10 tips: Write an engaging proposal
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The document provides 10 tips for creating an engaging proposal: 1) Show potential benefits to convince readers of the value; 2) Use vivid language that engages the senses; 3) Trigger warm feelings through imagery and language to make readers happy; 4) Tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end to engage imagination.
10 tips: Write an engaging proposal
- 1. Create an engaging proposal 10 tips by Steve Masters
- 2. Would you buy a puzzle without seeing the whole picture? Read this article
- 3. Show them the gain Create an image in their mind of how they will benefit from adopting your proposal.
- 4. Using sensory words Talk to the senses using words that trigger the senses, such as touch, smell and vision. “Look at this example” – “Just a touch” – “Good taste” – “See how you feel” – “Here’s the vision” – “Insight” – “Take a view” – “Give you a flavour”
- 5. Trigger a feeling of warmth Research suggests a feeling of warmth makes us happy and that you can create that feeling by using warm imagery and language. Use an image that reminds the reader of a warm sensation. Describe something warm. Use synonyms for “warm”.
- 6. Tell a story We are conditioned as babies to learn through, and enjoy, stories. Give your proposal a beginning, middle and end. Encourage your reader to use their imagination.
- 7. Use plain English – be obvious Your message should be easy to spot. Don’t hide it behind the camouflage of verbosity, long sentences and big words.
- 8. Be concise Avoid too much repetition of your argument. Make clear points, back them up, then move on.
- 9. Make it easy to scan Get your ducks in a row. Structure your proposal so that it follows a sensible order. Ensure the reader can understand the contents and the structure by scanning the document. Don’t make them have to read line by line to work out what it’s about.
- 10. A picture speaks a thousand words A page full of words is boring. You can break it up with different font sizes and headings but a great image adds colour, sentiment and emotion.
- 11. Sell the benefits, not the features Remember the puzzle pieces on the first slide? Here’s the full picture. People are more likely to buy a gadget because of the benefits it brings them, not because of the list of features built in. “When you connect your know-how and enthusiasm to your client’s desires, the magic happens.” Henneke Duistermaat
- 12. Thanks for reading You can find me here: • Twitter: @masterstips • Blog: www.stevemasters.co.uk • Instagram: @stevemast • Google+: +SteveMasters All images courtesy of Pixabay.