Writing Persuasive Proposals Chapters 9 and 16

Objectives  To define persuasion and proposals  To understand the persuasive process  To identify the two types of proposals  To examine what makes proposals and RFP responses persuasive

How do I build a persuasive argument? 1. Identify your desired outcome 2. Consider the constraints that may impact your argument 3. Structure the argument 4. Decide on the appropriate medium for presenting the argument 5. Present the argument

What are the parts of a persuasive argument? 1. Claim 2. Evidence 3. Appeal

What are examples of persuasive arguments? ClaimEvidenceappeal You should buy me a car. You wouldn’t have to drive me to soccer practice 3 times a week. You have 6 hours more time each week to accomplish your work. Company should allow a 4-day work week. Employees would schedule personal appointments on their days off. Company will realize greater productivity because of reduced absenteeism.

How do proposals relate to persuasion?  A proposal is a written “sales pitch”  A proposal “sells” a proposed action and/or services  A proposal must convince readers that your solution is best among all other solutions  A proposal provides information in a structured, logical, and persuasive manner

What contributes to a proposal success?  Proposals show a direct relationship between the audience “need” and the proposed solution  Proposals must suggest a specific plan to solve a particular problem or need  Proposals are highly repetitive  Proposals anticipate and answer readers questions  Proposals account for optional solutions  Proposals are honest accounts of what you can do

RFP Response Samples What you should and should not do

Why do you believe a manual is a good solution to the problem (all girl camping trip)?  A manual is portable and explains what you need to do when you go on a camping trip. It will have all the steps.

Why do you believe a manual is a good solution to the problem (all girl camping trip)?  I will provide detailed instructions for planning the trip, packing the supplies, setting up camp, and traveling safely. I can teach the process in other formats (a website, for example); but the manual is the best format because it is inexpensive, portable, and user-friendly. My friends and I can pack the manual along with us, and it won’t take up too much room. So, if we forget anything along the way, or have trouble completing the tasks, we can refer to it. And, if we decide to camp in remote areas, we won’t have to worry about finding “a signal” to use our cell phones or other electronic reference tools.

What are your qualifications for writing this manual?  I have been camping before, so I am qualified to write this manual.

What are your qualifications for writing this manual?  I have camped with my friends and family every summer for the past 10 years. Since the time I was 5, my dad has trained me to consider and plan every aspect of the trip prior to packing a bag. When I follow his instruction, my camping trips are safe and fun, and my groups have never encountered a situation that we weren’t prepared to handle. I have experience camping in all seasons, in geographically diverse locations, and in both large and small camping groups. I can successfully lead my friends on their first college camping trip.

Explain why the need or problem you have identified is a real, significant problem.  People often get caught in situations they cannot handle when they go on camping trips. They often forget to pack necessary items, or they may forget to act responsibly while on the trip.

Explain why the need or problem you have identified is a real, significant problem.  Most people only consider the fun aspects of camping; they forget that camping is a dangerous undertaking. Without proper preparation, inexperienced campers could face serious injury. My manual will provide all the information my audience will need to successfully plan, pack, and carry-out our camping trip. I will use my manual to teach my fellow campers how to plan a trip, what to pack, and how to react to many “unforseen” events that will arise on the trip. By following the steps and guidance in my manual, my camping trip will be a success and my campers will return home safely.

How did you determine this is the best solution among all other possible solutions?  A manual is the most practical solution because it is small, flexible, and portable.

How did you determine this is the best solution among all other possible solutions?  Because we will travel to and camp in remote locations, other tools we could use to camp successfully are not reliable. First, my campers would have to consult various resources to learn about planning and packing for the trip. My manual will be the only reference they will need; I’ve got the experience and have done the research to ensure that I provide complete information. I know that websites and camping guides exist, but they are not comprehensive—they don’t account for the entire trip in one source. Additionally, we have to consider that while we camp, we will have limited space for carrying items with us. A manual is small enough to fit in a pack, but it also is flexible enough to roll into a sleeping bag. It won’t take up extra space. Manuals also don’t require electricity or satellite signals. My manual will work properly, and we can access it at any time—the only provision we might need to use my manual successfully is a flashlight.

What makes a “winning proposal”?  Proposals are persuasive  A proposal is a written “sales pitch”  A proposal “sells” a proposed action and/or services  A proposal must convince readers that your solution is best among all other solutions  A proposal provides information in a structured, logical, and persuasive manner  Proposals are highly repetitive  Proposals are action- oriented  Proposals show a direct relationship between the audience “need” and the proposed solution  Proposals must suggest a specific plan to solve a particular problem or need  Proposals anticipate and answer readers questions  Proposals account for optional solutions  Proposals are honest accounts of what you can do