2. Types of Proposals
Practical Proposals
-Target a specific audience, the writer briefly summarizes the
proposal explaining its purpose
Policy Proposal
- Aimed at more general audiences instead of specific
decision matters.
-They address of public policy, with the aim of swaying toward
the writers proposed solution.
Proposal Argument
- The power of proposal arguments can be enhanced
through visual images, which appeal to both logos and
pathos.
- These arguments may be brief, catchy, clear and
lively, they often employ document design-
fonts, layout, graphics, images and color for the maximum
advantage.
- Delivered as speeches or power points when in a formal
setting.
3. Key Elements Of Proposals
Description of the Problem
Informs the reader about where the problem appears, who the
problem affects, how long the problem has been around and if the
problem is getting worse. This section analyzes the problem. What
are the elements? What are its causes? Why hasn’t it been solved
before? It shows the problems significance and the negative
consequences of not solving the problem.
Proposal for a Solution
Describes your solution and shows how it could work. The
purpose of planning proposal is to call attention to a serious
problem. This section should propose a detailed solution, showing
step-by-step how it would solve the problem and at what cost.
Justification
This is where you persuade your audience that your proposal
should be enacted. Show that the benefits of your proposal
outweigh the cost, and also show why your solution is better than
alternative solutions.
4. The Demands of Proposal Writing
Creating Presence
Help the readers see and feel the problem. Writers often use
anecdotes or examples of people suffering from the problem to
dramatize it. Persuades readers both mentally and emotionally.
Appealing to the Interests and Values of Decision Makers
Urging the audience to do the right thing and show how doing the
right thing converges with the reader’s best interest, benefiting
them directly.
Overcoming Inherent Conservatism
Proving that something needs to be changed. It is much harder to
stir the audience to action when the problem you depict entails lost
potential.
Predicting Consequences
resist change because they fear consequences. Show how the
proposal will bring about the consequences topersuade your
audience that your predictions are realistic identify the links in the
chain and identify how one leads to the next.
5. Developing an Effective Justification
Using a three strategy approach
- Focuses on principles, consequences and
precedents/analogies.
6. Strategies for Composing a
Proposal Argument
Argument from principle
Arguing that an action should or should not be
taken because it is right or wrong.
Argument from consequence
An action should or should not be taken because it
will lead to either good or bad consequences.
Argument from precedent or analogy
An action should or should not be taken because it
could turn out well or badly.
7. Organization of A Proposal Argument
Arguments must capture attention, give
presence to a problem, advocate a solution
and enlist their support.
Photographs, drawings, graphs or other images.
Attention grabbing verbal visual texts
(posters, flyers, paid advertisements, web pages)
Introduction (Well defined problem), body
paragraph (Convincing argument in support of the
proposed solution), conclusion (Call to action)
