Chapter 10/11 - Informal/formal proposals

Question 1

What is an informal proposal?

Answer 1

• it is a written offer but for an internal reader (inside company) that has requested/solicited it
• a persuasive form of writing in a more informal tone/style
• brief proposals (1-2 pages) usually in memo format

Question 2

How should you begin research for an informal proposal?

Answer 2

• know what kind of info the reader needs (ex. budget, documented info, relevant stats, etc.)
• set a realistic timeline
• keep track of sources/citations

Question 3

What does the format of an informal memo proposal look like?

Answer 3

• intro: purpose/scope
• background: history/context
• proposal: detail 5W’s of proposed work & how it will be implemented with short concise paragraphs
• conclusion: restate purpose, scope, background & main proposal points

Question 4

What does the format of an informal non-memo proposal look like?

Answer 4

• summary: sums up entire proposal
• title page
• table of contents
• intro
• background
• proposal
• conclusion
• appendix: any additional info

Question 5

How should you check your work for formal and informal reports?

Answer 5

• all required info available
• mechanics check
• format review

Question 6

How should you prepare for an oral presentation of formal and informal reports?

Answer 6

• know your audience
• know logistics (time, location, etc.)
• format it (agenda, question period, etc.)

Question 7

What is a formal proposal?

Answer 7

• it is written/organized in a more formal way (tone, style, formatting, etc.) & often written for an external audience
• more detail/explanation required, usually longer (assume the reader knows nothing about the topic)
• can be solicited or unsolicited (RFP)

Question 8

What is an Request for Proposal (RFP)?

Answer 8

• it is a circulated request by organization that a proposal is written in response to
• usually very specific

Question 9

How should you begin research for a formal proposal?

Answer 9

• cannot make assumptions on reader’s knowledge & must convince reader of benefits
• know what kind of info the reader needs (exhaustive, quality research)
• set a realistic timeline
• keep track of sources/citations

Question 10

What does the format of a formal proposal look like?

Answer 10

• letter of transmittal: follows business letter format
• executive summary
• title page
• table of contents
• intro
• background
• proposal
• benefits
• conclusion
• appendix

Question 11

Can the format of a formal proposal deviate?

Answer 11

Yes!

- depending on what the RFP asks for, different headings can be used