1. 1 Chapter 17 Proposals Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace Laura J. Gurak John M. Lannon

2. © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 2 Proposals Proposals encourage an audience to take some form of direct action, such as:  To authorize a project  To purchase a service or product  To support a specific plan for solving a problem

3. © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 3 Proposal Types Audience needs determine the type of proposal: Planning Planning Research Research Sales Sales

4. © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 4 Planning Proposal  Offers solutions to a problem or suggestions for improvement Research Proposal  Requests approval or funding for some type of study Sales Proposal  Offers a service or product Proposal Types

5. © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 5 Elements of a Proposal  A clear title or subject line  Background information  Statement of problem or situation  Description of solution or resolution  Costs, timing, and qualifications  Conclusion

6. © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. 6 Strategies for Proposals Consider your audience and purpose. Consider your audience and purpose. Understand the audience’s needs. Understand the audience’s needs. Perform research as needed. Perform research as needed. Be sure to credit information sources and contributors. Be sure to credit information sources and contributors. Use an appropriate format. Use an appropriate format. Provide a clear title or subject line and background information. Provide a clear title or subject line and background information. Follow a problem-to-solution or situation-to-resolution organizational pattern. Follow a problem-to-solution or situation-to-resolution organizational pattern. Spell out the problem (and its causes) or situation clearly and convincingly. Spell out the problem (and its causes) or situation clearly and convincingly. Point out benefits of solving the problem. Point out benefits of solving the problem. Offer a realistic solution or resolution. Offer a realistic solution or resolution. Address anticipated objections to your solution. Address anticipated objections to your solution. Include all necessary details, but don’t overload. Include all necessary details, but don’t overload. Write clearly and concisely. Write clearly and concisely. Express confidence. Express confidence. Make honest and supportable claims. Make honest and supportable claims. Induce readers to act. Induce readers to act.

7. 7 Any Questions? For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at http://www.pearsonhighered.com/gurak.