Christine Mumo

Running Head: PROPOSALS Proposals Name Institution 1 PROPOSALS (1) 2 Persuading someone of something is a bid that requires excellence and one done in the simplest ways possible, which is what proposals do. To achieve this, one has to illustrate and understand the issues’ needs and solutions. A successful proposal has to have enough evidence supporting any idea or claim presented and also to show that the presenter actually did the field work. This shows the reader that you are not basing your proposal on some hearsay but that you are eligible for analyzing and examining the problem and that you have an actual plan of action. Proposals have an inbuilt structure that define them with each part of the structure serving a different and vital role .The structure of the proposal includes: • Introduction • Budget • Procedure • Reference • Timeline • Appendices. • Qualifications The introduction part is often the section where you identify and a background information of the problem. It’s also in this section where you state the reasons behind you conducting the research. This is where you include the general and specific objectives of the study. You can as well state any attempted ways to resolve the problem if any and should also indicate if they were helpful or not. The procedure section illustrates the data collection methods as a writer you are going to use. It is also necessary to stipulate the time frame i.e. the time in which the report was conducted and when the report will be released. There is also a budget section in which you incorporate all the expense incurred or are to be incurred in the process of writing your proposal. It helps in making the evaluation process achievable for the aimed audience. PROPOSALS 3 The qualifications section is set to be a description of why, you, as the writer are the best person for accomplishing the task. This is the part where you list your academic qualifications, achievements, your skill set and any projects done and those that are in progress. In the appendices and references sections, you cite all the materials used for the work whether journals, magazines, online publications or books. The appendices section, however contains additional information about a book, a journal or a publication. (2) Everybody is rightfully entitled to their opinion .However much we may want to substantiate this claim, every writer is expected to support his/her ideas or claims. To achieve this there are three types of arguments which are used. They include • Deductive argument • Inductive argument • Analogy argument. Deductive arguments are used in scientific reports and are inclined into using general rules to achieve specific outcomes. These type of arguments use secure and credible sources of information to help the presenter give authentic information or evidence. They also apply syllogism in which you have a major and a minor premise and a conclusion. Inductive arguments are inclined into a generalized sphere rather than working on a specific approach. A series of experiments are used and integrated to generate a theory .Supposing a same result is achieved or observed from various experiments the result is what is called a rule. Repetition in this case is important because it helps in differentiating the real trends from anecdotal instances. Analogical arguments are commonly used for political purposes even though they are the weakest of the three. This type of arguments compares one thing with another, more PROPOSALS 4 familiar, expecting the same outcome .They are the best when supported logically and with evidence of course. (3) The revision and editing process is a key step in proposal writing and it comprises of three levels which are: • Document - level editing • Paragraph level editing • Sentence level editing Document level editing popularly known as macro editing is the first stage of editing and it mainly focuses on the major parts of the paper. These parts include word and page count, paragraph arrangement, format styles, referencing and citations, writing ethics and any legal issues. The paper should be easy to read or go through which means that it should not have information cramped up. Paragraph level editing comes second in the editing process, the paper has to have smooth flow that is facilitated by using good transitions in the paragraphs. Each topic sentence that starts a paragraph should have “meat”. “Meat” in this context is supporting evidence, so your statement is not just a mere statement. It may be examples and or a detailed explanation. The paragraphs also should not be too long and not too short. Too short paragraphs are shallow while too long paragraphs have too much information that may put of the reader. Sentence level editing is the last stage of the revision process. Here, every sentence is scrutinized to see if it adheres to all set rules such as the tense, the voice, spellings, punctuations and the correct word choices. (4) After the editing part, the presentation is the last thing on the slate. Everybody wants to have an effective presentation thus it is important to understand the dimensions of an effective presentation. These are: PROPOSALS • Audience analysis • Public speaking etiquette • A clear presentation slide(s) 5 Audience analysis is key for any type of presentation and therefore it is highly recommended before you go on any platform to understand that the topic, the place and the purpose of the presentation will each have a different audience .Learn your audience dimensions in terms of language spoken, age, gender ,religious and cultural beliefs etc. Using simpler terms in your presentation will help you build a better relationship with your audience. A good presentation does not come on a silver platter and this means you have to work your way up. Practice on tonal variations, voice projection and facial expressions to achieve the desired taste .A monotone will occur if as a presenter you are not familiar with the topic of discussion and so to avoid this, do your research well. Finally, a presentation is not a presentation if there is no eye contact with the audience. Work on your shyness, you can learn public speaking etiquette for better results. A presenter should have a well-designed presentation with clearly outlined sections that can be easily understood. An effective presentation also must have the ability to draw the audience’s attention. In the introduction part, the topic of discussion and main objectives are previewed. Good transitions should characterize the body part and it should not be cramped with too many points. The findings, conclusions and recommendations come last. At this point it’s important to work on your wrapping up the presentation. The audience is not supposed to be left comprehending whether the presentation stalled or it actually ended, let them know.