Technical Communication: Strategies for College and the Workplace by Dan Jones & Karen Lane Chapter 16 Proposals Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

The Proposal-Writing Process

Planning Identify a need Propose a solution Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Researching Gather information about the problem and its background. Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Writing Unsolicited proposal Solicited proposal Follow the guidelines in the textbook chapter Solicited proposal Follow the parameters defined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Editing and Revising Edit and revise to make your proposal... concrete complete persuasive Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Producing the Proposal Submit the proposal exactly as requested. Submit the proposal by the deadline. Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Similarities and Differences between Unsolicited and Solicited Proposals

Unsolicited Proposals Proposal Section Background Persuade the reader that there is a problem Description of what is proposed Persuade the reader that your solution will solve the problem Methods Plan for implementing your solution Purpose Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Solicited Proposals Proposal Section Purpose Background Persuade the reader that you understand the problem and can solve it Description of what is proposed Specify that you will provide what is required in the RFP Methods Plan for implementing your solution Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Elements of a Proposal

Abstract Summarizes the problem or need Gives an abridged version of your proposed solution Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Introduction Gives a general overview of what you want to do Tells what the proposal contains Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Background on the Problem or Need Reviews the problem that your proposal addresses Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Description of What is Proposed Covers the specifics of what you plan to do Presents the advantages of your proposed service, product, or solution Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Methods Section Shows how you will complete the project successfully Discusses how the project will be managed Specifies the responsibilities of all those involved —Continued— Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Methods Section Provides precise details Discusses how research will be conducted (if research is involved) Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Schedule Discusses how deadlines will be met Includes a detailed schedule Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Qualifications Describe your credentials Gives the credentials of your company (if appropriate) Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Budget Lists and explains any costs associated with the project Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Conclusion Reviews the proposal to ensure an appropriate conclusion Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Tips for Proposal Writing

Tips for Proposal Writing: Don’t be afraid to submit a proposal if you have a good idea Ensure that your proposal is worthwhile Be sure your proposal is adequately focused (––Continued––) Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Tips for Proposal Writing: Focus on your audience Ensure that all team members contribute Suit your proposal to the format Review the literature on your subject (––Continued––) Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.

Tips for Proposal Writing: Be sure that you are requesting enough funding Give yourself plenty of time to do the work Ensure that your proposal is persuasive Copyright © 2002 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. All rights reserved.