For many people; it may prove challenging to sum up who they are and their achievements, in a few words. As a scientist, you need to make it authoritative. It applies to people in other fields too.
Effective bio writing should reflect the status and personal accomplishments, of an individual. It should also exude positivism. To make it compelling, you should only include information that’s relevant to the intended audience.
It could be for a press release, professional website, prize nomination, or more. Whether long or short, the bio has to be informative.
Must-Haves in a Bio
1. Introduction
A biography is like a personal advertisement. In that, you use it as a marketing tool. Therefore, you need to think critically about every word that you use.
Using the first-person may make you seem self-serving. Thus, it is ideal to use the third person. It also makes the content sound more objective.
Remember this is your chance to introduce yourself to the audience; therefore, you need to start with your name.
2. Credentials
Details on your education and credentials come after the introductory sentence. It’s just like responding to biography interview questions. It includes particulars on your experience, degrees earned, and any institutions attended.
You can also highlight any relevant certifications earned. Don’t forget to list any professional organizations that you are a member.
3. Important Accomplishments
It applies, only if you have apt achievements or awards. In some situations, it may not be applicable. Give your accomplishments credibility by providing details about them, too.
It gives the reader a clear idea of the things you do, and how well you do them. Also, highlight any recognition you may have achieved in your career.
4. Closing Statement
Use the last few statements to shed light on any projects that you have in the pipeline. They could be current or upcoming projects. Depending on the type of bio, and the remaining space, you can include your contact information.
You also have to ensure that the information, included is up to date. It saves you time, when you may need to use the bio.
Factors to Consider in Writing a Bio
5. Have a Purpose
An ideal bio is one that effectively communicates to the reader. In that, even if it’s a short bio for work; the reader can deduce what you do, and who you are. They should also arrive at this information, quickly.
The way you write and what you write depends on who and why you are writing the bio.
6. Customize to the Audience
Your audience affects how you introduce yourself in the bio. It influences the tone of the content, too. The first step is to identify the characteristics of the audience.
Then, you need to tailor the material to their expectation. You can go through example bio that targets the same audience, to see how it’s done.
7. Keep it Relevant and Informative
It calls for you to narrow down the information that you will include in the material. Sometimes, amusing anecdotes about yourself, may not be appropriate. Ensure that the information you share doesn’t threaten your credibility.
If you need to add extraneous details; keep it to the minimum.
8. Make it Personal
Try to humanize the information you share, by giving some personal info. They shouldn’t be too intimate or embarrassing even for the audience. It will help you to get your personality across.
They may also act as conversation starters when with a member of your audience, in person.
Before you Publish/ Send your Bio
9. Proofread and Edit
For many written text, the first draft almost always falls short. Go through the piece again, and check to see if you have managed to pass the intended image. Ask someone else, to go through it, if you have to.
10. Update
It is paramount that your bio is up to date. Find time to go through the contents. It will help you identify any information that you need to include but haven’t.
Avoid using buzzwords and, also, give concrete examples to the claims you make.
For Effective Bio Writing
You should be able to express who you are and your accomplishments, in a few words. Consider your purpose for writing and the intended audience. It will guide you on what will prove useful to use, in the content.