Ron Blicq's abstract

Writing Proposals That Win!

For many technical communicators-and especially those who work independently-the ability to write an effective proposal is essential if they are to be awarded contracts. The presentation will describe techniques for writing proposals that really "sell" the writer's capabilities. The emphasis will be on writing short and medium-length proposals, rather than comprehensive proposals prepared in response to a major Request for Proposals (RFP). The following topics will be addressed:

• Targeting the proposal correctly.
• Determining audience accurately.
• Writing with the reviewer in mind.
• Focusing the reader's attention on key information.
• Using convincing, persuasive language.
• Being concise yet complete.
• Using information design to convey a confident image.
• Writing an executive summary.
  

The session will encourage participants to answer the following questions, plus others introduced by conference participants:

1. What does the reader most want to hear from you?
2. Where should you place this information, and how should you draw attention to it?
3. To what extent should you use the active voice, rather than the passive voice?
4. Should you use the first person?
5. Should you mention the cost right up front?
6. How can you design your information to create an appealing yet useful impression?
7. What words should you avoid using?
8. How much information should your CV (personal biography) contain?

About Ron Blicq

Ron Blicq has been a technical communicator since 1953. He is President of INTECOM, a Fellow of both the STC) and the ATTW, a Senior Life Member of the IEEE, and author of several award-winning textbooks. Ron is Senior Consultant with RGI Learning Inc in Winnipeg, Canada.