Proposals

Slide 1: 

English 323: Technical Writing Proposals

Audience: Make a Connection : 

Audience: Make a Connection Spell out the problem clearly, convincingly. Point out the benefits of solving the problem. Offer a realistic, cost-effective solution. Address anticipated objections. Induce your audience to act.

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal : 

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal A forecasting title tells what is in the document. your first impression; make it intriguing. Understanding of audience’s needs answer the question « What can you do for me? » Focus on the benefits for you and the organization. you’ve got to give a little to get a little. Supportable claims address issues openly, honestly, and realistically with a timetable.

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal : 

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal The details: don’t be vague; enumerate the products/services. strive for one interpretation. Readability: straightforward, appropriate, easy-to-read language Visuals: emphasize key points with charts, tables, etc. Page design: accessible, easy-to-follow, quick-to read: ‘get in, get out’

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal : 

Elements of a Persuasive Proposal Supplements: If audience is technical, make the proposal technical. If audience is non-tech, move technical language to supplements. Cite sources: Use the appropriate style (usually APA)

Outline : 

Outline Each proposal is different, but they all contain some basic elements that may be moved around or re-categorized to suit a specific plan. Like most documents, proposals have an introduction, body, and conclusion in addition to a table of contents, an executive summary, appendices, supplements, etc. Some of the elements that might appear in the introduction are statement of problem, review of literature, need, benefits, qualifications of personnel, sources, limitations, scope. The body or plan may contain objectives and methods, a timetable, materials/equipment, personnel, facilities (available and needed), cost, expected results, feasibility In the conclusion, a summary of key points, a call for action

The Process : 

The Process Proposals can be external or internal, solicited or unsolicited. In other words, they can be sent within a company or organization, or they can be sent outside the company to another agency that may need a service or product. Internal proposals are simple requests usually sent by email or memo.

The Process : 

The Process External solicited proposals are based on criteria that some organization or agency has requested. The solicited proposal will usually be initiated with an RFP (Request for Proposal): usually a rough description advertising the fact that the agency has money, equipment, facilities, etc., for a group or individual who has an idea that needs to be put into action. IFB (Information or Invitation for Bid): usually sent to several companies to advertise the fact that the agency needs to purchase equipment, services, etc., and is seeking the lowest bidder who can supply the agency’s needs.

Sales Proposal : 

Sales Proposal Purpose A marketing tool that offers a service or product Can be solicited (with IFB) or unsolicited Persuades customers to buy your goods or services Parts Can be long with all the elements of any other proposal Can be short and contained in a one-page letter that covers the basics

Planning Proposal : 

Planning Proposal Purpose Offers solutions to a problem Suggestions for improvement Parts Background Goals/Objectives Plan Expected outcomes Strategy Timeline Budget: Everybody wants to know about the money. Usually followed up with progress reports

Research (or grant) Proposal : 

Research (or grant) Proposal Purpose Requests approval for a study May ask for funding, equipment, facilities, etc. May be solicited by a government agency or some other organization Parts Usually long and detailed, requiring most of the components listed earlier.

Agencies Soliciting Proposals : 

Agencies Soliciting Proposals The National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov/nsf/nsfpubs/gpg/start.htm Commerce Business Daily cdbnet.gpo.gov What can you learn about the needs of these organizations? Are their RFPs general or specific? What are their evaluation techniques?

Proposals: Evaluation : 

Proposals: Evaluation