have a college degree, no one wants to know that you were president of the chess club in high school. The only exception would be if you have some extraordinary high school accomplishment, such as being an Olympic gymnast.

If you have a graduate degree and are looking for a professional position such as professor or therapist, then most of your undergraduate accomplishments should roll off both your biosketch and cv. Again, unless they are exceptional. For the rest of us, it’s better to emphasize your more recent accomplishments.

If you don’t have any awards (yet), this section can still be a good place to note professional affiliations, professional licenses, or involvement with national organizations, such as chairing a committee or something like that.

The last type of organization to consider is media organizations. When I am giving talks to audiences that more mostly practitioners, students, or members of the general public, I often mention some of the news outlets where my work has appeared. This can be a way to show that your work is the kind that “breaks through” and gets outside of the ivory tower.

However, this same approach may turn some reviewers off if you are submitting a grant or a conference proposal. Unfortunately, some academics are quite proud of the fact that no one outside academe reads their work and they look down their nose at efforts to communicate science to the general public. They are wrong, of course, but sometimes you have to play the game before you can change the game, so I’d add these references cautiously, especially if you are not sure of the audience.

Playing with the content or pushing the boundaries of how personal to get. More and more, I see people experimenting with the content of biosketches in much the same way that people have re-vamped obituaries so that they are more personal. I think this is a great movement and I support it when I can (you’ll see some of the biosketches from ResilienceCon are anything but stiff). I encourage people to try to push those boundaries so that there is a bit more of our full true selves in our professional personas. However, I personally also recommend a pragmatic approach. If you are working on your first Federal grant, that is probably not the time to play with the traditional format, because you risk looking uninformed instead of revolutionary.

With a little practice, we can all learn how to put our best foot forward.

You can see some examples of professional biosketches here and here . Some of my colleagues' biosketches are here . Click here for examples of biosketches for students and more junior professionals from ResilienceCon scholarship winners.

Sherry Hamby, Ph.D. , is a research professor of psychology at Sewanee, the University of the South.

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Biographical Sketch Examples – A Guide to Biographical Sketches

A biographical sketch can be regarded as an account of the life and activities of a person or family. This sketch should be written by someone else and not the person that it is written for. When properly written, biographical sketches can tell many interesting facts about a person they are written for. It mentions the age the person lives, their occupation, hobbies, and many other things worth mentioning. 

So, how do your Write a Biographical Sketch?

When you write a biographical sketch, you must remember the purpose of the sketch, be precise, and highlight the achievements and influences of the person. Arrange your information logically, and verify your information before putting them out there. 

What Is A Good Example Of A Biographical Sketch?

An excellent example of a biographical sketch should include information on the individual or family’s names, residence, education, occupation, life activities, and other vital information. A biographical sketch must also have hobbies, friends, interests, and the influence of people in the individual’s life and achievements. 

A biographical sketch should be around 500 words and should include answers to the following questions;

• Where is the place of residence of the individual?
• What did they do for a living?
• Was the person married?
• Did they had children?
• What are the names of their parents or guardians?
• How long did they live in their last place of residence?
• Why did they join military or paramilitary forces like the Army or the Boys scout?
• What happened to them when they joined the military?
• What did they achieve in and outside of their main occupation?
• When did they die?
• How friends, family, and other people did remember them?

Please type your biographical sketch with the 12-point font and double-spaced. It is also essential to check for punctuation, spelling, and verbal usage errors. It would be best if you allowed friends, family, and another person who has come across the individual to contribute any vital information to the sketch, as they have the necessary information that can be useful in many ways. 

You may not be able to answer all the biographical sketch questions fully; that is okay as long as you make the final report very interesting. 

Tips And Ideas For Writing Biographical Sketch

A biographical sketch is supposed to paint the abbreviated picture of an individual’s life. It can be written about your own life or someone else’s. When written about someone else’s life, the sketch must explain who the person is and highlight their achievements. If a biological sketch is about you, then the same rule applies. 

You must get permission before you write a biography sketch. You must approach the individual or their family members and ask for their permission to write about the individual’s life. 

In some cases, asking for permission may not be necessary, for instance, if the individual is a public figure or deceased individual, but seeking approval will make your work a lot easier. 

If an individual wants a biographical sketch, they will surely provide some vital information or resources you will need to do the work. You may throw in your skill into the write-up, but the primary information about the person is more important. For this reason, getting permission and a true story from the right source is always an excellent step to take. 

In addition to presenting an individual or yourself in a positive light, you must keep readers engaged and wanting to know more. 

The first thing you must keep in mind when writing a biographical sketch is to remember your purpose. This notion means the sketch must provide the core information about the individual. You must include the full names, place of birth, occupation, family background, and significant accomplishments. 

If you are writing a biographical sketch about yourself, it is known as an autobiographical sketch. You may write this sketch to promote yourself, for instance, when you want to sell a book. When a biographical sketch is about you, then your primary focus should be your accomplishments.

Another tip that is vital for a successful biographical sketch is conciseness. It would be best if you were concise with all information provided. You should aim for 500 words or less with your biographical sketches. This should fit into a single-spaced, standard page. Keep in mind that a sketch is a condensed or compressed version of a fuller biography; hence you should pay attention to the core information. 

The core information in a biographical sketch includes; background and history plus accomplishments. To be concise with the information provided, you must choose the essential sentiments due to the space confinement for the report. 

It would be best if you highlighted the achievements and influences of the recipient of the biographical sketch. Highlighting the recipient’s accomplishments will impress the audience more and make them more interested in the person. 

It would be best to mention how life’s accomplishments affected the individual’s life, and you may incorporate their influences into the sketch.  An example of highlighting achievement in a biographical sketch is as follows;

“Marcus Rashford is a wall street Journal author who speaks worldwide about how small and medium businesses can escape the effects of marketing mediocrity to produce tangible results. Forbes named him one of the most influential people shaping modern business marketing”. 

This brief highlight showcases the occupation of the individual and his achievement within the sector. Every other achievement mentioned in a biographical sketch should follow a similar format to save space. 

Now that you have mentioned the life achievements of the individuals and their background, the next step is to arrange your information logically or in sequence. You must have gathered all the necessary information. Hence it would be best if you gathered your fact. 

Keep in mind that 500-word content will probably give you 4-5 paragraphs to include all necessary information. You may want to write the biographical sketch in chronological order or retell their life in full, but the space constraint remains an issue. 

In an autobiographical sketch, you may have to consider a bullet list to highlight achievements. It all depends on how much information you have and how well you want to summarize such. You must be ready to shorten your information to include all achievement highlights. 

Verifying your information is as essential as any other tip here. Before you publish or present a biographical sketch of an individual, you must double-check all your sources. You must confirm your information to be accurate to prevent misrepresentation that can mislead people. 

Sometimes, interviewing the person involved may be necessary; otherwise, you must have a credible source for your information. 

What Is The Difference Between Biographical Sketch And Capsule Biographical? 

People often confuse capsule biography with a biographical sketch, but there is a wide range of differences between the two. 

The main difference is that a biographical sketch is like a summary of a capsule biography, which means you can extend a biographical sketch into a full bio. The Capsule biography covers some essential elements: name, birthplace, parents’ names, significant achievements, and death. 

You may think that the elements in a capsule biography are the same as those in a biographical sketch, capsule biography can include more details on its descriptions. For instance, you can provide the achievements of the individual in more information; likewise, they may emphasize personal information more. 

What You Must Avoid In Biography Sketch

Aside from making brief descriptions of the accomplishments of an individual, there are some things you should avoid including in such a biography.

For instance, you must not include attempts at any accomplishments. These are regarded as incomplete, and they should not be mentioned in the sketch except when references are made. 

You must not include personal issues such as divorces, criminal convictions, and information on other related matters in biography sketches. Such sketches aim to emphasize the accomplishments of an individual and not their shortcomings. 

You must not include fabricated accomplishments, titles, positions, and awards in a biography sketch. You can quickly discover false information in this modern digital age; hence You could remove your biography sketch, and you could be sanctioned. It is better to avoid exaggerated achievements than to get caught up in lies. 

Everyone should have a biography sketch, and you don’t have to wait until you are old or passed away to have a biographical sketch. A biographical sketch can help generations after you know more about your life, and you may become a source of inspiration to them.  

If you are writing about someone else, you should do comprehensive research and confirm every detail of the information you get before you publish them in the biographical sketch. Not gaining permission for a biographical sketch can lead to litigations, and you may find yourself paying huge fines or even go to jail for such. Please make sure the relatives of the individual get the sketch before you publish it.

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How to Write a Biosketch

How to write a biosketch, what is a biographical sketch.

BioSketches are a great tool to document an individual's qualifications, professional experience, and academic journey. Think of your BioSketch as a response to the question: “Tell me about yourself?” 

Below are general tips on how to write your BioSketch, as well as step-by-step guides and examples of BioSketches for students ranging from first year students, transfer students, and students preparing to graduate. For additional help with your BioSketch or general questions, email us at [email protected] .

General Tips

• Write in the third person. This means that instead of using “I” statements, use “he/she/they” statements. 
• The information you include in your BioSketch is unique to you and your circumstances. While your BioSketch may look different from the examples below, be sure to include the important general information outlined in the paragraph bullet points that fit you best.
• Be sure to check your BioSketch for spelling, grammar, and sentence flow.

Step-By-Step

Paragraph 1:

• Where are you from? Where/when did you graduate high school?
• Did you earn any titles/awards or participate in extracurricular activities?
• What did you do after high school? Did you go straight to college or enter the work field?

Paragraph 2: 

• What are you studying at OSU? Did you transfer from another university? Do you hold any degrees? What special achievements or awards have you earned in college?

Step-By-Step Continued 

Paragraph 3: 

• What work/volunteer experience have you been a part of?
• What skills did you develop from these experiences?
• Have you participated in internships or research/lab work?

Paragraph 4: 

• When are you expected to graduate? What are your education and career interests? 

BioSketch Examples

Benny Beaver is from Corvallis, Oregon. They graduated from Corvallis High School in 2021 with high honors and served as an officer on the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) where they assisted in various leadership activities like fundraising, public speaking and community outreach. 

Benny started attending Oregon State University in the fall of 2021, and earned the Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship upon enrollment. They are currently in the University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP) where they are taking a variety of courses and exploring all options before declaring a major.

Benny served as a lifeguard for two years, where they received valuable trainings in CPR/AED, basic water rescue, and first aid. Benny developed a passion for the water, as well as an interest in teaching by instructing weekly swim lessons. Working a part-time job while attending high school also taught them skills in communication, time management, and balancing responsibilities.

Benny is expected to graduate in June 2025. They are exploring learning opportunities and careers in education, oceanography, and sports therapy. 

Bernice Beaver is from New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She graduated from New Westminster Secondary School in 2018 with a Dogwood Diploma and has a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique, meaning she is fluent in French. Bernice was named the Career Female Athlete of the Year upon graduation from high school.

Bernice earned an Athletic Scholarship to Oregon State University where she competes for the Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She is majoring in Sociology and currently works for the university’s Global Community Kitchen as an Event Support Staff where she serves to assist in planning food service for future Experiential Learning & Activities campus events during weekly team meetings.

Bernice completed the URSA Engage program during her second year at Oregon State University where she conducted research to define the barriers faculty face while facilitating undergraduate research experiences. She presented her research at two university-wide undergraduate research symposiums in 2020 and has since been published in Experiential Learning & Teaching in Higher Education. 

Bernice is expected to graduate in June 2022 with a B.A in Sociology. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school and complete the Master’s of College Student Service Administration Program at Oregon State University. She has a particular interest in the fields of university student affairs and athletics.

Bo Beaver is from Los Angeles, California. They graduated from Venice High School in 2014 as salutatorian and participated in the school’s marching band, where they acted as drum major for two years. After high school, Bo entered the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where they served for four years. 

Prior to attending Oregon State University, Bo attended Central Oregon Community College from September 2020 until June 2022. During this time, they earned an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science with high honors. Bo transferred to OSU-Cascades in September 2022 and is majoring in Computer Science with an option in Software Engineering.

Bo’s service in the USMC taught them important skills and attributes including confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. Since enrolling at OSU-Cascades, Bo has joined the university’s Tech Club where they hope to network and gain professional skills in the field of computer science among like-minded individuals. Bo has also been accepted into the 2022-2023 URSA Engage program, where they will be engaging in web applications research with Professor X. 

Bo is expected to graduate in June 2024 with a B.S in Computer Science with an option in software engineering. They plan on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in software development.

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How to Write Biographical Sketch (Format) 2024: Examples

Are you confused about how to write a biographical sketch or bio sketch? If yes, and searching the format of the biographical sketch then don’t worry because you’ve landed at the right place.

In this blog post, I will share the complete bio sketch format along with biographical sketch examples for college students which are valid for all classes/grade students. However, the word limit for biographical sketches may increase with the increase in class.

Format of Biographical Sketch: Guidelines

Useful tips for biographical sketch, marking scheme in exam, biographical sketch example for students, biographical sketch sample questions for practice, frequently asked questions (faqs), what is a biographical sketch.

A biographical sketch or bio-sketch is a brief description of a person’s life and his academic and other achievements in life. It is formal and factual. It focuses on those points which make the person special or respectable. One may write about one’s teacher, a parent or a grandparent.

• Be brief and factual.
• Omit unpleasant details about a personality.
• Focus on what you find positive in a person.
• details about birth (place, time, date)
• family background
• physical appearance
• professional achievements
• awards and honours
• contribution to society
• death (if the person is no more)
• Use the past tense in case the person is dead.
• If a person is alive, use the present tense to write his bio-sketch.
• In case the person concerned is no more, use the past tense throughout. However, use the present tense to refer to something about his personality which has relevance in the present. For example, writing about William Shakespeare, we can say:

William Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in the world. He was born in 1564 in England. His father was a farmer’s son. He wrote many plays which are read with great interest even nowadays.

• Use the given clues carefully.
• Use the present tense for information that is valid even now, and the past tense for something connected only with the past.
• Well researched.

Example 1:- Using the information given below, write the bio-sketch of A.R. Rahman, a famous Indian composer, in about 100 words.

Born: Dileep Kumar-January, 1966, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu rises success as A.R. Rahman, music director and singer.

Family: loses father at an early age; mother’s influence great

Trained Under: Master Dhanraj, Illaiyaraja

Education: Graduate in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music

Significant year: 1992-sets up a recording studio; film career begins

Achievements: Awards: fourteen Film Fare, four National Films, two Grammys, two Academy, etc. Padma Bhushan in 2010.

Contribution to music: immense; a national icon

A. R. Rahman was born in January 1966 in Chennai as Dileep Kumar and is now a famous music director and singer. He lost his father when he was quite young. His mother influenced his personality greatly. He had his initial training under the legendary Master Dhanraj and Illaiyaraja. He did his graduation in classical music from Trinity College of Music in England. Back in India, he set up a recording studio in 1992, beginning his film career. His music brought him a lot of fame and covetous awards. He is the first Indian composer to have won two academy awards. He has to his credit fourteen Film Fare awards, four national awards, besides two Grammys. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2010. He is one of the national icons.

Example 2:- Using the information given below, write the biographical sketch of Mahatma Gandhi in about 100 words.

• born on 2nd October 1869, Porbandar Gujarat
• went to England to study law
• went to South Africa, protested against the British policy of apartheid
• returned to India, plunged into the fight for freedom
• used non-violence and truth as his weapons
• was against untouchability, partition
• assassinated on January 30, 1948

Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on 2nd October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat, was the tallest leader of the Freedom Movement. He went to England to study law. Thereafter, he went to South Africa where he protested against the British policy of apartheid. He returned to India and led the struggle for freedom. He used truth and non-violence as his weapons. He was against any kind of untouchability. He wanted the people to treat the untouchables as their equals. He was not in favour of the partition of India. He was assassinated on 30th January 1948.

Example 3:- Using the information given below, write the bio-sketch of Florence Nightingale, the founder of trained nursing as a profession.

• born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy
• taught mainly by her father, learnt several languages
• become an expert on public health and hospitals
• From 1854-to 56, during the Crimean War, worked in charge of nursing, struggling with shortages, in difficult conditions
• worked day and night, seriously ill, become blind
• the Order of Merit was conferred on her in 1907; died in 1910

Florence Nightingale, the founder of trained nursing as a profession, was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. She was mainly taught by her father. She learns many languages. She becomes an expert on public health and hospitals. She realized that her mission was to look after the sick. In 1854-56, during the Crimean War, she worked in charge of nursing. She had to work in difficult conditions but she did not give in. She worked day and night, nursing the sick. As a result of her hard work, she became seriously ill and blind. The Order of Merit was conferred on her by the King in 1907, She passed away in 1910.

Example 4:- Using the information given below, write the bio-sketch of Aruna Asif Ali, a revolutionary freedom fighter of India in about 100 words.

• born in 190 in a Bengali family
• educated at Nainital, married a famous lawyer Asif Ali
• hoisted the Tricolour in Mumbai in 1942 braving police threat
• remained active in politics
• President, Delhi Congress Committee; Mayor, Delhi, M.C. (1958)
• Lenin Peace Prize, Indira Gandhi Award
• died in 1996

Aruna Asif Ali was one of the well-known revolutionary freedom fighters of India. She was born in 1909 in a Bengali family. She was educated at Nainital. She married a famous lawyer Asif Ali. She hoisted the Tricolour in 1942 in Mumbai facing a police threat. She was very bold, daring and adventurous. She remained active in politics after India got freedom. She became President of the Delhi Congress Committee and the Mayor of the Delhi Municipal Corporation after Independence. She was honoured with the ‘Lenin Peace Prize’ and ‘Indira Gandhi Award’. She passed away in 1996.

Example 5:- Using the information given below, write the bio sketch of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India.

Name: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

Nickname: Missile Man

Nationality: Indian

Occupation: Engineer, Scientist, Author, Professor, Politician

Born: 15 October 1931

Place of Birth: Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Died: 27 July 2015

Place of Death: Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Famous as: Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President from 2002 to 2007

Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, In Tamil Nadu. He was the youngest of five siblings. Dr Kalam earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology and in 1958 joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He soon moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation, where he was project director of the SLV-III, India’s first indigenously designed and produced satellite launch vehicle. Rejoining DRDO in 1982, Dr Kalam planned the programme that produced a number of successful missiles, which earned him the nickname, ‘Missile Man’.

From 1992 to 1997, Dr Kalam was scientific adviser to the defence minister, and he later served as principal scientific adviser (1999-2001) to the government of India with the rank of cabinet minister. His role in the country’s 1998 nuclear weapons tests established him as a national hero. In 1998, Dr Kalam put forward a countrywide plan called Technology Vision 2020, as a road map for transforming India from a less-developed to a developed society in 20 years. The plan called for increasing agricultural productivity, emphasising technology as a vehicle for economic growth, and widening access to healthcare and education.

In 2002, he was sworn in as the 11th President of India. He was in office till 2007. Dr Kalam wrote several books, including an autobiography, Wings of Fire (1999). Among his numerous awards were two of the country’s highest honours, the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1997).

After leaving office, Dr Abdul Kalam chose the academic field and became a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, The Indian Institute of Management Indore and an honorary fellow of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

On 27 July 2015, Dr Abdul Kalam was delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong when he suffered a heart attack and his condition became critical, so, he was shifted to Bethany Hospital where he died of cardiac arrest.

Question 1:- Using the information given below, write a bio-sketch of Abraham Lincoln, the famous President of America in about 100 words.

• born in 1809 in a log cabin
• had to struggle hard to get an education
• become President in 1861
• champion of democracy
• stressed equality
• abolished the system of slavery
• the civil war
• defeated the states which had seceded from the Union
• assassinated in 1865

Question 2:- Using the information given below, write a bio-sketch of Helen Keller, a miracle of our times in about 100 words.

• Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880
• became deaf, dumb and blind due to a disease
• Miss Sullivan taught her to read and write
• began to read books through the Braille
• passed many exams
• got degrees
• become a writer, helped the blind and the deaf

Question 3:- Write a biographical sketch of M.S. Dhoni based on the outlines given.

Full Name: Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Nicknames: Mahi, MSD, Captain Cool, Thala

Birth: 7 July 1981 (Ranchi, Bihar)

Profession: Indian International Cricketer

Captained India: Limited-overs format from 2007-16; Test cricket from 2008-14; Style: Right-handed middle-order batsman and wicket-keeper

Personal Achievements: One of the highest run scorers in ODIs with more than 10,000 runs scored; considered an effective ‘finisher’ in limited-overs formats; widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen and captains in the history of the game

Achievements under his captaincy: India won the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy

How many words should a biographical sketch be?

Biographical sketches are usually not of many words. This is a one-paragraph description of your professional identity that includes all the important highlights of your life. It is written in about 50 to 200 words.

Are Biosketch and biography the same?

No, Biosketches are short descriptions of one’s achievements and events in life. A biography is a detailed account of one’s life written by someone else.

What are other words for a biographical sketch?

You can say a biographical sketch is a life story.

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How to Write a Biography

Learn how to write a biography with our comprehensive guide.

Last updated on Dec 8th, 2023

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Table of Contents

How to write a biography can be a fun challenge as you share someone’s life story with readers. You may need to write a biography for a class or decide to write a biography as a personal project. Once you’ve identified the subject of your biography, do your research to learn as much as you can about them. Then, immerse yourself in writing the biography and revising it until it’s best. What I am going to share with you in today’s post is how to write a biography. If you want to know the rules of how to write a biography correctly then this post of ours is essential for you. 

Introduction

While it’s true that most biographies involve people in the public eye, sometimes the subject is less well-known. But most of the time, famous or not, the person we’re talking about has an incredible life. Although your students may have a basic understanding of How to write a biography, you should take some time before putting pen to paper to come up with a very clear definition of biography.

Before knowing how to write a biography, let’s first understand what a biography is. A biography is an account of a person’s life written by someone else. Although there is a genre called fictional biography, by definition biographies are mostly non-fiction. In general, biographies trace the subject’s life from early childhood to the present day or until death if the subject is deceased. 

Biography writing is not limited to describing the bare facts of a person’s life. Instead of just listing basic details about their upbringing, interests, education, work, relationships, and deaths, a well-written biography should also paint a picture of a person’s personality as well as that person’s life experiences.

Tips and Tricks For How To Write a Biography

1. ask the subject’s permission to write a biography.

Here are the first tips on how to write a biography. Before starting your research, make sure you get your subject’s consent to write their biography. Ask them if they’re ready to be the subject. Getting their permission will make writing a biography much easier and ensure that they are open to information about their lives.

If the theme does not allow you to write a bio, you can choose another theme. If you decide to publish a profile without the subject’s permission, you may be subject to legal action from the subject. 

If the topic no longer exists, you don’t need to ask permission to write about them. 

2. Research primary sources on the topic

Primary sources may include books, letters, photographs, diaries, newspaper clippings, magazines, Internet articles, magazines, videos, interviews, existing biographies, or autobiographies on the subject. Find these resources in your local library or online. Read as much as you can about the topic and highlight any important information you come across in your sources. 

You can create research questions to help you focus your research on this topic, such as: 

What do I find interesting about this topic? Why is this topic important to readers? 

3. Conduct interviews with subjects and their relatives

Interviewing people will turn your research into reality: the people you interview will be able to tell you stories you can’t find in history books. Interview the subject as well as people close to them, such as spouses, friends, business associates, family members, co-workers, and friends. Interview in person, over the phone, or via email.

For in-person interviews, record them with a voice recorder or voice recorder on your computer or phone. You may need to interview the subject and others multiple times to get the documents you need.

4. Visit places important to the topic

Whenever you want to know how to write a biography, to understand the history of the subject, spend time in places and areas that are significant to the subject. This may be the subject’s childhood home or neighborhood. You can also visit the subject’s workplace and regular meeting places. 

You may also want to visit areas where the subject made important decisions or breakthroughs in their life. Being physically present in the area can give you an idea of what your subjects may have felt and help you write about their experiences more effectively.

5. Research the time and place of the subject’s life

Contextualize your subject’s life by observing what’s going on around them. Consider the period in which they grew up as well as the history of the places they lived. Study the economics, politics, and culture of their time. See current events happening where they live or work.

When you studying how to write a biography, ask yourself about time and place: 

What were the social norms of this period? 

What happened economically and politically? 

How has the political and social environment influenced this topic?

6. Make a timeline of a person’s life

To help you organize your research, create a timeline of a person’s entire life, from birth. Draw a long line on a piece of paper and sketch out as many details about a person’s life as possible. Highlight important events or moments on the timeline. Include important dates, locations, and names. 

If you think about how to write a biography You can also include historical events or moments that affect the topic in the timeline. For example, a conflict or civil war may occur during a person’s lifetime and affect their life.

7. Focus on important events and milestones

Major events can include marriage, birth, or death during a person’s lifetime. They may also achieve milestones like their first successful business venture or their first civil rights march. Highlights key moments in a person’s life so readers clearly understand what’s important to that person and how they influence the world around them.

For example, you might focus on one person’s achievements in the civil rights movement. You could write an entire section about their contributions and participation in major civil rights marches in their hometowns.

8. Cite all sources used in  biography

Most biographies will include information from sources such as books, journal articles, magazines, and interviews. Remember to cite any sources that you directly quote or paraphrase. You can use citations, footnotes, or endnotes. If the biography is for a course, use MLA, APA, or Chicago Style citations according to your instructor’s preference.

9. Reread the biography

Check the biography for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Circle all punctuation marks in the text to confirm they are correct. Read the text backward to check for spelling and grammar errors. 

Having a biography full of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can frustrate readers and lead to poor grades if you submit your work to the class.

10. Show your biography to others to get their feedback

It is a momentous step of how to write a biography. Once you have completed your draft biography, show it to your colleagues, friends, teachers, and mentors to get their feedback. Ask them if they have a good understanding of someone’s life and if the biography is easy to read. Be open to feedback so you can improve the biography and make it error-free. Revise profile based on feedback from others. Don’t be afraid to trim or edit your biography to suit your readers’ needs.

11. Use flashbacks

Flashbacks happen when you move from the present to the past. You can start with the present moment, and then bring in a scene from the person’s past. Or you could have one chapter focusing on the present and one focusing on the past, alternating as you go.

The flashback scene must be as detailed and realistic as the present-day scene. Use your research notes and interviews with subjects to better understand their past to reminisce. 

For example, you can move from a person’s death in the present to reminiscing about their favorite childhood memory.

12. Outline Your Story Chronologically 

This is another important step in how to write a biography is to write an outline that describes your story in chronological order. An outline is a tool that helps you visualize the structure and key elements of your story. This can help you organize your story into chapters and sections. 

You can write your plan in a digital document or draw it with pen and paper. Remember to store your outline in an easily accessible place so you can refer to it throughout the writing process.

What citation style should I use for my biography?

Use MLA, APA, or Chicago Style citations based on your instructor’s preference when citing sources in your biography.

Should I include personal opinions in a biography?

No, a biography should be objective and based on facts. Avoid injecting personal opinions or bias into the narrative.

What’s the difference between a biography and an autobiography?

A biography is written by someone else about a person’s life, while an autobiography is written by the subject themselves about their own life.

Can I write a biography about a living person?

Yes, you can write a biography about a living person with their consent. Ensure you respect their privacy and follow ethical guidelines when writing about them.

Conclusion 

Other than creating a sense of closure, there are no set rules about how a biography ends. An author may want to summarize their main points about the subject of their biography. If the person is still alive, the author can inform the reader about their condition or circumstances. If the person has died, inheritance can be discussed. Authors can also remind readers how they can learn from the biographical subject. Sharing a closing quote or about a person can leave the audience with a point to consider or discuss in more detail.

For further insights into writing and to avoid common mistakes, check out our article on Most Common Mistakes in Writing . Additionally, explore the Best Writing Tools for Writers to enhance your writing skills and discover the tools that can assist you. If you’re looking to improve your typing speed and accuracy, our article on How to Type Faster with Accuracy offers valuable tips.

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We keep our articles up-to-date regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance as new information becomes available.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing a biographical sketch about myself.

Hey all, I've been asked to write a biographical sketch about myself for a program I'm applying to. Can you guys share any tips, resources, or examples? I've never written one before and I'm not sure where to begin. Thank you!

Hello! Writing a biographical sketch about yourself can be an interesting task, but it's great that you're seeking help to make sure you do it well. Here are a few tips, resources, and examples to help you with your biographical sketch:

1. Start by brainstorming:

Make a list of important events, accomplishments, and characteristics that best define you. This can include your background, education, major milestones, professional achievements, personal hobbies, or anything else relevant to the program you're applying for.

2. Structure your sketch:

Create a rough outline for your biographical sketch, organizing your information into clear sections. A standard structure can include:

- Introduction: Introduce yourself, stating your full name and a brief overview of your background.

- Educational background: Describe your education, including the schools you attended and relevant degrees or certificates earned.

- Professional experience: Detail your work history and any prominent professional achievements.

- Personal interests and accomplishments: Talk about your hobbies, passion projects, or any significant personal achievements.

- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and relate them to the program you're applying to.

3. Keep it concise:

A biographical sketch is typically short and focused, so aim to keep it around 250-500 words. Be mindful of word count limitations given by the program and make sure to prioritize the most relevant information.

4. Use a professional tone:

Write your biographical sketch in third person to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang or informal language.

5. Review and revise:

Proofread your sketch carefully to check for grammar, syntax, and punctuation errors. Make revisions as necessary to ensure the final draft is polished and well-organized.

For example, your biographical sketch may look something like this:

Jane Doe is a dedicated marketing professional with a passion for digital media. Born and raised in New York City, she pursued a degree in Marketing at [University], where she graduated with honors in 20XX.

Upon graduating, Jane joined the marketing team at [Company], where she worked on numerous campaigns and contributed to the growth of the business. She has since been promoted to Marketing Manager and oversees campaigns for a variety of clients.

In her free time, Jane enjoys photography and volunteering at her local animal shelter. Her photography has been featured in several art shows, and she has been recognized with multiple awards. Through her volunteer work, Jane has helped to facilitate numerous adoptions and create a positive community presence for the shelter.

Overall, Jane's background in marketing, combined with her commitment to community impact, make her a fitting candidate for the [Program]. With support from this program, she hopes to further develop her skills and make a lasting impact in her field.

Best of luck with your biographical sketch, and I hope these tips help you create a compelling and memorable sketch that showcases your unique qualities!

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Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters

Biosketch Writing Tips

• Resume Writing Tips
• Federal Resume Writing Tips
• Curriculum Vita (CV) Writing Tips
• Personal Statement Writing Tips
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

A biosketch is used to highlight an individual’s qualifications for a specific role in a proposed project. The National Institutes of Health  (NIH) requires a biosketch for senior/key persons applying for or renewing NIH grants.

Your biosketch may not exceed five pages per person. Figures, graphics, or embed files (e.g. video, graphics, sound, data) are not allowed.

• eRA Commons User Name: An eRA Commons  is an online interface where signing officials, principal investigators, trainees and post-docs at institutions or organizations can access and share administrative information relating to research grants.This field is required for the program director/principal investigator, primary sponsors of fellowship applicants, all mentors of candidates for mentored career development awards, and candidates for diversity and reentry research supplements.
• Education/Training: Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as nursing. Include postdoctoral, residency, and clinical fellowship training, as applicable, listing each separately. For each entry provide the name and location of the institution, the degree received, and the month and year of end date (or expected end date).
• Personal Statement: In your statement describe why you are well-suited to participate in this project. This may include aspects of your training, previous work on this specific topic or related topics, technical expertise, or past performance in this field. You may cite up to four publications or research products that highlight your experience and qualifications for this project. Research products can include, but are not limited to, audio or video products; conference proceedings such as meeting abstracts, posters, or other presentations; patents; data and research materials; databases; educational aids or curricula; instruments or equipment; models; protocols; and software or netware.
• Positions and Honors: In chronological order list the positions you’ve held that are relevant to this application, concluding with your current position. High school students and undergraduates may include any previous positions. Additionally, list any relevant academic and/or professional achievements and honors. This includes scholarships, traineeships, fellowships, and development awards as they relate to the position. As a clinician you should include information on any clinical licenses or specialty board certifications.
• Contributions to Science: All senior/key persons should complete the following section except candidates for research supplements to promote diversity in health-related research who are high school students, undergraduates, and post-baccalaureates.Briefly describe up to five of your most significant contributions to science. The description of each contribution should be no longer than one half page, including citations. For each contribution, indicate historical background that frames the scientific problem, the central finding(s), influence of the finding(s) on the progress of science or the application of those finding(s) to health or technology, and your specific role in the described work. With each contribution, you may cite up to four publications or research products that are relevant to the contribution. If you are not the author of the product, indicate what your role or contribution was.
• Research Support: This section highlights your accomplishments, and those of your colleagues, as scientists. List ongoing and completed research projects from the past three years that you want to draw attention to. Briefly indicate the overall goals of the projects and your responsibilities. Do not include the number of person months or direct costs.
• Predoctoral applicants List by institution and year all undergraduate and graduate courses, with grades. In addition, explain any grading system used if it differs from a 1-100 scale; an A, B, C, D, F system; or a 0-4.0 scale. Also indicate the levels required for a passing grade.
• Postdoctoral applicants: List by institution and year all graduate scientific and/or professional courses with grades. In addition, explain any grading system used if it differs from a 1-100 scale; an A, B, C, D, F system; or a 0-4.0 scale. Also indicate the levels required for a passing grade.

Adapted from the National Institutes of Health Instructions for a Biographical Sketch .

Additional Resources:

• Non-fellowship Biosketch Example
• Predoctoral Fellowship Biosketch Example
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Biosketch Example

Adapted from the National Institutes of Health Biosketch Format Pages .

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Writers' Workshop: The Biographical Sketch

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

While engaging in the processes of researching, writing, and evaluating short biographical sketches, students can master essential writing skills and enhance their content area learning. In this lesson, fourth grade students discuss standard elements in a biography and examine the characteristics of the genre in a workshop setting. After selecting and researching a contemporary or historical figure using online databases, students practice writing short biographies. They then offer feedback on others' compositions and publish final drafts for reading aloud and displaying in class.

Featured Resources

Bio-Cube : Students can use this tool to create a 3-D representation of the biographical information they find.

From Theory to Practice

• Content mastery is demonstrated through reading and writing, and integrating the two enhances comprehension.
• Checklists can have a significant effect on students' performance while "writing to learn." Checklists help take the mystery out of writing by providing students with concrete writing goals and identifying the desired characteristics of the finished work.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• Computers with Internet access
• Blank transparency and markers
• Overhead projector
• Scissors and writing supplies (e.g., pencils, notebook paper, heavier paper for Bio-Cubes)
• Writers' Workshop: Biographical Sketch Sign-Up Sheet
• Writers' Workshop: List of Possible Subjects
• Writers' Workshop: Biographical Sketch Rubric
• Writers' Workshop: Proofreading and Publishing Checklist
• Writers' Workshop: Performance Assessment

Preparation

Student objectives.

Students will

• Access prior knowledge by discussing the writing process and the elements of biography
• Apply prewriting strategies by generating ideas and organizing their writing
• Improve comprehension by researching a contemporary or historical figure and reporting the most significant information about him or her
• Demonstrate the ability to write a focused, engaging opening paragraph
• Apply standard writing processes by creating short, publishable works
• Analyze content area writing by evaluating and critiquing each other's work

Session 1: Introduction to Biography Writers’ Workshop (60 minutes)

If you have chosen to do the biography activity suggested in the Preparation section (see Step 1), do so before beginning this session.

Session 2: Project Research (30–45 minutes)

Session 3: writing practice and sharing (60 minutes), session 4: revision and reflection (60 minutes), session 5: proofreading and publishing (60 minutes).

Homework: Before the next session, students who did not complete the publishing process should finish. Also, all students should conduct a practice reading of their finished sketches.

Session 6: Author Readings and Celebration (60 minutes)

Student assessment / reflections.

• Teacher observation and coaching during in-class writing and revision exercises
• Monitored student feedback during workshop sessions
• Writers’ Workshop: Biographical Sketch Rubric : Collect the rubrics to ensure that students have completed the self-assessment task.
• Writers' Workshop: Proofreading and Publishing Checklist : Collect students’ checklists to ensure that they have completed the proofreading and publishing tasks.
• Writers’ Workshop: Performance Assessment : Collect students’ assessments to ensure they are complete. Add any comments you have on the back for student review.
• At the end of the writers’ workshop cycle (e.g., immediately following or one day after Session 6), invite students to share reflections on the experience in a class discussion. Pose some or all of the following questions:

What did you learn from this workshop? What was the most enjoyable thing about our workshop? What was the most surprising thing? If you could change one thing about the workshop experience, what would it be? How did using the Bio-Cube help with your writing? Why is it important to start a piece of writing with an interesting opening paragraph? Why is getting peer feedback on your writing helpful?

Bio Cube is a useful summarizing tool that helps students identify and list key elements about a person for a biography or autobiography.

The interactive Cube Creator helps students identify and summarize key elements. It can be used as a prewriting or postreading activity.

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Biographical sketch for students, Format, Solved Examples, Worksheet

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Hey, welcome with the new article “Biographical sketch”, it’s no matter in which class/grade/Standard you are 4, 5, 6, 7,8 9, 10, 11, 12, teacher or student, this may this article help you to understand completely what is biographical sketch format, how to write it etc. Here we have Solved Examples and worksheet help you to understand the topic in good way. So without wasting time let’s start.

A bio-sketch or Biographical sketch of a person contains a detailed account of his physical outlook, characteristics, nature, job profile and other relevant personal information as required. The data provided in the question is used to write a bio-sketch or personally compiled by the writer.

What is a biographical sketch?

A bio-sketch or a biographical sketch is a brief write up that to summarize a person’s life, achievements, character, experiences, etc. It is a short description highlighting the main traits of the personality of the chosen subject.

How to write a biographical sketch?

Biography sketch: It is always written by a person other than the one who is being described. The aim of a bio-sketch is large to present a positive picture of the person concerned. It is advisable to present all the information in chronological order while writing a bio-sketch so that the reader can trace the life of the subject from the beginning to the end.

Biographical Sketch Format for students

The main points that need to be incorporated while writing a bio-sketch are:

• Full name, date of birth/age, place of birth
• Major personality traits
• Educational details highlighting any major achievements or awards
• His/Her contribution to society
• Any special interest
• Why is he/she famous or known for?

A biographical sketch is always written in the third person and aims at describing the significant achievements or impressive traits of a person’s personality.

Before writing a bio-sketch, the writer needs to conduct a thorough research about the life of the subject he/she has chosen. This can be done by reading reliable information in journals, books, libraries or online database.

The writer can then prepare a timeline of the person’s life and decide which points he/she wishes to highlight. Since a bio-sketch is a brief description, it describes such qualities, events and achievements .

In short, the writer should be able to paint a pen portrait of the subject and convince the reader that the person was unique and worth reading about.

Biographical sketch Solved example

Given examples are of “essay” biographical sketch solved example , you have to write an essay with the help of given clues.

Here we have two solved examples:

• (Biosketch solved example 1) : In the first example “Write a biographical sketch on Vishwanathan Anand not more than 100-120 words”.
• (Biosketch solved example 2) : In the Second example “Write a biographical sketch on Kailash Satyarthi not more than 100-120 words.

Biosketch solved example 1

Write a biographical sketch of Vishwanathan Anand – Grandmaster, a world Chess Champion in your own words in not more than 100-120 words . Clues have been given.

Biosketch solved example 2

Question: Write a biographical sketch of Kailash Satyarthi , a Nobel Peace Prize Honorary, in your own words in not more than 100-120 words , Clues have been given.

Kailash Satyarthi

Born 11 January 1954, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India-academic qualification-Electrical Engineer-family-married, Two children-a daughter and a son-prize motivation – ‘His struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education’ – awards – Nobel Peace Prize, 2014 (shared with malala Yousafazai) – Defenders of Democracy Award (US), 2009- Alfonso Comin International Award (Spain), 2008 – The Robert. Kennedy Human Rights Award, 1995 – popular child Rights Activist- started a journal ‘The Struggle Shall Continue’ in 1980 (create awareness about child labour) – founder – Bachpan Andolan (BBA), a movement dedicated towards eradication of human trafficking and bonded child labour.

Biographical Solved Example Image

Worksheet for students

Here we have two worksheets read carefully.

• (Worksheet 1): In the first worksheet, you have a paragraph and you have to write a biographical sketch with the help of given hints or Clues in the form of a paragraph .
• (Worksheet 2): In the second worksheet, you have to write a paragraph/biographical sketch with the help of given clues.

Worksheet 1

Write the biographical sketch of Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of RBI, in your own words in not more than 100-120 words. Clues have been given: (biographical sketch example for students)

Former governor-RBI-23rd-born February 3, 1963- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – Tamil family – father was senior bureaucrat – graduate from IIT Delhi in 1985- management degree from IIM- Ahmedabad in 1987-doctoral degree in 1991 from MIT-HKUST (Hongkong University of Science and Technology)-vegetarian-loves swimming, squash, tennis, running-married to Radhika Puri-she is a lecturer of law-at Chicago Law School-he served as the Chief Economic Advisor to Finance Ministry- was the youngest Chief Economist- at IMF in 2003 – prestigious awards- Fischer Black Prize-Best Central bank Governor Award-Deutsche Bank Prize for financial economics

Worksheet 2

Write the biography sketch of Nelson Mandela, the first Black President, in your own words in not more than 100-125 words. Clues have been given.

Also, read:

• Notice writing
• Message writing
• Report writing 

Biographical Sketch PDF

25 thoughts on “biographical sketch for students, format, solved examples, worksheet”.

Hello, can I get clues for Richard Ebright in biography sketch. Please help…Thank you

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Write a biographical sketch of sirivennela seetha Rama sastry

Biographical sketch of sirivennela seetha Rama sastry

Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry (a.k.a. Sirivennela), born on May 20, 1955, in Andhra Pradesh, India, is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and songwriter. His lyrical prowess and deep understanding of human emotions have made him a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, particularly in Telugu cinema.

Sirivennela’s journey into the world of poetry and lyrics began during his college days, where he developed a passion for literature and music. His talent soon caught the attention of music directors and filmmakers, and he made his debut as a lyricist with the film “Kokila” in 1980. Since then, Sirivennela has penned thousands of songs for Telugu films, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

Known for his profound lyrics and poetic expressions, Sirivennela has collaborated with some of the most celebrated music composers in the industry, including Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and M. M. Keeravani. His songs often delve into themes of love, life, and human relationships, striking a chord with listeners across generations.

Apart from his work in films, Sirivennela has also published several collections of poetry, further establishing himself as a prolific writer. His contributions to the field of literature and music have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including several Nandi Awards and a National Film Award for Best Lyrics.

Sirivennela’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to touch hearts and evoke emotions through his words. His songs continue to be cherished by millions of fans, making him a beloved figure in the world of Telugu cinema and beyond.

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Thank you for your feedback. Stay tuned for the updates!

This website is very useful for revising the concept before exams. I was able to clear all my doubts by reading the document. I solved the worksheet, to practice my writing skills.

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This website is very helpful for the revision of writing skills before the paper.

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Your welcome

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Thank you for making this wonderful site. This really helped me to improve my scores.

You’re welcome! I’m thrilled to hear that the site has helped improve your scores. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy learning!

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How to Write a Biographical Sketch: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Biographical Sketch

Have you ever been asked to write a biographical sketch but didn’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’re curious about what a biographical sketch even is and why it’s important. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to write a biographical sketch. It is asked for 5 marks in CBSE Board in different classes. Crafting an engaging and informative bio can be challenging. But fear not – with our step-by-step guide and helpful examples, you’ll be writing bio sketches like good student.

• Biosketch And Biographical Sketch Example For Students
• Biosketch Examples For Class 8 Along With Bio Sketch Questions
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• Bio Sketch for Class 6 | Format | Worksheet| 10 Best Examples
• Factual Description of a Person Example

What is a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch, also known as a bio sketch or bio sketch, is a brief overview of someone’s life. It focuses on the most important and relevant aspects of the person’s personal and professional background. Unlike a full-length biography that covers every detail of a person’s life from their birth to death, a biographical sketch only includes essential information. This type of writing typically ranges from one paragraph to a few ones in length depending on its purpose. When it comes to writing an effective biosketch, it should provide readers with an insight into the person’s life and what makes the personality unique. It should highlight achievements, skills and experiences that make him/ her stand out from others. A well-written biographical sketch should capture the reader’s attention while providing them with enough information about your background to leave them curious for more.

How to write a biographical sketch

To write a biographical sketch, you need to start with the basics. A biographical sketch is a short summary of someone’s life or career. It should be concise and informative while highlighting key accomplishments and milestones. So how do you go about writing one? Firstly, identify your subject and research the background or take the hints already given in the Bio Sketch questions thoroughly. Start by gathering basic information such as their name, birthplace, education and profession. Once you have established these details, begin outlining the main points that you want to include in your bio-sketch. This could range from significant achievements to personal anecdotes that provide insight into who they are as a person. When writing the actual draft, keep sentences short and engaging while maintaining accuracy in conveying important details about your subject’s life story. Remember to use descriptive language that captures their unique personality traits and character qualities. Ensure that your final version is formatted properly with clear headings for each section – introduction/background info; career/achievements; personal life/family history etcetera- so readers can easily navigate through it all without feeling overwhelmed by too much text at once!

What to include in a Biographical Sketch

When writing a biographical sketch, it’s important to include key elements that will give the reader a clear understanding of the subject’s life and achievements. You are also advised to include their birthplace and date, family background, educational history, career accomplishments, notable publications or awards they’ve received. Be sure to focus on significant events or milestones in their life rather than trivial details that would distract from their impact or legacy. Additionally, incorporating quotes from the subject themselves or people who knew them well can add depth and perspective. End with an overview of what makes this individual noteworthy – what did they contribute to society or their field? What sets them apart from others in similar positions? Remember: A biographical sketch should be concise yet informative; it should capture both facts and feelings about its subject without becoming overly sentimental or lengthy.

Format of Writing a Biographical Sketch

Formatting is an essential part of any writing piece, and a biographical sketch is no exception. The way you structure your sketch will determine how easy it is for readers to follow the story of the person you’re writing about. Here are some tips on formatting your biographical sketch. Firstly, start with a clear introduction that briefly explains who the person is and what they have achieved in their life. This sets the tone for your entire sketch and should be captivating enough to keep readers interested. Next, divide your biography into sections that cover different aspects of the person’s life such as childhood, education, career highlights or achievements. Each section should begin with a subheading that summarizes what you’ll be discussing next. When writing each section, use short paragraphs and sentences to make it easier for readers to digest information quickly. Also try breaking up text with bullet points or images where appropriate. Use third-person point-of-view throughout when describing events from someone else’s life; avoid using “I” or “we.” End with a conclusion summarizing everything discussed in your biographical sketch without adding new information so as not to confuse readers.

Biographical Sketch Examples

1.Given below is a profile of Ashwini. Write a short bio-sketch of him in about 100 words.

• Age-18 years
• Physical Appearance–normal, 160 cm tall
• college student
• works part-time
• parents old-father a primary teacher, mother housewife
• wants to do B.A. then a job-further study
• honest, hardworking, sincere
• wants to lead a simple life

Answer                             Ashwini—A College Student

  Ashwini is an 18-year old boy with a normal physical appearance having 180 cm height. He is, at present, a college student studying in B.A. Since his parents are poor, he works part-time. His father is a primary school teacher and his mother a housewife. His parents are old. Ashwini is ambitious she wants to complete his B.A. first. After that, he would search for a job because without that he can’t do much in life. Even after getting a suitable job, he would like to study further. As regards human values, Ashwini is honest, hardworking, and sincere. He wants to lead a simple life.

2. Given below is a profile of your favourite teacher Sh. Prashant Kumar. Write a short bio-sketch of your teacher using the clues given below in 100 words.

• Age-25 years
• Physical appearance—fair-complexioned and looks like a film hero
• teaches English, teaches with examples, silence
• how the class was an enjoyable experience
• love for children
• kind, patient, ever-smiling

  Answer:  Prashant Kumar Like others I, too, have my favourite teacher in Sh. Prashant Kumar. He is 25 years old and has a good physical appearance. He is fair-complexioned and looks like a film hero. He teaches us English. His method of teaching is very interesting and thought-provoking. He teaches through examples which make us understand the topic clearly. His method is so good that all of us wait for his period. There is pin-drop silence in the class and all listen to him with full attention. So the whole class enjoys his teaching. Sh. Prashant Kumar has a great love for children. As a man, he is kind, patient and ever-smiling. He is loved by all due to his qualities. May he live long!

3. Last year your school appointed a new T.C.T. who came to teach you English in class 9. You are very impressed with her. Write a description of your T.G.T. (English) in about 100 words. You may use the clues given below.

• qualifications, college/university’
• personality
• attitude toward students
• manner of teaching
• problem-solving
• course punctuality
• weak students

Ans.                                              My Favourite Teacher

 Our English teacher Mrs Rita Raman is one of the best teachers that I have ever come across. She graduated from Hindu caw and then secured her B.Ed. degree from the University of Delhi. She is very friendly and charming. Her dresses are extremely interesting Instead of giving a monotonous lecture; she allows the students to and shares their views. The students are never afraid to approach her. The best thing about Mrs Rita Raman is her punctuality. She never fails to complete the syllabus on time. Mrs Raman gives special attention to the weaker students and motivates them to work hard. She is indeed a wonderful person.

Download the above Description in PDF

Why Write a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch is a brief summary of someone’s life, achievements and significant events that have shaped their personality. So why would anyone want to write a biographical sketch? Firstly, it can be a great way to introduce yourself or someone else on various platforms such as social media profiles, personal websites or professional portfolios. A well-crafted bio sketch can leave an impression on the reader and help them understand who you are and what you do. Secondly, writing a biographical sketch can be an opportunity for introspection and reflection. It allows us to examine our own lives objectively and identify the key moments that have contributed to our personal growth. Moreover, a well-written bio-sketch can also serve as an inspiration for others. It may encourage readers to pursue their dreams by sharing stories of how those before them overcame obstacles through resilience and determination. In essence, writing a biographical sketch is not only informative but also motivational. It provides insights into one’s journey through life while inspiring others along the way.

Writing a biographical sketch doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create an engaging and informative piece that accurately captures your subject’s life and accomplishments. Remember to start with research, organize your information into categories or themes, and use descriptive language that brings the person to life on the page. And don’t forget to tailor your approach based on your intended audience! Whether you’re writing for academic purposes or simply want to create a meaningful tribute to someone special, these tips will help you successfully tackle any biographical sketch project. So what are you waiting for? Start researching and get ready to tell some amazing stories!

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27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

Published: December 20, 2023

As a writer, I have to let readers and potential clients know my expertise, my skills, and why they should work with me or be interested in what I say. So, a professional bio is a must in my industry.

Though I'm definitely familiar with professional bios, I can admit they can be challenging. What do I include? What do readers need to know?

As daunting as writing a professional bio can be, professional bios are crucial when applying for jobs, seeking new clients, or networking. A professional bio also gives the world a brief snapshot of you and your professional ideals.

If you‘re at a loss for how to write a professional bio that packs a punch, I’ve got you covered. In this journey, tools like HubSpot’s user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder can be instrumental in showcasing your professional bio online with ease and style.

I will walk you through how to write a professional bio that you can proudly publish, provide professional bio templates, and show you the best professional bio examples you can get inspiration from.

What is a professional bio?

Professional bio templates, how to write a professional bio, best professional bio examples, how to write a short bio.

80+ Professional Bio Templates & Examples

Create a compelling professional narrative for a proper, attention-grabbing introduction.

• LinkedIn Summaries
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Tell us a little about yourself below to gain access today:

A professional bio or biography is a short overview of your experience. Professional bios usually include details about education, employment, achievements, and relevant skills.

Purpose of Professional Bios

A bio tells an audience about who you are, what you've done, and what you can do. It can help potential employers, fans, or customers understand your personality and what you stand for.

Writing a bio without a clear starting point is challenging — believe me, I've tried. To ease the process, here are some templates I put together to get you started.

I‘ve found it’s best to keep your professional bio honest and to the point. Too long of a bio, and you risk losing your audience's attention. After all, audiences will only read a web page for less than a minute before clicking elsewhere.

And honesty is key because most consumers and clients won‘t invest in someone or something if it doesn’t seem trustworthy. In fact, 67% of consumers say they must trust a brand before investing in its products or services.

"Plus," she adds, "I'm always happy to talk about my cats at any given moment. You never know when a fellow cat mom could be reading."

Values and Work Approach

Your values can sometimes show your work ethic more effectively than your career path. It can also help you endear yourself to employers and colleagues who want to work with people with similar values.

So don‘t be shy: Share how you incorporate your values into your work. Whether it’s a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, or ethical decision-making, explain what drives you and be enthusiastic about it.

Your Personality

Remember: Your bio should always include a taste of your personality! Your sense of humor, creativity, or collaborative nature could all give readers a sense of who you are. This helps readers connect with you on a more personal level.

Remember to tailor your bio for different platforms and audiences. Also, keep it concise and impactful while highlighting the most relevant information in each context.

First-Person Bio vs. Third-Person Bio

While first-person bios are common, third-person bios can be more effective in formal situations.

Your decision to write your professional bio in the first or third person depends on your desire to leave a more personable or assertive impression.

Both approaches work, provided you tailor them to your goals and audience. What’s important is to be clear and tell your story in a way that connects with your reader.

How to Write a First-Person Bio

Writing in the first person can be a great way to connect with your audience when building a personal brand. When you write a first-person bio, use "I" or "me" to make yourself relatable and approachable.

Here's one way I’d write a first-person bio:

"I'm a freelance writer specializing in small business content. I've worked with companies in a variety of industries like home care to fine leather goods."

Speaking in the first person here connects you with a client or brand based on your experience and opinions. Put another way, writing a first-person bio is like telling your story to your audience.

Here are a few tips to make your first-person bio great:

Don’t start every sentence with "I."

Showing instead of telling is a great approach.

Let’s say you’re a writer who wants to create a short professional bio. Instead of saying, "I love to write," you can say, "Writer. Bad but enthusiastic dancer."

This portrays your writing skill, shows your personality outside of writing as a dancer, and includes a little sense of humor, which is essential for a writer.

Remember, you know yourself better than anyone.

Adding a back story to your bio helps create context for the roles and successes you write about. Think of it like a case study about who you were, what you are now, and the process that got you to your current position.

Focus on valuable details.

Quick facts about you can showcase your identity and values. For example, if you're writing a bio for LinkedIn, think about how to tie your hobby into what you do.

Let's say Animal Crossing is your hobby. Does it align with your career aspirations? It can be a great addition to your bio if you want to pursue a video game career.

However, if your interests lie elsewhere, including a more relevant hobby is better.

How to Write a Third-Person Bio

Third-person bios sound more authoritative and objective. So, if you’re job searching in a formal industry, applying for grants, or trying to get published, you may want to stick to the third person.

For instance, when you write a third-person bio, you may start with:

"Jasmine Montgomery is a Senior Hiring Manager at L’Oreal based in New York. She recruits across several business units to connect with the brightest talent from around the globe."

By only using your name and pronouns to speak about yourself here, you are letting your title and skill set speak for themselves.

These bios create distance between the subject of the bio (you) and the reader through a third person. This person could be anyone, but they usually speak in a tone emphasizing their expertise.

This makes third-person bios feel aloof or overly formal sometimes.

Ideally, your third-person bio should sound friendly but polished, like a message from a close colleague at work. Here are a few tips on how to write a great third-person bio.

Write from the perspective of someone you know and trust.

It can be challenging to write about yourself, so try to see yourself from the perspective of your favorite person at work or a mentor you trust. This can help you write from a position of authority without feeling self-conscious.

Show the reader why they should trust your opinion.

A professional bio often reflects a specific industry or niche. With this in mind, your text should include relevant details that professionals in your industry know. Avoid jargon whenever you can.

Remember, you're telling a story.

If you want a third-person bio, but you're used to writing in first-person, it may help to write it the most comfortable way for you.

Your professional bio is an essential piece of writing, so edit it carefully. Edit your writing from both points of view and see which works best for your target audience.

Here's how to write a professional bio, step by step.

• Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.
• Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.
• Mention any associated brand name you might use.
• State your current position and what you do.
• Include at least one professional accomplishment.
• Describe your values and how they inform your career.
• Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.
• Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

If you’re anything like me, you probably don't think about your professional bio until you’re asked to "send one over via email."

You have one afternoon to come up with it, so you scramble together a bio that ends up reading like this:

"Rodney Erickson is a content marketing professional at HubSpot, a CRM platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.

Previously, Rodney worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. He graduated with honors from Columbia University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing."

To be fair, in certain contexts, your professional bio needs to be more formal, like Mr. Erickson's up there. But there are also cases where writing a personable and conversational bio is good.

Whether you choose the formal or casual route, use the following steps to create a perfect bio.

1. Create an 'About' page for your website or profile.

You need an online space to keep your professional bio. Here are a few to consider (some of these you might already have in place):

• Facebook Business page .
• Industry blog byline .
• Instagram account .
• Personal website .
• LinkedIn profile .
• Industry website .
• Personal blog .

As you'll see in the professional bio examples below, the length and tone of your bio will differ depending on the platforms you use.

Instagram, for example, allows only 150 characters of bio space, whereas you can write as much as you want on your website or Facebook Business page.

2. Begin writing your bio with your first and last name.

If your readers remember nothing else about your bio, they should remember your name. Therefore, it's a good idea for your first and last name to be the first two words of your professional bio.

Even if your name is printed above this bio (hint: it should), this is a rare moment where it's okay to be redundant.

For example, if I were writing my bio, I might start it like this:

Lindsay Kolowich

Lindsay Kolowich is a Senior Marketing Manager at HubSpot.

3. Mention any associated brand name you might use.

Will your professional bio represent you or a business you work for? Ensure you mention the brand you associate with in your bio. If you're a freelancer, you may have a personal business name or pseudonym you advertise to your clients.

Here are a few examples:

• Lindsay Kolowich Marketing.
• SEO Lindsay.
• Kolowich Consulting.
• Content by Kolowich (what do you think ... too cheesy?).

Maybe you founded your own company and want its name to be separate from your real name. Keep it simple like this: "Lindsay Kolowich is the founder and CEO of Kolowich Consulting."

4. State your current position and what you do.

Whether you're the author of a novel or a mid-level specialist, use the following few lines of your bio to describe what you do in that position. Refrain from assuming your audience knows what your job title entails.

Make your primary responsibilities known so readers can know you and understand what you offer to your industry.

5. Include at least one professional accomplishment.

Just as a business touts its client successes through case studies, your professional bio should let your audience know what you've achieved.

What have you done for yourself — as well as for others — that makes you a valuable player in your industry?

6. Describe your values and how they inform your career.

Why do you do what you do? What might make your contribution to the market different from your colleagues? What are the values that make your business a worthwhile investment to others?

Create a professional bio that answers these questions.

7. Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work.

Transition from describing your values in work to defining who you are outside of work. This may include:

• Your family.
• Your hometown.
• Sports you play.
• Hobbies and interests.
• Favorite music and travel destinations.
• Side hustles you're working on.

People like connecting with other people. The more transparent you are about who you are personally, the more likable you'll be to people reading about you.

8. Use humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

End your professional bio on a good or, more specifically, a funny note. By leaving your audience with something quirky or unique, you can ensure they'll leave your website with a pleasant impression of you.

Following the steps above when writing your bio is important, but take your time with one section. People consume lots of information daily. So ensure your bio hooks 'em in the first line, and you won’t lose them.

(P.S. Want to boost your professional brand? Take one of HubSpot Academy's free certification courses . In just one weekend, you can add a line to your resume and bio that over 60,000 marketers covet.)

Why Good Bios Are Important for a Professional

You may think, "How many people read professional bios, anyway?"

The answer: A lot. Though there's no way to tell who is reading it, you want it catchy. Your professional bio will delight the right people coming across it on multiple platforms.

Professional bios can live on your LinkedIn profile , company website, guest posts, speaker profiles, Twitter bio , Instagram bio , and many other places.

And most importantly, it‘s the tool you can leverage most when you’re networking.

Bottom line? People will read your professional bio. Whether they remember it or it makes them care about you is a matter of how well you present yourself to your intended audience.

So, what does a top-notch professional bio look like? Let‘s review a few sample bios for professionals like you and me. Then, we’ll cover bio examples from some of the best people in the industry.

Short Sample Bios

Your bio doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five samples to glean inspiration from.

Example 1: Friendly Sample Bio

"Hey! My name is Ryan, and I'm a marketing specialist passionate about digital advertising. I have five years of experience managing various online campaigns and improving brand visibility for clients across multiple verticals. I love analyzing consumer behavior and leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize ROI. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, taking funny photos, and exploring new hiking trails."

Example 2: Mid-Career Sample Bio

"Jennifer Patel is a versatile graphic designer known for her creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in visual arts and eight years of experience, Jennifer has worked on diverse projects ranging from logo designs to website layouts. Her ability to understand and translate client needs into visually striking designs sets her apart. Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, music, and pop culture."

Example 3: Sales Sample Bio

"I'm a seasoned sales executive with a track record of exceeding targets and building strong client relationships. With a background in B2B sales, I've built a natural ability to understand customer needs and consistently exceed quota every month. I pride myself in my communication skills and strategic approaches, which have helped me thrive in highly competitive markets such as SaaS sales. Outside work, I enjoy playing basketball and volunteering at local charities."

Example 4: HR Sample Bio

"I am a dedicated human resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee development. With eight years of experience in talent acquisition and HR operations, I've played a key role in building high-performing teams. I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga and exploring new culinary experiences."

Example 5: Software Engineer Sample Bio

"David Chang is a senior software engineer specializing in backend development. With a strong background in computer science and six years of experience, David has successfully built scalable and efficient solutions for complex technical challenges. He is well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks like C++, Java, and Ruby on Rails. In his spare time, David enjoys reading science fiction novels and playing the guitar."

Below, we've curated some of the best professional bio examples we've ever seen on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the various places you might describe yourself.

Check 'em out and use them as inspiration when crafting your own.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Author
• Chima Mmeje: SEO Content Writer
• DJ Nexus: DJ
• Lena Axelsson: Marriage & Family Therapist
• Mark Levy: Branding Firm Founder
• Audra Simpson: Political Anthropologist
• Marie Mikhail: Professional Recruiter
• Wonbo Woo: Executive Producer
• Chris Burkard: Freelance Photographer
• Lisa Quine: Creative Consultant
• Nancy Twine: Hair Care Founder
• Trinity Mouzon: Wellness Brand Founder
• Alberto Perez: Co-Founder of Zumba Fitness
• Ann Handley: Writer and Marketer

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie : Author

Bio platform: personal website.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie begins her professional bio with an invitation to her roots.

In a few paragraphs, she describes when and where she was born, her family, her education, her honorary degrees, and the depth of her work, which has been translated into 30 languages and several publications.

She can keep readers engaged by leading with a powerful hook that aligns with her target audience’s marketing needs.

• There’s clarity about who Chima serves.
• The hook is bold, catchy, and compels anyone to read further.
• Including client results makes clients visualize what they can expect.

3. DJ Nexus : DJ

Bio platform: facebook.

This New England-based DJ has single-handedly captured the Likes of over 2,000 people in and beyond Boston, MA. And even if you don‘t listen to the type of music he produces, it’s hard not to read his compelling Facebook bio.

For instance, consider his tagline, under "About" — " Quiet during the day. QUITE LOUD at night! " DJ Nexus tells you when he works awesomely. I got goosebumps just imagining a dance club where he might play music.

The second is the "long version," which is even more interesting than the first. Why? It reads like a story — a compelling one, at that. In fact, it gets hilarious in some parts.

The second sentence of the bio reads: "He was frightened of public school, loved playing baseball and football, ran home to watch ape films on the 4:30 Movie, listened to The Jam and The Buzzcocks, and read magic trick books."

Here's another excerpt from the middle:

It's a well-put value proposition that sets her apart from the rest of the HR industry.

Marie concludes her bio with a smooth mix of professional skills, like her Spanish fluency, and personal interests, such as podcasting and Star Wars (she mentions the latter with just the right amount of humor).

• Straight off the bat, Marie uses a story to share her experiences of how she began as a recruiter.
• It provides a subtle pitch for readers to check out her podcast.
• The bio exudes Maries approachable, fun, and playful personality.

8. Wonbo Woo : Executive Producer

Wonbo Woo is the executive producer of WIRED's video content and has several impressive credits to his name. What does this mean for his professional bio? He has to prioritize.

With this in mind, Wonbo opens his bio with the most eye-catching details first (if the image below is hard to read, click it to see the full copy ).

I wouldn‘t necessarily be inclined to follow Chris if his bio had simply read, "I post beautiful images." But images that inspire me to travel? Now that’s something I can get behind.

Last, he ends on a humble, sweet note: "He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons." So inject personal information into your bio — it makes you seem approachable.

• It highlights Chris’s achievement without bragging.
• The last sentence portrays Chris as a responsible man who loves his family.
• The well-written bio speaks to nature lovers who like the outdoors, surfing, and more. This gives them reasons to follow Chris.

10. Lisa Quine : Creative Consultant

Bio platform: portfolio website.

Creative professionals who specialize in visual art may find it challenging to balance the writing of their bio and displaying of their portfolio. Not Lisa Quine. Lisa has an exceptional balance of her professional bio and creative work.

Throughout her bio, you'll notice the number of murals she's completed and a brief timeline of her career. This helps her paint the picture of who she is as a professional.

The rest of her bio similarly focuses on Twine's strengths as someone who’s able to take hair care "back to basics."

Mouzon effectively grips the reader's attention with this introduction and then dives into some of her impressive accomplishments — including a brand now sold at Urban Outfitters and Target.

The language used throughout Mouzon's bio is authentic, real, and honest.

For instance, in the second paragraph, she admits:

"While building a brand may have looked effortless from the outside, starting a business at age 23 with no resources or funding quickly forced me to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent."

As an avid Zumba fan, I was excited to include this one. Perez styles his LinkedIn bio as a short story, starting with his background as a hard-working teen who held three jobs by age 14.

His bio tells the fun and fascinating origin story of Zumba, in which Perez, an aerobics teacher in Florida at the time, forgot his music for class and used a Latin music cassette tape instead ... "And it was an instant hit!"

His bio continues:

"Shortly after he was connected to Alberto Periman and Alberto Aghion, and Zumba was officially created ... What started as a dream now has 15 million people in more than 200,000 locations in 186 countries who take Zumba classes every week."

There's something in there for everyone.

• The last section of the bio shows Ann’s warm personality — "Ann lives in Boston, where she is Mom to creatures two- and four-legged."
• Written in the third person, this bio has lots of proof (like followers), which shows Ann is a terrific marketing leader.

If you're posting a bio on a social media account or sending a quick blurb to a client, you want to keep it short and sweet while showcasing your accomplishments.

To get started, use these best practices for writing your short professional bio:

• Introduce yourself.
• State what you do.
• Add key skills or areas of expertise.
• Include a personal mission statement
• Celebrate your wins.
• Provide your contact information.
• Show them your personality.

1. Introduce yourself.

Your introduction is your first impression, so always begin by telling people who you are. You may start with a greeting like, "Hello, my name is" or "Hi! Let me first introduce myself …" when sending your bio as a message.

If you’re writing a bio for an online platform, stating your name at the beginning works as well.

Leading with your name — even as a question — is important for recognition and building relationships.

2. State what you do.

Give people an idea of what you do daily and where you work. Your job title is how the people put you into context and consider whether your profession relates to their industry.

So detail your most relevant work in your short bios, like CEO, professor, and author.

Take a cue from Angela Duckworth , who specifies what she does in her LinkedIn bio:

3. Add key skills or areas of expertise.

If you send a bio to a client or potential employer, highlight your most valuable skills. For instance, if your expertise is in social media marketing and content creation, like Ivanka Dekoning , list these skills.

• A joke. "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. At least that’s what I learned when I created…"
• Mention a hobby. "I’ll be honest: for me, tennis is life — Go Nadal!"
• A fun fact. "Every year, I watch 100 new films! I’m a cinephile and love every movie genre."
• A few emojis related to your interests. "🎶🤖🎾🎬🎭"

Whichever way you choose to get personal, give people a glimpse into who you are as an individual.

When writing a short bio, it can be tempting to pack in as much relevant information about yourself as possible — but this isn’t the most effective approach.

Instead, focus on including the details that you and your audience care about most and leave out the fluff.

Let's dive into a few examples of short professional bios.

Short Professional Bio Examples

• Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager
• Lianna Patch: Copywriter
• Precious Oboidhe: Content Strategist and Writer
• Rebecca Bollwitt: Writer
• Megan Gilmore: Cookbook Author
• Bea Dixon: Feminine Care Founder
• Tammy Hembrow: Instagram Influencer
• Dr. Cody: Chiropractor
• Larry Kim: Founder
• Dharmesh Shah: Founder and CTO
• Lily Ugbaja: Content Strategist
• Ian Anderson Gray: Marketer
• Van Jones: Political Commentator, Author, and Lawyer

1. Tristen Taylor: Marketing Manager

Bio platform: blog byline.

Tristen Taylor is a Marketing Manager here at HubSpot. She's written content for HubSpot's Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blogs; her blog author bio is one of my favorites.

What I love most about Tristen's bio is that it’s a great example of how to deliver information about yourself that is relevant to your work while also sharing fun details that audiences will find relatable.

Her bio reads:

"Building from her experience with GoCo.io and Southwest Airlines, Tristen's work has been recognized by Marketing Brew and BLACK@INBOUND. She lives in Washington, DC, attending anime conventions and painting in her free time."

Gilmore further includes a CTA link within her Instagram bio that leads followers to free, ready-to-use recipes. You might think, " Why would she do that since it discourages people from buying her book?"

But that couldn't be further from the truth.

By giving her followers the chance to try out her recipes, she's slowly turning leads into customers. After I tried a few of her Instagram recipes and loved them, I bought her book, knowing I'd like more of what she offered.

• The bio is short and direct.
• The CTA link includes an invitation for people to join her newsletter. Meaning, she can build her email list.

6. Bea Dixon : Feminine Care Founder

Bea Dixon, Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, efficiently uses the space on her Instagram profile to highlight who she is as a well-rounded human — not just a businesswoman.

For instance, while she highlights her girl boss attitude with a tiara emoji, she equally calls attention to her fashion interests (Free People), her pets, Boss and Sadie, and her love for ramen noodles.

What more do you need to know?

Ian doesn't take his bio too seriously but uses every character to highlight everything about him.

He includes his skills as a marketer and podcast host, who he is outside work as a dad, and what he can help you do. His smiles also give the bio a sense of humor and realness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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A biographical sketch (also referred to as biosketch) documents an individual's qualifications and experience for a specific role in a project.  NIH requires submission of a biosketch for each proposed senior/key personnel and other significant contributor on a grant application. Some funding opportunities or programs may also request biosketches for additional personnel (e.g., Participating Faculty Biosketch attachment for institutional training awards).  Applicants and recipients are required to submit biosketches

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• COMMISSIONER MARVIN S ARRINGTON TO HOST DISTRICT 5 WRITE TO RISE YOUNG WRITER WORKSHOP
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COMMISSIONER MARVIN S. ARRINGTON TO HOST DISTRICT 5 'WRITE TO RISE' YOUNG WRITER WORKSHOP

Share this story.

District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington Jr. is encouraging young writers to hone their craft. The Commissioner will host the Write 2 Rise Workshops in June. The series of workshops promise to foster young writers to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their literary works, and to provide a context to celebrate their writing successes. Interested participants will have the opportunity to participate in any of the 3 workshops at the Wolf Creek Library located at 3100 Enon Road in Atlanta.

• Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.fultoncommission5.com

Watch CBS News

Rodeo star Spencer Wright's son opens eyes, lifts head days after river accident

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: May 27, 2024 / 2:33 PM EDT / CBS News

The 3-year-old son of rodeo star Spencer Wright was able to lift his head and open his eyes after an accident in Utah left him unconscious for several days, according to CBS News affiliate KUTV . 

Levi Wright was riding a toy tractor by a creek near their home on May 21 when he veered too close to the water and was swept away, CBS News previously reported . He was swept away a mile downstream, where he was found unconscious. 

The toddler was airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital, where he remains, according to social media posts from his mother, Kallie Wright. On Friday, she wrote that "LEVI WOKE UP!" after days unconscious. 

"We don't know much but the doctor said it was okay for me to get excited about that and I AM!" she wrote. "My baby is so tough!" 

A few hours later, Wright clarified that Levi had "opened his eyes for a period of time, wiggled with purpose and less like just a reflex as before" and said the family still had a "long and tremendous road ahead." 

"Spencer and I felt like he knew we were there and could hear us," Wright wrote. "He's been pretty sedated since then but has still had small periods of awakeness. He actually woke up during us talking to one of the doctors about his love of excavators and tractors!" 

Wright said on Friday evening that Levi had had an MRI that "wasn't good" and showed results that left her and her husband "shattered."  

"It is just images that suggest a certain quality of life," she wrote. "Our real teller of all will be what Levi does over the course of a few days. Please continue to pray! I'm not giving up on my baby just yet." 

Wright said she continues seeking expertise from neurologists and other professionals and that she and her husband plan to share fewer updates in the coming days. 

Kallie and Spencer Wright have three children together, including Levi.  Spencer Wright , 33, is ranked No. 40 in the world in saddle bronc riding. 

Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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Why Knoxville author Reed Massengill's 'Portrait of a Racist' remains relevant

It has been more than 60 years since civil rights pioneer Medgar Evers was gunned down in the driveway of his home in Jackson, Mississippi. And it has been 30 years since Evers' killer, Byron De La Beckwith, was convicted after a third trial.

That conviction was secured in part by the testimony of Knoxville native Reed Massengill, the author of the biography "Portrait of a Racist" about Beckwith, Massengill's uncle by marriage.

Evers was honored earlier this month as one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, and Massengill believes now is the perfect time to release a new edition of his book. The reissue feels serendipitous to Massengill, who noted Evers' award was far too long in coming.

"Although I've written about Beckwith, I want to pivot some of that attention back to Medgar Evers and his contributions and his legacy," Massengill said. "I don't want him to be overlooked in the conversation."

Who was Byron de la Beckwith and how did Massengill end up writing 'Portrait of a Racist?'

Byron De La Beckwith, who was born in 1920, had been married to Massengill's aunt, Mary Louise "Willie" Williams. But as Massengill notes in the beginning of his biography, Williams' family never spoke of Beckwith, who was suspected of murdering Evers in 1963.

Beckwith's first two trials in 1964 − both times by all-male, all-white juries − ended in mistrials. Delmar Dennis, who acted as a key witness for the prosecution at the 1994 trial, said Beckwith boasted of his role in the death of Medgar Evers at several Ku Klux Klan rallies and similar gatherings in the years after those trials. Beckwith was finally convicted after the third trial in 1994.

Prior to his re-arrest, Beckwith had reached out to Massengill, in the mid-1980s, with the idea that his nephew would write a sympathetic account.

"I had been curious about him since I was a kid, but he came to me," Massengill said. "I got a letter from (him). ... I don't think I would have ended up with the book I did if I had approached him. I owed our interaction almost entirely to this curiosity he had about me as the writer in the family. He was constantly giving me stuff that drew me in even more; his letters invariably provided me with details that led to further research."

One of the items Beckwith sent was the FBI file that had been amassed on his activities since Evers' assassination, Massengill said, adding of his uncle's "complex" personality, "He was definitely a narcissist."

Massengill was interviewed by Knox News in December 1992, shortly after the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled Beckwith would stand trial for the third time, while Massengill was in the process of writing "Portrait of a Racist." Massengill told reporter Don Williams he had just returned from a jailhouse interview with his uncle.

"Massengill is breaking the family taboo," Williams wrote. "He is airing out the family secret, literally writing the final chapter to a book scheduled to be published by St. Martin's Press in August."

What happened after 'Portrait of a Racist' was published?

The publication of the biography in January 1994 resulted in Massengill being subpoenaed to testify against Beckwith because of the letters his uncle wrote him.

"I feared something might happen to me to keep me from testifying," Massengill said, recalling that a planned hit list with his name on it showed up in his post office box. On another occasion, his windshield was smashed. "It was creepy and scary."

Eventually, Massengill said, he left Knoxville and moved back to his former home − New York City − where he felt "a lot less vulnerable." (Massengill moved back to Knoxville in the early 2000s.)

The publisher of "Portrait of a Racist," St. Martin's Press, tried several times to arrange a book signing in Jackson, but two attempts were canceled due to bomb threats, Massengill said. Finally, with extra security, one did take place.

At that book signing, Beckwith's son showed up in what Massengill described as a "funny run-in."

"He got in my face," Massengill said, adding that his cousin claimed he was printing lies and defaming the family but said he hadn't even read the book. "I literally walked to the cash register and paid for the book and gave it to my cousin ... and then he asked me if I was going to sign it."

What prompted a new edition of Massengill's book about Byron de la Beckwith?

Massengill said an "odd series of events" precipitated the decision to work on a new edition of "Portrait of a Racist."

A fellow board member at Knox Heritage took a trip to Jackson five years ago and toured Medgar Evers' home. When she mentioned Massengill's book to the woman standing next to her on the infamous driveway, a man standing nearby chimed in.

"He was the acquisitions editor for the University of Georgia Press," Massengill said, explaining the chance meeting led to a conversation between the two men about a new edition before COVID-19 put a stop to the potential collaboration.

Fast-forward a few years, to when Massengill was working on a book for the University of Tennessee Press about film director Clarence Brown. Another chance meeting, this time with Scott Danforth, the now-retired director of UT Press, brought the new edition back to life.

"He said, we need to do that book," Massengill recalled. "We did think it was time to look at this again. ... I don't know what kind of reception the new book will get. It's a very different world in some ways, but not in others. It will be interesting to see if the book will be embraced at all."

Massengill will do a book signing at Union Ave Books at 3 p.m. July 13, as well as a brown bag lunch at noon Sept. 18 at the East Tennessee History Center. Still in the works is an appearance in Mississippi, possibly in conjunction with the sketch artist who was present every day of Beckwith's last trial.

The new edition includes an afterword that recounts Massengill’s participation as a witness and his introduction of new evidence in the third trial. It also chronicles Beckwith’s last years of declining health behind bars, examines the deep scholarship on Evers and civil rights that has arisen since this book’s original appearance, and reflects on the catastrophic persistence of Beckwith’s ideology − Christian nationalism and white supremacy − in the current political climate.

"It's more than I could take on, to tie all the loose ends (together), to things like Proud Boys and Oath Keepers and religious nationalism," Massengill said. "But my point in attempting that is to show that we choose to believe that the world has changed for the better, but the evidence is clearly being presented, day in and day out, that times have not changed as much as we think."

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