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Proposals ENC1102 Tech
11
Proposals
Professor Henning
ENC 1102 Tech
Definition
What are Proposals?
Proposals deal with problems and solutions. As The Little Seagull explains, "[Proposals are] ideas that offer solutions to some problem" (98). It is important to remember that all proposals are arguments, which means that the key features of effective arguments hold true for proposals, too.
What are some recent problems in your life that you have had to come up with solutions for?
If these problems involved others, how did you convince them to consider and/or accept your solutions? (Think about the Appeals!)
Key Features
Key Features of Proposals
A well defined problem.
From the outset, you need to establish that there is a problem "serious enough to require a solution" (98). Not all problems need to address a "controversial" issue; some problems are simpler and therefore require less persuasion to make people act.
A solution to the problem.
After defining your problem, describe your suggested solution(s). It is crucial you "explain it in enough detail for readers to understand what you are proposing" (98). One strategy is to present multiple solutions, walk your audience through an analysis of each, then choose the solution you think is best.
A convincing argument for your proposed solution.
Your proposal must "convince readers that your solution is feasible--and that it will, in fact, solve the problem" (98-99). The evidence you choose to present to support your argument should be rhetorically aware. For instance, the use of graphs and charts to display relevant data could help strengthen your proposal by providing visualization of your solution.
Key Features of Proposals Cont'd
A response to questions readers may have.
Like considering counterarguments when creating an argument, you need to think about potential questions your audience might have about your proposal. It's important to demonstrate how your proposal's "advantages outweigh any disadvantages" (99).
A call to action.
The purpose of a proposal is to "persuade readers to accept your proposed solution" (99). Sometimes this acceptance necessitates your audience taking action.
An appropriate tone.
As always, you must carefully consider your tone. How your audience perceives you is often how they'll receive your message. As The Little Seagull states, "Readers will always react better to a reasonable, respectful presentation than to anger or self-righteousness" (99).
Business Proposals
Proposals in business and industry
Business proposals also address problems and solutions; however, because the context is business and industry, this type of proposal makes the case for your product, service, or other financially defined outcome.
As Introduction to Professional Communications states, "An effective business proposal informs and persuades efficiently." Like with other genres of tech writing, efficiency and clarity are key.
What's the Big Idea?
The basis of any effective business proposal is a great idea or solution. You need to make sure your idea stands out from all of the other competing proposals (of which there are often many!).
Idea
One way to stand out is to consider how your audience might react to your proposal and anticipate these responses. If your proposal is targeted, you can do research into the company/organization to better understand their background and values, which will, in turn, help you more effectively tailor your proposal to meet their expectations.
Keep It Traditional
As we've discussed, different genres of writing adhere to certain conventions of style and presentation. When it comes to business proposals, your ideas can and should be creative, but your structure should generally follow the traditional, expected sections so companies/organizations know where to find your information.
sections
As Introduction to Professional Communications states, "Every section is an opportunity to sell, and should reinforce your credibility, your passion, and the reason why your solution simply is the best."
Keep it Professional
It should go without saying that if your business proposal is not written professionally, it will not be received well, if at all. Maintaining a professional tone includes not having any spelling or grammatical mistakes, clearly and accurately presenting information (referencing when necessary), and providing relevant contact information.
Tone & Format
Professionalism also comes from appropriate formatting. If you are submitting a hard copy of your proposal, it should be printed on a letterhead. If you are submitting it electronically, saving your work as a PDF can help preserve your intended formatting.
Generating Ideas
Because effective proposals should address meaningful problems and offer fresh, creative solutions, it's important to take time to consider many different topics on the way to finding your final topic. The following are some strategies for coming up with ideas:
Choosing a topic
questioning
Brainstorming
freewriting
keeping a journal
clustering
Looping
Starting some research
Writing as Inquiry
Writing As Inquiry
After you identify a problem, don't automatically jump to a solution. Start with questions instead. Interrogate the problem and consider it from multiple angles. Some of the questions you can ask yourself on the way to finding a creative solution include:
- How can the problem be defined?
- What other issues can this problem be compared with?
- What may have caused this problem?
- Who else is talking about this problem?
- What are the different opinions on the problem?
- What expectations does this problem raise?
Where to Begin?
Your Proposals for this class will necessitate secondary research. However, they will also be rooted in your local, social, economic, and/or cultural community.
Conducting Research
With this in mind, you will conduct your own primary research, sometimes known as "field research." I encourage you to go out into your chosen community (more to come on that next week!) and observe, talk with others, take notes, etc. Not only should this help you further identify your problem, but it should also help you consider how the issue affects others besides yourself, which is necessary for coming up with meaningful solutions.