Writing A Proposal

Quick Tips Writing a Friday, September 6, 2013 @ 2 pm ET Presented by Melody Pickle Kaplan University Writing Center

To view the recorded workshop, please click this link: http://khe2.adobeconnect.com/p3ilgmdncfo/

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Agenda Proposal defined Audience Structure Revision checklist Persuasion

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What do you think of when you hear the word “proposal?” What experience have you had with writing proposals?

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Proposal – A Definition A written plan of action that is given to others for their consideration. It typically proposes a solution to a problem or suggests a specific course of action.

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Audience Decision Makers Think of your readers as investors You are persuading the audience that you have the best solution or plan of action for their problem. As a writer we must know why we are writing. What is the reason for writing this proposal?

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Questions Readers Have Problem

Clarify the reason for the proposal

Solution

Describe the plan

Cost

Explain cost in terms of time, money, and resources

Capability

Specify what makes you and your plan the best choice

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Structure of Proposal Introduction Problem Objectives Solution Method,

Resources, Schedule, Qualifications Managements Costs

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Types of Proposals What types of proposals do you think you might be writing? New business Organizational change Building something Medical

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Revision Checklist For Proposal Introduction Clearly explains the purpose, provides background, and why the solution helps the reader Problem Explains problem, need, or goal and persuades audience Objectives Clearly lists objectives (reason for the needed solution) Solution Clearly explains specific solution and only promises what can actually be delivered. Method - Describes clear steps and persuades Resources – Persuades readers you have or can get resources

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Revision Checklist For Proposal Schedule Identifies completion date and explains what must be done by all parties to meet this schedule Qualification Persuades why you/your team are qualified to do this project Management Explains who will organize the work (organization chart) Costs Explains that you have presented all costs and an effective timeline Reasoning States claim, provides evidence, addresses counter arguments

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Revision Checklist For Proposal Writing Clear and persuasive Spelling and grammar count! Graphics Use charts and graphics to help organize information

Design Easy to read and looks nice on the page Be Ethical Promise only what you can deliver

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Persuasion A proposal is a document in which you persuade the audience you have the best answer to their problem. You must do you best to persuade the audience in a real a truthful manner. Think like your audience What do they need to know? What questions might they have? What can I say or do that would make them understand and like this proposal? What can I legitimately promise? How does a kid persuade his mom he needs ice cream? How does a kid persuade his mom he needs to play before doing homework?

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Persuasion Clearly state your claims and give evidence that will support your readers point of view. Explain possible questions Address counterarguments Do Not – Overgeneralize Do Not – Make false assumptions about your reader

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Example Follow the examples of your company or other proposals in the field in which you work. There are many formats.

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The best time to do a paper review in the Kaplan University Writing Center is after you have written your first draft. When you come to us early, we can help you the most by helping you with the structure of your paper. Many students send papers at the last minute because they want us to simply proofread their paper. However, KUWC writing tutors do not simply proofread the paper for you; we want to help you learn to write and proofread your own papers. Since you can come to the Writing Center 6 times a term, you can submit a first draft, then submit a later draft if you need further help on an assignment. If you need help before you write the first draft, you can use live tutoring. During live tutoring, you can ask questions and brainstorm with a tutor. Live tutors can help you with other stages in the paper writing process as well. Come visit us. We can be found under the My Studies tab, then under Academic Support Center.

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On the main Academic Support Center page, you will see the Writing Center links. These include Live Tutoring, Paper Review Service, the Writing Reference Library, Citation Guidelines, Workshops, English Language Learner, and Fundamental writing help. Notice, you can access the Kaplan Guide to Successful Writing on the right hand side in both print and audio form. Come visit us.

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Writing Center Writing Tutor Paper Review and Q&A Services Writing Reference Library Citation Guidelines (APA & more) Writing Workshops Graduate Student Resources

English Language Learners Writing Fundamentals Program Effective Writing Podcasts Series First-Term Student Resources

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Contact Information Melody Pickle [email protected] [email protected] Workshops are recorded and recording links, with an accompanying PowerPoint, are posted on the Writing Center Workshop page 2 business days after the workshop. Additional Kaplan University Writing Center Resources Introductory Video Writing Center Connect with the KUWC

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