Course Introduction

This comprehensive Proposal Writing Course takes participants from cover to cover in writing great proposals.

Course Outline

• THE PURPOSE OF A PROPOSAL: A proposal is a sales pitch for your product or service. It outlines a problem that the customer has and points out a product or service as a solution.
• IDENTIFYING DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROPOSALS: There are four main types, these types can and do overlap at times. The four basic types are the technical proposal which defines the technical requirements for a project. The sales proposal is usually written to convince a new customer to purchase a product or service. A cost proposal is an outline of estimated costs for a specific project. A professional service proposal is a type of proposal which focuses on offering a professional service such as public relations or marketing.
• THE PROCESS OF WRITING A PROPOSAL: A proposal should have a single goal for example to sell a product; it should also identify the target market and contain a needs analysis and a goal statement.
• PREPARE A PROPOSAL OUTLINE: After the research has been done a framework can be created. Depending on the complexity of the proposal there could be a number of headings, we suggest between two and five. A general format proposal will include the following: Cover letter, title page, proprietary notice, table of contents, executive summary, introduction, the body (with major and minor headings), summary and conclusion, bibliography. The outline will also include special sections.
• TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE WRITING SKILLS: The obvious first technique is to focus on spelling and grammar. Next is style (which is subjective) and sentence construction, we recommend downloading William Strunk, Jr The Elements of Style, Bartleby.com, 1999. It is an English language standard still taught from today. Persuasive writing is another technique to use, in the writing profession this is known as baiting the hook. The hook would be the title, the hook is baited by the content of the proposal, clear sentences, clear paragraphs, and clear points. Create strong transitions and build to the conclusion.
• WRITING THE PROPOSAL: It is useful to include a benefit analysis and an organisational impact statement for a professional proposal. Make use of illustrations and charts when necessary.
• PROOFREAD AND EDIT PROPOSAL: When proofreading you are not reading to understand, to spot mistakes read one word in one line at a time. Try reading from the bottom of the page as well, anything that slows your eyes down to one word at a time. While most mistakes should be picked up by spell check on a computer, it is prudent to have a -good words- list, especially if the proposal includes technical terms or terms in another language, Latin for example. If all else fails there are plenty freelance editors on the internet.
• TIP: FINAL TOUCHES: Use a maximum of two fonts, one for headings and one for the body. Use a consistent formatting theme throughout the proposal. Stick to common fonts, Arial; Calibri or Times New Roman. No, really… stick to common fonts. Use font effects sparingly. Changing fonts and font effects serves to slow the eye down and jerk across the page. The idea behind flow or readability is to keep the eye moving smoothly from left to right and the brain will process the information more quickly.
• THE FINAL PACKAGE: Print the proposal in colour, use quality paper, make sure the pages are in order and put the proposal into a professional looking binder.

Course Outline

• Introduction
  Pre workshop review
  Workshop objectives

 

• Understanding proposals
  Definition
  The writing process
  Types of proposals
  Requests for proposals
  Case study

 

• Beginning the writing process
  Your purpose and your audience
  Needs analysis
  Goal statement
  Case study

 

• The Outline
  General format
  Special sections
  Creating a framework
  Details
  Case study

 

• Finding facts
  Identifying resources
  Internet as a resource
  Organising information
  Case study

 

• Writing skills
  Spelling and grammar
  Working with words
  Constructing sentences
  Persuasive writing
  Mastering voice
  Case study

 

• Writing skills
  Creating paragraphs
  Creating strong transitions
  Building to conclusions
  Case study

 

• Writing the proposal
  Educating the evaluator
  Ghosting the competition
  Using illustrations
  Case study

 

• Checking for readability
  Checking for clarity
  Reading for your audience
  Using the readability index
  Case study

 

• Proofreading and editing
  Proofreading like a pro
  Editing techniques
  Checking the facts
  Peer review
  Case study

 

• Adding the final touches
  Top typesetting tips
  Professional look and feel
  The final package
  Case study

 

• Topics not discussed
  Post workshop overview

Course Duration

2 day/s

Who should attend

The Proposal Writing Couorse is intended for employees and managers who write proposals.

**Quote does not include Any Exam Fees (if applicable)

IMPORTANT ACTION: Do Not Wait To Improve Your Skills.  

Book Now By Completing Online Booking Form / Customised Proposal or Obtain Approval For Your Already Received Customised Proposal

Don’t delay. Skill up at BOTi Today.