Summary
Highlights
A proposal is a persuasive document offering a solution to an identified problem or need. Its goal is to sell an idea, product, service, or plan, persuading the audience to accept the solution and invest in the proposed concept. Proposals can be internal (for ideas/plans) or external (for goods/services as well as ideas).
Informal proposals are brief (1-10 pages), have flexible organization, use less formal language, and are often presented as letters or memos. Formal proposals address external audiences, are organized according to standard research report elements, are longer, and contain more parts, especially when the audience is unfamiliar with the topic.
A solicited proposal is written in response to a request (e.g., an RFP), while an unsolicited proposal is initiated by the writer to address a self-identified problem. The four main types are sales (selling products/services), research (seeking approval for a study), grant (requesting funding for a project), and planning (persuading action).
A problem-solving strategy involves defining the problem, conducting preliminary research, determining scope, identifying factors, brainstorming solutions, gathering data, and testing those solutions. The format is determined by audience needs and the proposal's function, often leading to repetition due to diverse reader interests.
Informal proposals are structured for busy decision-makers, starting with the most important information. They typically include a summary (abstract), an introduction (problem, solution, background), a body (facts, figures, evidence), and a conclusion (wrap-up and call to action).
The body of a proposal covers methods, scheduling, capabilities, materials, expected results, evaluation plans, feasibility, and budget. Formal proposals differ from informal ones in tone (detached, professional), additional parts (glossary, appendices, transmittal correspondence), and the complexity of the proposed outcome.
Pre-writing for proposals involves planning for persuasion by ensuring facts, accuracy, realistic plans, and considering the reader's viewpoint. Formal proposals include a letter/memo of transmittal, a title page, table of contents, executive summary (written last), a strong introduction, a detailed body, and a concise conclusion.
Formal proposals may also include a glossary (defining technical terms, avoiding redundancy), a Works Cited/reference page, and appendices for supplementary information. Page numbering typically uses lowercase Roman numerals for front matter (starting from 'ii' as the first numbered page) and Arabic numerals for the main document.