1. Proposals Md. Al-Amin (Mli)

2. Proposals Proposals are persuasive messages
They are written in order to convince the reader on a particular action
A document that offers solution to a problem or a course of action in response to a need

3. Characteristics Proposals share certain characteristics with reports
Both genres involve collecting and presenting the information carefully
They share similar kinds of prefatory materials such as title page, letter of transmittal, table of content and so forth
Proposals tend to use the direct pattern that most reports use
However, Proposals are intentionally persuasive whereas reports aim to present the information in an orderly, useful manner
Whether they use direct or indirect approach, their purpose is to persuade people

4. Types of Proposals
Proposals can vary widely in length, purpose and format
Purpose: The purpose of proposals can be anything from acquiring a new customer to getting a new computer for the department
Length: Ranging from one page to hundred of pages
Form: They can take the form of an , a memo, or a letter

5. Types of Proposals (cont.)
Internal
They are written for others within the organization
Reasons:
Do the job better or change the organization (e.g. new equipments, training and development programs, additional human resources, cutting-edge technology)
Internal proposals should persuade effectively as companies tend to involve resisting to changes
External:
They are written for the readers outside the organization
Acquire business for a company
Merging with another company
Acquiring research funding

6. Types of Proposals Solicited Unsolicited
A solicited proposal is written in response to an explicit invitation offered by an organization
Example: an invitation to bid, Requests for quotes
Unsolicited
An unsolicited proposal is written without an invitation
With writing unsolicited proposals, your job is harder than solicited proposals as the reader has not asked you for the proposal
It should quickly get the reader’s attention and bring a need of theirs vividly to mind, and show how your product/ service will fulfill the needs
Example, sales proposal

7. Proposal Format
The simplest proposals are often messages (most likely the internal proposals)
The complex proposals may take form of long reports including prefatory pages (title pages, letter of transmittal, table of content and executive summary)
Most proposals have arrangements that fall somewhere between these extremes
Because of the wide variation in the make up of proposals, you need to examine the situation carefully prior designing the proposals
Try to find out what design/format the reader expect

8. Proposal Formality
Internal proposals tend to be informal as the parties are familiar with each other
External ones tend to be formal as the parties are less likely to know each other
However, external proposals can be informal if parties know each other

9. Proposal Content The writer’s purpose and reader’s need
An appropriate beginning is a statement of your purpose (to present a proposal) and the reader’s need
If the proposal is established in response to an invitation, that statement should tie in with the invitation
If the proposal is written without invitation, its beginning must gain attention in order to motivate the reader

10. Proposal Content (cont.)
The background
A review of background information promotes an understanding of the problem
Think about a your course instructor's proposal for gaining research funding
A company’s proposal of a merger with another company
What would be the background information in these cases?

11. Proposal Content (cont.)
The need
Paint a picture of the goal or problem in such a way that the readers feel a keen need for what you are proposing
In some cases, although the readers are aware of the needs, you need to reestablish the need

12. Proposal Content (cont.)
The description of your plan
The heart of the proposal
You should use the headings and subheadings here to communicate clearly
It should give sufficient information to convince the readers

13. Proposal Content (cont.)
The benefit of the proposal
The proposal should be presented in such a way that the readers can see how your proposed action will benefit them
A brief statement of the benefits should appear at the front of the proposal, whether in the letter of transmittal, executive summary, opening paragraph or all of the above
Don’t forget to elaborate on those benefits in the body

14. Proposal Content (cont.)
Cost and other particular
Once you have established your plan, you need to state clearly what it will cost
Example, a construction company’s proposal to an organization
Your report proposal may not include this section

15. Proposal Content (cont.)
Evidence of your ability to deliver
The proposing organization should establish the ability to perform
You can include the qualifications of personnel, success in similar case, and adequacy of relevant equipments and so forth

16. Proposal Content (cont.)
Concluding comments
You need to urge or recommend the desired course of action
You might also include a summary of your proposal’s highlights or provide one final persuasive push in concluding section

17. “The most important thing in communicating is hearing what is not said”- Peter Drucker
“Your ability to communicate with others will account for fully 85% of your success in your business and in your life”- Brian Tracy

18. THANK YOU!