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Proposal Speech [Tips + 10 Examples]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Whether your goal is to convince the love of your life to marry you, persuade an investor to finance your business, or receive grant funding for a research project, studying successful proposal speech examples can give you a proposal model to follow when creating your own speech. On this page, you’ll find a range of proposal samples as well as tips for creating a proposal your audience can’t refuse.

In this article:

Tips for Creating a Good Proposal Speech

Proposal speech examples.

While guidelines and structure may differ depending on the proposal type, there are a few tips you can use no matter what kind of proposal you’re offering. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to deliver a good proposal speech:

Start by brainstorming: Free write all of the things that come to mind when you think of your topic, whether it’s why you want to marry the one you’re with or why a certain research topic is so important to you. This activity will help you identify what you want to include in your speech.

Cater to your audience: Speak to the needs and desires of your audience. Whether it’s the person you love or a group of people you’re prospecting to, feed into their own wants and passions.

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Form a proposal outline: You might not need to write out the entire speech for a wedding proposal, but forming a proposal outline will help you recall the points you want to make.

Speak with enthusiasm: Your honest and genuine emotions can be a big part of a persuasive speech, ultimately convincing your audience to say yes.

Practice: The more you practice and prepare for your speech, the more confident and persuasive your delivery will be.

The tips above are helpful with any type of proposal, but to best prepare for your specific proposal speech be sure to check out the examples below.

Business plans, research papers, marriage proposals, and more – proposal speeches at large are used to put forward a plan for consideration. Along with the guidelines above, use the examples below as a guide to help craft your specific proposal speech.

Business Proposal Speech

This sample speech is a good example of how to propose a new idea to the leaders in your company. The speaker uses persuasive speech to convince his business leaders that hosting Toastmaster meetings at their facility will be a good idea. He proves his point by asking questions and getting the audience to think about the overall goals of the company, then demonstrating how his proposal matches those goals.

“How would hosting a meeting at our facility help achieve our goals?”

2. Childhood Obesity Research Proposal Speech

This research proposal asks the government of Canada to fund a study that will reveal the best diet for Canadians to promote fat loss and prevent future obesity. The speaker emphasizes the trickle effect of adults’ efforts being passed down from generation to generation by educating the youth on benefits and importance of healthy eating. He delivers striking facts that are sure to hit his audience’s pain points.

“In 1997, the direct cost of obesity to health care in Canada was 1.8 billion dollars.”

3. Business Plan Presentation

In this business proposal speech example, a professor delivers a business plan for the fictitious company JobEx. This is a good example for forming your own outline of a business plan proposal speech. Note that the professor starts with the vision and mission for his company, shows how industry needs make his business viable, and describes his business strategy as well as the target audience he’ll serve.

“Our mission is to expand the client’s profit while giving candidates the best employment opportunities through utilization of outsourcing, latest online training and viral marketing.”

4. Event Proposal Sample

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPnA56yayJ8

In his proposal to host a bounce house, food truck, and raffle extravaganza, the speaker offers a clear thesis statement. He states his goals for the event, all of the necessary details, who will organize it, and who the target audience is. He also explains how he’ll advertise as well as his strategy for getting good prices from advertisers. Use this example to form your own checklist in your event proposal.

“The goal is to raise money and awareness about New Hope…share their message of helping grieving families in their time of need.”

5. Informative Speech Proposal Example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0u1I45XUzI

This communication student pitches his idea for an informative speech topic, titled “What Do I Have in My Camera Bag?” He explains how the speech topic can help other photographers in a number of ways and outlines the sources of information he’ll use. This is also a good example to use for research proposals, a thesis paper or problem-solution essay.

“This topic can answer a number of questions, like ‘What kind of tech should I bring to prepare for a technical shoot?’ and ‘Is there such a thing as bringing too much technical stuff?'”

6. Long-Term Unemployment Proposal Speech

This TEDx talk is an excellent persuasive speech sample that can help you form your own proposal speech on a serious topic. Dr. Van Horn offers cost-effective solutions to end long-term unemployment in the United States.

“I don’t want to leave you with just a negative message. I also want to talk about what we can do about it.”

7. Sample Wedding Speech Proposal

You don’t have to get on the Steve Harvey show, but you can take some pointers from this excellent wedding proposal speech.

“I no longer want to be your friend anymore. I want to be your friend and much more.”

8. Surprise Marriage Proposal Speech Sample

This man has the good idea to turn a birthday speech to his girlfriend into a group song, and finally, into a marriage proposal. The birthday speech is a good ploy, because when the speech goes another way, it catches the woman completely off guard. This allows the man to say all the quality things he wants to say about her while she’s paying attention.

“You share your joy with whoever you’re around, and I just can’t get enough of it…the only other way I can express it, is if you guys help me out right now and snap with me.”

9. Marriage Proposal Speech

This gentleman has no idea how to put his proposal into words. After getting some help creating his marriage proposal, he then delivers his promise as a husband and has some cute kids help him pop the question. This video is a great example of how to overcome writer’s block when creating a proposal speech.

“Since the moment I first saw you, I knew nobody was going to hold my heart the way you do.”

10. Make It a Game: Unique Marriage Proposal

This guy does a great job of keeping his speech short and sweet, then teases his fiance-to-be with a game: Where’s the ring? When you want to add a touch of humor to your proposal speech, this is an excellent example.

“I love you so much and I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with you, but before we do I want to introduce you to a little game.”

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Home Blog Business How to Write a Project Proposal and Present it to Stakeholders

How to Write a Project Proposal and Present it to Stakeholders

Every manager or executive has at some point of their career the need to create a project proposal (or initiative, we will use both terms instinctively in this post). In this opportunity we will briefly define the concept, how to write it and more importantly how to present it to an audience. Persuasion is key. Being able to transmit the right message behind the proposal will help you engage your audience with your ideas.

What Is a Project Proposal?

A project proposal is a document that details a new project idea. Its main objective is to communicate the idea, and what is needed to make it happen. In its most basic form, it contains a title, initial and end dates, objectives, goals and the overall main achievement pursued at completion of the project.

Formal project proposals have clear sections that have been proven to effectively communicate a project idea. The basics include context about the problem or pain trying to solve, a high level action plan, and the required resources to execute it. We’ll give you more detail into how to write project proposal categories later on in this article.

Note that a business project proposal is not the same thing as a complete project plan , in terms of project management . The project proposal includes a lot of details in many of the same categories as a project charter or a complete project plan. However, it is not the same document. The project proposal is not a detailed execution plan. There are lots of details that may change between the proposal presentation and the final, approved project plan.

Types of Project Proposals

There are many different kinds of project proposals, since there are many different kinds of projects. For the sake of keeping the article with a reasonable length, we will exemplify Business Project Proposals.

Business project proposals range from formal to informal and vary greatly depending on the industry and company where they are defined. This article focuses on business project proposals, though a lot of the basics and recommendations also apply to different categories.

Situations that Require to Write a Business Project Proposal

Projects intake vary depending on the management frameworks applied by every organization. But there are common management practices that trigger the need for project proposals.

The most common place for project definitions and ideation is during Corporate Planning. Independently of the size of the organization, planning is a practice that every professional organization carries out. Could be defined as Corporate Planning, or just Growth planning, but the time of the year where executives prepare their forecast and plan for the future is the main event where initiatives are defined. In order to evaluate them objectively, project proposals are created. Based on the proposals, the executives decide which projects they will sponsor. With this in mind, it is important that the document is formal, informative, but also persuasive.

How to Write a Project Proposal

The following paragraphs describe the common sections of a professional project proposal document. Keep in mind that this guide does not pretend to be exhaustive and is understood that you’ll need to evaluate adjustments to this outline in order to make it work for your industry, field, and department.

Step One: Define the Purpose around a Problem or Pain

No executive team will approve or fund a project if it’s not solving a realistic problem, situation. While it may sound negative, in business a lot of decisions are made around addressing pains, both organizational and client-facing. This step aims to show stakeholders why your project is important and what are the stakes if they don’t approve it.

Since your problem statement is the very first section of your project proposal, it has to be strong. If you don’t make your audience start believing in the need for a new initiative at this point, it will be very hard to change their minds later on. Don’t exaggerate the problem, since that is easy to discover later on, but be emphatic about why this is a problem that needs fixing. Backup your claims with facts, figures, and business cases. The cost of “ not doing ” is also a strong argument.

Here are some questions to consider when defining the problem:

Step Two: Introduce The Solution

Now that you’ve hopefully convinced your audience of the existence of a problem, you now have to introduce the proposed solution. The next several steps will help you specify some of the more tangible components of the “how”. On this step, however, you’re still at the dazzling and inspiring stage.

That means your introduction to the plan should focus on its benefits.

How is this going to address the problem and what is your organization going to get out of it? Think increased profits, lowered costs, new products on the market, more satisfied clients, increased brand awareness, etc.

What is the anticipated impact of your project or idea? Focus on wide-ranging effects for a more impressive presentation.

Step Three: Specify Deliverables and Success Criteria

Deliverables are the results of your project. Think about it as the components, both tangible and intangible, that you’ll be delivering. Include the functions and characteristics of each deliverable, such as what it will do, how it will work, and what benefit it will have. Include details such as due date and key tasks required to successfully carry out each deliverable.

Alongside the definition of deliverables are the success criteria. It’s important to specify how you’ll know if each deliverable has been successfully created, as well as the project as a whole. Whenever you’re presenting objectives or criteria for evaluating success, use the SMART goals approach. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. You can try using a roadmap template to visualize these deliverables and delivery dates.

Step Four: Outline Project Resources

In order to execute a project, you will require resources. Generally in a project proposal you will divide this definition in two. First, an overall estimation of resources in a common language , financial . So you will translate every resource into budgeting terms and define an investment number. Then, you will break down these financials into: assets (i.e.: technology, infrastructure), human resources, services (i.e.: advertisement, consultancy).

Step Five: Outline your Schedule

In this section you will combine deliverables and resources to generate a high level roadmap. Main points to highlight are start and end of the project, delivery dates and resources usage times. In this way you will materialize the proposal in high level activities.

Step Six: Executive Summary

Once the detailed version of your project proposal is complete, it’s time to summarize it into an executive summary. This summary will include a high-level list of each key element of your proposal. The idea of the executive summary is to be able to summarize in one page all the proposal, in a way an executive can grasp the overall scope.

How to Present a Project Proposal to Stakeholders

Your project presentation will follow the basic steps detailed above. Here is a project proposal example structure using project proposal templates to help you get started on your presentation.

Slide 1: Cover Slide with Project Name

Like in all presentations, you don’t dive into the main part of the presentation without introducing the name of the project and yourself as presenter. Covers slides provide some visual stationary previous the presentation kick off. As a recommendation, set a project name that will make it memorable.

Slide 2: Table of Contents

Audience members will have an easier time paying attention if they know what to expect from your proposal presentation. See the following slide for a common project proposal table of contents format. When presenting it, do not dive into details. The agenda slide is aimed to set a mental state in the audience on the structure of the information will follow. It is a presentation best practice to prepare the audience.

Slide 3: The Problem

Summarize your problem statement in one or two sentences. Be BOLD . When creating this problem summary, make sure to touch upon what the problem is, why it is a problem, how this problem manifests, who this problem affects, and what is the fallout of this problem. Make sure your message is directed to the real pain to solve. Avoid repeating the detailed problem definition; the audience can drill down in the documentation for the facts behind your statements.

Slide 4: The Solution

As the first slide that formally introduces your projects proposal, this slide should briefly communicate what it is you are proposing to do. You can frame this slide in terms of the solution to the previously mentioned problem or you can introduce it as your plan. Either way, make sure this project introduction is no more than 1-3 sentences long. You’ll have time to specify other details in later slides. At this point of the presentation, your audience curiosity starts to peak, and you need to build your persuasive speech.

Slide 5: Goals and Benefits

For this slide, you want to briefly list the main goals for what you want to achieve with your project, as well as the top benefits your project will generate for the organization. While there may be a much larger list of these two components in your project proposal document, you’ll want to present the most important/relevant here. Try to group goals and benefits into categories. Remember that what you put on your PowerPoint slides is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your presentation. You can and should give more details in the spoken part of your proposal presentation.

Slide 6: Deliverables and Success Criteria

Without going into too much detail, list deliverables, due dates, and criteria for acceptance for your main deliverables.

Slide 7: Project Management Strategy

State the project management strategy you’re planning to use to manage the project. You can’t assume everyone in your audience will understand what each project management strategy entails, so you should also provide a brief description of your choice. These templates detailing the Scrum , Kanban , and Waterfall methodologies can give you ideas of how to summarize your chosen methodology.

Slide 8: Budget

The budget slide remains pretty simple. Report both the total budget you anticipate for the project as well as a general breakdown of the budget into the main categories. Providing the percentage of each category of the budget is helpful for stakeholders to conceptualize it. In the Project Proposal Presentation template we have included a project budget slide (in slide #9) with a data table that can be used to present the Budget information.

Slide 9: Project Requirements

Other than budget, what’s needed in order to complete your project? Will you need human resources, specific software, equipment, or a special location in order to execute your project? Add a simplified list here of the main requirements.

Slide 10: Project Proposal Timeline

You will not be able to present the entire project timeline in a simple project proposal presentation. However, you should present an overview of the timeline, including major phases and deliverables. Instead of presenting a simple chart with deliverables and dates, we recommend placing your timeline of deliverables and phases in an actual calendar. This puts your timeline in a visual context of quarters, months, or weeks, allowing audience members to have a clearer concept of how long this project will take.

Slide 11: Conclusion

Close your project proposal with a very short summary of the project, similar to what you wrote previously when introducing your solution. The point of this is to remind your audience of the overarching reason for this presentation, especially after going over potentially less-than-inspiring details like budget and requirements.

Slide 12: Thank You Slide

Don’t forget to thank your audience for listening to your project proposal. Add your contact information in case this project proposal is sent over email and reviewed individually.

Final Words

In this article we had reviewed the definition of project proposal, its main structure and a guide on how to present it to your stakeholders. For further reading about presentations skills , here is a guide to improving your public speaking skills that will help you present your project proposal even more effectively. Hope you had enjoyed the reading.

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Project Execution, Project Management, Project Planning Filed under Business

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How to write a project proposal that’s persuasive and precise

Project proposals are a great way to kick off an initiative. They show a clear path of execution and make stakeholders aware of costs and benefits. They can convince a team or manager to make a change. Or they can show a client what services and solutions you can provide. You can write a project proposal for just about anything: to build a new tool, for a process to improve team workflows, or to create a new website. Here’s how to write a project proposal that’s professional, informative, and persuasive.

What’s included in a project proposal?

A well-written project proposal includes the following:

• Goals (What problem are you trying to solve? And how?)
• Timeline of the project (Including milestones along the way)
• Budget (What’s it going to cost? And what’s the expected return?)
• Objectives (How will you measure if the goal has been achieved?)

Target your project proposal for your audience

You might not think you work in marketing, but if you want to convince someone to accept your project, then think again! Know your target audience segment and adjust your message accordingly. Think carefully about who you’re talking to—your client? your boss?—and what they care about. Consider their goals, such as driving more leads, or increasing employee productivity. What factors are important to them? And how are they balanced and prioritized?

Think about how they prefer to receive information. Are they looking at the big picture? Or the small details? Would they prefer chart and graph visualizations? Or a short list of bullet points? Or maybe they want to hear a story?

Use all of this information to customize the proposal for your specific audience. If it’s more relatable, they’ll be most likely to grasp the information and respond positively.

Organize your ideas before you write

Choose the right tools to help keep your ideas and your research organized. Create your proposal on a Trello board to sort related documents, ideas, and important information for each section of the project proposal. 

Stay on the board and use it to track progress and activities to reach your objective. With Timeline View , you can monitor the steps to help you reach your goal. Viewing Trello cards in a timeline to see overlaps in work, or identify potential bottlenecks down the road. 

Dashboards help quantify and sort the work on your project. For example, when you assign cards to your teammates, you’re able to sort by person to see who might be overloaded with work all at once. Dashboard gives you a quick visual overview for reference. 

Of course, you can start your project proposal Trello board from scratch, but you’ll save time if you copy and customize this project proposal template at the start.

You can also use a slide deck or a text document to kick off your thinking, but only Trello will keep your ideas organized and help you track your progress in real time.

Back up your content with data

Your proposal will be stronger if you have hard facts to back it up. Use statistics that are relevant, such as successful campaigns at similar companies or metric improvements associated with the project. If you can’t find any within your organization, research your project subject matter and look for stats and data that relate to your project. 

For example, if you’re writing a proposal to optimize a client’s website, it’s powerful to mention that 25% of visitors abandon a website if it takes more than four seconds to load.  

Call out the costs and risks

Highlight the positive outcomes that will come from doing the project. But your project proposal will be even more convincing if you also acknowledge the pitfalls and costs. Show the full scope of the project to build trust and transparency with your reader. If risks are known ahead of time, your project will be ready to confront them.

Cost analysis

Provide a total estimated cost for the project, but also list each line item. Get granular to show thoughtful detail, and to show potential points of adjustment. Justify the reason for each cost. Explain why they’re necessary and what you expect to gain. 

Although it’s not always possible, it’s best if you can associate a dollar amount of benefit behind each cost. Calculate the return on investment (ROI) to show why it’s worth it to spend the money.

Keep in mind that costs are more than just dollars. Resources such as software or raw materials or employee time are a cost. Account for it so there are no surprises later.

Risk analysis

Every project has risk. It could waste time and money. Or it could have more serious legal ramifications or an impact on brand loyalty. 

Explain how you plan to mitigate those risks and prevent them. Be realistic. Also indicate how likely those risks are to occur, and what you could do to fix them.

Set SMART goals and outcomes

A persuasive project proposal includes a definition of success with a plan for how to reach it. Create a SMART goal for your project that clearly defines what a successful outcome looks like. Your goal should be: 

• S pecific (clearly defined)
• M easurable (quantifiable, and include a way to “check off” its completion)
• A chievable (it’s okay to be a stretch, but don’t make it impossible)
• R elevant (a positive impact for the stakeholders)
• T ime-bound (include a clear timeframe or deadline for success)

Once you’ve set your target goal, create outcomes and milestones to help measure progress on the journey. Define metrics that show if you’re on track to reach your goal, or if you need to make adjustments to the plan.

If it’s hard to predict exactly what outcomes and metrics to expect, show best-, mid-, and worst-case scenarios. Your best case should show a very optimistic goal of what you think you can achieve if everything goes according to plan. Your mid-case goal should allow for a few hiccups along the way. Your worst-case scenario includes the minimum of what you think is possible, even if many things go wrong.

Here’s what it might look like to create a project proposal for a new ad campaign:

Write the project proposal

Your project proposal will likely be read by multiple people, each with a different level of investment in the project. Include these sections in your pitch to make it digestible and accessible for every stakeholder. 

Begin with an executive summary

Summarize the key points of your proposal, such as the estimated goal and outcomes with costs. Identify the key stakeholders and the resources to make it happen. Quickly share the best and worst-case scenarios, so the range of expected outcomes are clear. Keep this short and easy to read: Just a few bullet points or a single paragraph.

Keep the project proposal simple

Add detail and data to your executive summary, but don’t feel pressured to write a book. More words do not mean better quality. Write to get your point across, then review it to make it more clear and concise.

Add an appendix for all of the details

For lengthy studies, analyses, and reports that will help support your project, lean on your appendix. Keep the project proposal tight; not every reader will want to see every detail. Instead, reference the appendix in your proposal and send readers there for all of the details and nitty-gritty.

Practice your pitch

If you plan to present the proposal on a call or in person, practice your talking points and presentation. Do not simply read the project proposal to your audience, as their attention may wander.

Include your personality and passion, as this will help you sell the project. Be sure to show your enthusiasm. Share why you care about the initiative personally and what motivates you to make the project happen. 

Your drive and your passion—and the right tools—will help position your project proposal for success.

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How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)

Table of Contents

What is a project proposal, types of project proposals, project proposal vs. project charter, project proposal vs. business case, project proposal vs. project plan, project proposal outline, how to write a project proposal, project proposal example, project proposal tips.

• ProjectManager & Project Proposals

A project proposal is a project management document that’s used to define the objectives and requirements of a project. It helps organizations and external project stakeholders agree on an initial project planning framework.

The main purpose of a project proposal is to get buy-in from decision-makers. That’s why a project proposal outlines your project’s core value proposition; it sells value to both internal and external project stakeholders. The intent of the proposal is to grab the attention of stakeholders and project sponsors. Then, the next step is getting them excited about the project summary.

Getting into the heads of the audience for which you’re writing the project proposal is vital: you need to think like the project’s stakeholders to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.

We’ve created a free project proposal template for Word to help structure documents, so you don’t have to remember the process each time.

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Project Proposal Template

Use this free Project Proposal Template for Word to manage your projects better.

In terms of types of project proposals, you can have one that’s formally solicited, informally solicited or a combination. There can also be renewal and supplemental proposals. Here’s a brief description of each of them.

• Solicited project proposal: This is sent as a response to a request for proposal (RFP) . Here, you’ll need to adhere to the RFP guidelines of the project owner.
• Unsolicited project proposal: You can send project proposals without having received a request for a proposal. This can happen in open bids for construction projects , where a project owner receives unsolicited project proposals from many contractors.
• Informal project proposal: This type of project proposal is created when a client asks for an informal proposal without an RFP.
• Renewal project proposal: You can use a renewal project proposal when you’re reaching out to past customers. The advantage is that you can highlight past positive results and future benefits.
• Continuation project proposal: A continuation project proposal is sent to investors and stakeholders to communicate project progress.
• Supplemental project proposal: This proposal is sent to investors to ask for additional resources during the project execution phase.

A project proposal is a detailed project document that’s used to convince the project sponsor that the project being proposed is worth the time, money and effort to deliver it. This is done by showing how the project will address a business problem or opportunity. It also outlines the work that will be done and how it will be done.

A project charter can seem like the same thing as a project proposal as it also defines the project in a document. It identifies the project objectives, scope, goals, stakeholders and team. But it’s done after the project has been agreed upon by all stakeholders and the project has been accepted. The project charter authorizes the project and documents its requirements to meet stakeholders’ needs.

A business case is used to explain why the proposed project is justified. It shows that the project is worth the investment of time and money. It’s more commonly used in larger companies in the decision-making process when prioritizing one project over another.

The business case answers the questions: what is the project, why should it be taken up, who will be involved and how much will it cost? It’s therefore related to a project proposal, but the project proposal comes before the business case and is usually part of the larger proposal.

Again, the project proposal and the project plan in this case are very similar documents. It’s understandable that there would be some confusion between these two project terms. They both show how the project will be run and what the results will be. However, they’re not the same.

The project proposal is a document that aims to get a project approved and funded. It’s used to convince stakeholders of the viability of the project and their investment. The project plan, on the other hand, is made during the planning phase of the project, once it’s been approved. It’s a detailed outline of how the project will be implemented, including schedule, budget, resources and more.

All the elements in the above project proposal outline are present in our template. This free project proposal template for Word will provide you with everything you need to write an excellent project proposal. It will help you with the executive summary, project process, deliverables, costs—even terms and conditions. Download your free template today.

There are several key operational and strategic questions to consider, including:

• Executive summary: This is the elevator pitch that outlines the project being proposed and why it makes business sense. While it also touches on the information that’ll follow in the project proposal, the executive summary should be brief and to the point.
• Project background: This is another short part of the proposal, usually only one page, which explains the problem you’ll solve or the opportunity you’re taking advantage of with the proposed project. Also, provide a short history of the business to put the company in context to the project and why it’s a good fit.
• Project vision & success criteria: State the goal of the project and how it aligns with the goals of the company. Be specific. Also, note the metrics used to measure the success of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: There are always risks. Detail them here and what strategies you’ll employ to mitigate any negative impact as well as take advantage of any positive risk.
• Project scope & deliverables: Define the project scope, which is all the work that has to be done and how it will be done. Also, detail the various deliverables that the project will have.
• Set SMART goals: When setting goals, be SMART. That’s an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. All your goals would be defined by those five things.
• Project approach: Define the approach you’ll use for the contract. There are several different types of contracts used in construction , for example, such as lump sum, cost plus, time and materials, etc. This is also a good place to describe the delivery method you’ll use.
• Expected benefits: Outline the benefits that will come from the successful completion of the project.
• Project resource requirements: List the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., that you’ll need to execute the project if approved.
• Project costs & budget: Detail all the costs, including resources, that’ll be required to complete the project and set up a budget to show how those costs will be spent over the course of the project.
• Project timeline: Lay out the project timeline , which shows the project from start to finish, including the duration of each phase and the tasks within it, milestones, etc.

In addition to these elements, it’s advisable to use a cover letter, which is a one-page document that helps you introduce your project proposal and grab the attention of potential clients and stakeholders.

To make the best proposal possible, you’ll want to be thorough and hit on all the points we’ve listed above. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive priority proposal.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a quick overview of the main elements of your project proposal, such as your project background, project objectives and project deliverables, among other things. The goal is to capture the attention of your audience and get them excited about the project you’re proposing. It’s essentially the “elevator pitch” for the project life cycle. It should be short and to the point.

The executive summary should be descriptive and paint a picture of what project success looks like for the client. Most importantly, it should motivate the project client; after all, the goal is getting them to sign on the dotted line to get the project moving!

2. Provide a Project Background

The project background is a one-page section of your project proposal that explains the problem that your project will solve. You should explain when this issue started, its current state and how your project will be the ideal solution.

• Historic data: The history section outlines previously successful projects and those that could have run more smoothly. By doing so, this section establishes precedents and how the next project can be more effective using information from previous projects.
• Solution: The solution section addresses how your project will solve the client’s problem. Accordingly, this section includes any project management techniques , skills and procedures your team will use to work efficiently.

3. Establish a Project Vision & Success Criteria

You’ll need to define your project vision. This is best done with a vision statement, which acts as the north star for your project. It’s not specific as much as it’s a way to describe the impact your company plans to make with the project.

It’s also important to set up success criteria to show that the project is in fact doing what it’s proposed to do. Three obvious project success criteria are the triple constraint of cost, scope and time. But you’ll need to set up a way to measure these metrics and respond to them if they’re not meeting your plan.

4. Identify Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

To reduce the impact of risk in your project, you need to identify what those risks might be and develop a plan to mitigate them . List all the risks, prioritize them, describe what you’ll do to mitigate or take advantage of them and who on the team is responsible for keeping an eye out for them and resolving them.

5. Define Your Project Scope and Project Deliverables

The project scope refers to all the work that’ll be executed. It defines the work items, work packages and deliverables that’ll be delivered during the execution phase of your project life cycle. It’s important to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to define your tasks and subtasks and prioritize them.

6. Set SMART Goals for Your Project Proposal

The best mindset when developing goals and objectives for your project proposal is to use the SMART system :

• Specific – Make sure your goals and objectives are clear, concise and specific to the task at hand.
• Measurable – Ensure your goals and objectives are measurable so it’s obvious to see when things are on track and going well, and conversely, when things are off track and issues need to be addressed. Measurable goals make it easy to develop the milestones you’ll use to track the progress of the project and identify a reasonable date for completion and/or closure.
• Attainable – It’s important every project has a “reach” goal. Hitting this goal would mean an outstanding project that extends above and beyond expectations. However, it’s important that the project’s core goal is attainable, so morale stays high and the job gets done with time and resources to spare.
• Relevant – Make sure all of your goals are directly relevant to the project and address the scope within which you’re working.
• Time-Based – Timelines and specific dates should be at the core of all goals and objectives. This helps keep the project on track and ensures all project team members can manage the work that’s ahead of them.

7. Explain What’s Your Project Approach

Your project approach defines the project management methodology , tools and governance for your project. In simple terms, it allows project managers to explain to stakeholders how the project will be planned, executed and controlled successfully.

8. Outline The Expected Benefits of Your Project Proposal

If you want to convince internal stakeholders and external investors, you’ll need to show them the financial benefits that your project could bring to their organization. You can use cost-benefit analysis and projected financial statements to demonstrate why your project is profitable.

9. Identify Project Resource Requirements

Project resources are critical for the execution of your project. The project proposal briefly describes what resources are needed and how they’ll be used. Later, during the planning phase, you’ll need to create a resource management plan that’ll be an important element of your project plan. Project requirements are the items, materials and resources needed for the project. This section should cover both internal and external needs.

10. Estimate Project Costs and Project Budget

All the resources that you’ll need for your project have a price tag. That’s why you need to estimate those costs and create a project budget . The project budget needs to cover all your project expenses, and as a project manager, you’ll need to make sure that you adhere to the budget.

11. Define a Project Timeline

Once you’ve defined your project scope, you’ll need to estimate the duration of each task to create a project timeline. Later during the project planning phase , you’ll need to create a schedule baseline, which estimates the total length of your project. Once the project starts, you’ll compare your actual project schedule to the schedule baseline to monitor progress.

Now let’s explore some project proposal examples to get a better understanding of how a project proposal would work in the real world. For this example, let’s imagine a city that’s about to build a rapid transit system. The city government has the funds to invest but lacks the technical expertise and resources that are needed to build it, so it issues a request for proposal (RFP) document and sends it to potential builders.

Then, the construction companies that are interested in executing this rapid transit project will prepare a project proposal for the city government. Here are some of the key elements they should include.

• Project background: The construction firm will provide an explanation of the challenges that the project presents from a technical perspective, along with historical data from similar projects that have been completed successfully by the company.
• Project vision & success criteria: Write a vision statement and explain how you’ll track the triple constraint to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: List all risks and how they’ll be mitigated, and be sure to prioritize them.
• Project scope & deliverables: The work that’ll be done is outlined in the scope, including all the deliverables that’ll be completed over the life cycle of the project.
• Set SMART goals: Use the SMART technique to define your project goals by whether they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
• Project approach: Define the methodology that the project manager will employ to manage the project. Also, figure out what type of contract will be used to define the project.
• Expected benefits: Show how the project will deliver advantages to the company and define what these benefits are in a quantifiable way.
• Project resource requirements: List all the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project.
• Project costs & budget: Estimate the cost of the project and lay that out in a project budget that covers everything from start to finish.
• Project timeline: Outline the project schedule, including phases, milestones and task duration on a visual timeline.

Whatever project proposal you’re working on, there are a few tips that apply as best practices for all. While above we suggested a project proposal template that would have a table of contents, meaning it would be many pages long, the best-case scenario is keeping the proposal to one or two pages max. Remember, you’re trying to win over stakeholders, not bore them.

Speaking of project stakeholders , do the research. You want to address the right ones. There’s no point in doing all the work necessary to write a great proposal only to have it directed to the wrong target audience. Whoever is going to read it, though, should be able to comprehend the proposal. Keep the language simple and direct.

When it comes to writing, get a professional. Even a business document like a project proposal, business case or executive summary will suffer if it’s poorly constructed or has typos. If you don’t want to hire a professional business writer, make sure you get someone on your project team to copy, edit and proof the document. The more eyes on it, the less likely mistakes will make it to the final edition.

While you want to keep the proposal short and sweet, it helps to sweeten the pot by adding customer testimonials to the attachments. Nothing sells a project plan better than a customer base looking for your product or service.

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

ProjectManager allows you to plan proposals within our software. You can update tasks for the project proposal to signify where things stand and what’s left to be done. The columns allow you to organize your proposal by section, creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) of sorts.

When building a project proposal, it’s vital to remember your target audience. Your audience includes those who are excited about the project, and see completion as a gain for their organization. Conversely, others in your audience will see the project as a pain and something to which they aren’t looking forward. To keep both parties satisfied, it’s essential to keep language factual and concise.

Our online kanban boards help you think through that language and collaborate on it effectively with other team members, if necessary. Each card shows the percentage completed so everyone in the project management team is aware of the work done and what’s left to be done.

As you can see from the kanban board above, work has begun on tasks such as product documentation and design. Tasks regarding stakeholder feedback, ideation, market research and more have been completed, and there’s a good start on the engineering drawings, 3D rendering, supply chain sourcing and translation services.

A PDF is then attached to the card, and everyone added to the task receives an email notifying them of the change. This same process can be used throughout the life-cycle of the project to keep the team updated, collaborating, and producing a first-class project proposal. In addition to kanban boards, you can also use other project management tools such as Gantt charts , project dashboards, task lists and project calendars to plan, schedule and track your projects.

Project proposals are just the first step in the project planning process. Once your project is approved, you’ll have to solidify the plan, allocate and manage resources, monitor the project, and finally hand in your deliverables. This process requires a flexible, dynamic and robust project management software package. ProjectManager is online project management software that helps all your team members collaborate and manage this process in real-time. Try our award-winning software with this free 30-day trial .

Deliver your projects on time and under budget

Start planning your projects.

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Blog Business

How to Write a Project Proposal (with Examples & Templates)

By Jennifer Gaskin , Dec 11, 2023

For businesses that rely on clients and partnerships to generate sales and revenue, project proposals are must-haves. A polished, professional project proposal is one of the best ways to present the capabilities your team has and put your goods and services in the best possible light.

But creating a good project proposal is more than just a timeline and a budget. Adding visual flourishes like charts, graphs and other imagery can help elevate a boring proposal to the top of the pile. Learn how you can create a successful project proposal and take a look at several project proposal templates you can fully customize using Venngage.

Click to jump ahead:

• What is a project proposal and how to use it

How to write a project proposal in 9 steps

4 project proposal examples with templates.

• What are the 6 types of project proposals?

What are the contents of a project proposal?

What is a project proposal & how to use it.

A project proposal is a formal document that outlines the details, objectives and scope of a proposed project. The purpose of a project proposal is to describe the parameters of a potential project or initiative.

Depending on the industry and type of project proposal (more on that in a moment), these documents can include things like scope of work, timelines, staffing, budget, capability statement and more.

Companies that receive project proposals from other firms or individuals use these documents to narrow down their options and make an informed decision about the best partner for them. And companies that create project proposals use them to make their pitch for the project.

Here’s an example of a project proposal to propose a new partnership:

It’s important to note that project proposals are not the same as business proposals , though there are some similarities. One of the biggest differences is that business proposals tend to be more general and expansive. Learn more about writing a great business proposal.

Writing a great project proposal can be a challenge. That’s because you need to craft the message specifically for the company or individual you’re sending the proposal to.

But don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, here’s how you write an effective project proposal:

Step 1: Review the RFP (if you have one)

If there is no formal RFP, you’ll still need to start out researching as much as you can about your potential client. That means finding out not only about the problem you’re hoping to solve but the history of the client, their industry, their competitors and more. Getting to know them better will help you understand how to portray yourself or your company in the best light.

Step 2: Create a project proposal outline

Whether you use the sections we listed above in that order, add or remove ones or shift things around, jot down a quick outline of sections to keep in mind as you work.

Step 3: Define the problem and present your solution

Kick things off by clearly nailing down the problem or need your project is tackling. Back it up with some hard evidence and data to show why this issue is a big deal. Break it down for your audience, explaining how your project is going to make their lives better.

Step 4: Highlight elements that may set your proposal apart

For example, if you know that your company will be able to complete the task more quickly than any competitors, make that the focus of your solution or scope of work section. Compare your proposed timeline with what your competitors are likely to propose to the client.

You should also make notes of any elements that you might be able to visualize through a graph, chart or other design element — visuals can help not only make your project proposal easier on the eyes, but they can make it more memorable and illustrate to the client that you are able to think creatively.

Here’s an example of how it can look in your project proposal:

Step 5: Define project deliverables and goals

A rock-solid project hinges on clarity, and that starts with laying out precisely what your project will deliver. Whether it’s reports, shiny new products, or top-notch services, make it crystal clear from the get-go.

Next, set the bar with measurable goals and objectives that scream success. Break them down so everyone’s on the same page. And because time is money, map out a timeline that’s not just a bunch of dates but a roadmap with key pit stops.

These milestones and deadlines are the heartbeat of your project, guiding you through each phase and making sure you hit the finish line with style. It’s all about setting the stage for success and making sure everyone’s got their eyes on the prize.

Step 6: State your plan or approach

Now, we’ve made it to the meat of your project proposal. In this section, walk your readers through the nitty-gritty of your project management approach.

Break down the essentials when it comes to resources—think people, equipment, and budget. And, while you’re at it, clue them in on your game plan for handling potential challenges through your risk management strategy. Additionally, consider your approach to project management, for example  agile project management  prioritizes flexibility and adaptability in order to effectively respond to changes and deliver successful outcomes.

Step 7: Outline your project schedule and budget

Crafting a successful project hinges on meticulous planning, starting with the creation of a detailed project schedule.

Break down the project into specific tasks and assign realistic timelines to each one. This step-by-step schedule, like a roadmap, not only helps in visualizing the project’s progression but also aids in resource allocation and risk management.

Simultaneously, developing a comprehensive budget is paramount. Dive deep into identifying and estimating all project costs, including personnel, materials equipment, and any potential contingencies. The budget acts as the financial backbone, ensuring that resources are allocated judiciously.

But here’s the deal – keep it real. Your schedule and budget need to be doable, considering the real-world factors at play. It’s all about laying the groundwork for success and keeping everyone in the loop from start to finish.

Step 8: Write the executive summary

The executive summary serves as the project’s sneak peek, condensing the entire proposal into a punchy snapshot. This opening act isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention from the get-go.

Picture it like the movie trailer – it needs to be compelling, leaving the audience eager for the full feature. In this compact summary, shine a spotlight on the critical elements of your proposal.

Outline the problem you’re tackling, showcase your ingenious solution, spell out the perks and benefits and throw in a quick glance at the budget for good measure. It’s your project’s elevator pitch, setting the stage for what’s to come and making sure your audience is hooked right from the first line.

Step 9: Proofread and edit

Before sending your proposal out into the world, give it a thorough once-over. Take the time to meticulously proofread every nook and cranny, hunting down grammar slip-ups, punctuation quirks and sneaky spelling errors.

A second perspective can catch things you might have overlooked. And let’s talk presentation – ensure your proposal isn’t just a content champ but looks the part too. Format it like a pro, making sure it’s visually appealing and easy on the eyes.

After all, a polished proposal not only communicates your ideas effectively but also leaves a lasting impression. Browse Venngage’s selection of project proposal templates to get a head start today!

Additional tips:

Avoid overly salesy language.

It can be tempting, particularly if you’re sending unsolicited project proposals, to use some of the same language in your proposal as you might in an ad, but you should keep such wording to a minimum.

Let the proposal speak for itself; if you or your firm truly are the best one for the job, it should be evident in your proposal. Being straightforward can also signal to the hiring party that you don’t want to waste their time with flowery language. It’s better to deal in facts rather than opinions for project proposals.

Establish a single point of contact

Some project proposals will include lists or even short bios of your staff members who will be involved in the project. But it’s a good idea to ensure that your project proposal makes it clear whom the client should contact to move the project forward or submit any questions. Include this person’s information at the beginning and the end of your document.

Write with one voice

While it’s common for large RFPs to be completed by many people on the team, ensure that whoever is responsible for bringing it all together has a chance to make the document feel cohesive. It should read as if one person put the entire thing together.

Now that we’ve explored some of the background and purpose of project proposals, let’s take a look at some templates you can customize using Venngage for your own project.

Construction project proposal examples

The construction industry is a complex one, and project proposals are critical for landing business and keeping projects on track. But there are many approaches a construction project proposal can take.

Taking the complicated and making it simple is a challenge, particularly in this field, but as this project proposal example shows, it can be done. By using simple, clear language and well-placed visual emphasis, this free project proposal template stands out for its simplicity.

Many hiring companies simply skim project proposals for things like budget and timeframe, and while you still need to craft an engaging proposal, it’s a good idea to put those types of elements front and center, as this construction project proposal does.

Remember that regardless of whether your firm is hired for the job at hand, every document you send to another business is a chance to establish your company’s brand identity. Use a template like the one below, update it with your logo and brand colors and fonts to keep it aligned with your messaging.

As you can see from the example below, a few color changes can make a huge difference:

To easily apply your brand colors and logos, simply have them automatically extracted from your website using Autobrand:

And apply them to your design in one click with My Brand Kit :

Design project proposal examples

You might think it would be a no-brainer for a designer to create a well-designed project proposal, but it’s common for creative people to have difficulty when it comes to analytical thinking. That’s why having a couple of great project proposals in your back pocket is perfect for a designer.

Project proposals in creative fields tend to be a bit less buttoned-up than those in other industries, so use your proposal as an opportunity to make a bold design statement. The template below, for example, uses a striking color palette and minimalist imagery on the cover to make the proposal stand out, and those touches are reinforced throughout the document.

This example, similarly, uses creative color combinations to strike a design-forward tone. But as both of these templates illustrate, the bones of the project proposal must be sound, and all the information required should still be covered.

Work project proposal examples

Not every industry requires a unique approach to project proposals, and, in fact, for most applications, a general work proposal template will suffice, provided that you do your due diligence in following any requirements set forward by the hiring party.

This template created for a consulting firm illustrates a straightforward approach to project proposals that you can easily adapt for your needs. Add or remove pages, insert charts and graphs or new icons and craft a compelling narrative.

This project proposal template is an excellent example of how companies can use established templates to create a unique proposal. Note how they’ve used the sections that apply to them and put them together in a way to appeal to their potential client.

Marketing project proposal examples

Marketers and marketing agencies are regularly asked to submit RFPs, whether for individual projects or long-term engagements, so the average marketing agency will need to have several project proposals on hand that they can modify when new requests come in.

This social media marketing project proposal template is ideal for a single campaign rather than a multi-year engagement. In that situation, it’s crucial to make sure all dates and milestones in the campaign are clearly stated.

Ideally, a marketing agency or marketer will get a chance to pitch for long-term work. In that case, this project proposal template is ideal for outlining all aspects of the project proposal, including a timeline that extends to a full year.

A critical aspect of modern marketing success is doing a great deal of research on keywords, competitors and traffic, and many marketers include such metrics in their project proposals, along the lines of this example. Note how high-impact charts and graphs are used to help the audience absorb the data and make an informed decision. There are various marketing proposal examples that you can look at to inspire your next proposal design and help catch the attention of your clients.

What are the 6 types of project proposal s?

Because every project is unique, there are many types of project proposals, but these are the most common ones:

Solicited through RFP

RFP stands for Request for Proposal (they may also be called Request for Quotation, or RFQ).

These types of project proposals typically come with the most stringent requirements and obligations. The hiring company will usually list out the elements that must be included in the RFP as well as any limitations or conditions that apply.

From the vendor’s standpoint, being asked to submit an RFP is generally a good sign because it means that your firm (or yourself, if you’re an individual) has made it through the initial round of research by the hiring party.

I nformally solicited

Informally solicited project proposals are similar to RFPs or formally solicited proposals in that they may have just as many requirements, but because they’re outside of the formal RFP process, the requirements often aren’t stated up front. That could mean the vendor needs to do more research and ask more questions of the hiring party, or it could mean there actually aren’t as many requirements.

Another benefit of submitting an informally solicited project proposal is that the absence of a formal process likely means the vendor will be up against less competition.

Unsolicited

Also called spec (speculative) proposals, unsolicited project proposals come from the vendor’s side rather than the hiring party.

These proposals are particularly difficult because the hiring party, well, may not be hiring at all. With a spec or unsolicited project proposal, the vendor believes there’s a need for their services and must not only convince the hiring party that the need exists, but that the vendor is the best one to fill that need.

Pre-proposals

Pre-proposals can be considered mini versions of RFPs. They are often sought by a hiring party that wants to avoid a lengthy proposal process — or simply doesn’t want to read a long pitch. These types of proposals are brief, usually a few pages at most, and depending on the results, the hiring party may make an offer or make a full RFP request.

Non-competing/continuation proposals

Continuation proposals are common in multi-year projects or ones in which both parties may have agreed to certain conditions governing how the project proceeds.

With a continuation proposal, the goal isn’t to pitch your services but rather to keep the client up to date on the project, inform them of any metrics they need to know or that may be part of the scope of work and get their formal approval to continue with the project.

Competing/renewal proposals

Renewal proposals are similar to continuation proposals, but instead of being created in the middle of a project, a renewal project proposal is generated once a project or contract has ended. They’re also called competing proposals because the vendor will need to make their case as to why the project or contract should be renewed.

It may be wise to approach these types of proposals as you might an unsolicited one, but the benefit to the vendor is that (if the project has been a success), they will have past results with that specific client to showcase in their new proposal.

The content of project proposals will vary depending on the industry and the type of proposal. For example, while solicited, unsolicited and pre-proposals will typically include a budget that is negotiable, a continuation proposal’s budget has likely already been set. That said, here are the typical contents of a project proposal:

• Summary : An executive summary or project background is typically the first section of a project proposal. Most vendors use this as an opportunity to thank the hiring company for the opportunity, as well as summarizing what the client is about to see through the remainder of the proposal.

This template shows a complete executive summary for a product launch, which can be longer than a typical executive brief or project background in your proposal — something to keep in mind:

• Objective : An explanation of what needs to be done or what problem can be solved if the hiring party accepts the proposal.

• Solution : An explanation of what the vendor would do to solve the problem or how they would approach completing the needed task.

• Scope of work : A detailed description of what exactly would be done, when and how much it would cost. This section may also need to include legal information, though in most cases, contracts are separate from project proposals.

Here’s an example of how you can write down the scope of work for your proposed project:

Call to action : The final section of your project proposal (assuming there are no appendices) should let the hiring party know what to do next. Include a place for them to sign the document to show their acceptance, as well as contact information in case they have further questions. To make the proposal legally binding, you can send it to your client via a free eSignature software such as Papersign  and collect their signature in a compliant manner.

• Appendix : Appendices in project proposals could include information that didn’t fit within the client’s requirements or that helps to further explain information in the main part of the document. This section is optional.

Project proposal FAQs

What is the difference between project proposals and project charters.

The difference between both is that project proposals serve to present a project’s goals and approach for approval. On the contrary, project charters officially authorize the project, defining roles, responsibilities and initial objectives.

What is the difference between project proposals and business cases?

Project proposals focus on securing approval by presenting a project idea and its feasibility. On the other hand, a business case provides a more comprehensive analysis, including financial aspects and long-term strategic impact, aiding stakeholders in making informed decisions.

What is the difference between project proposals and project plans?

Project proposals aim to gain approval by detailing the project’s purpose and scope, whereas project plans are comprehensive documents specifying tasks, timelines and resources necessary for successful project execution.

Highlight your products effectively with Venngage’s professional project proposal templates

Letting a potential customer know what you’re capable of is a critical tool in many fields, and project proposals can highlight your company in a way few other documents can.

Start with one of these templates or create your project proposal from scratch. Whether your company has just gotten an RFP or you want to land that big fish in your industry, Venngage makes it simple to create an effective project proposal without becoming overwhelmed. It’s free to get started.

8 Best Tips for Business Proposal Presentations [+Examples]

Updated: May 24, 2022

Published: February 16, 2022

Business proposal presentations are the culmination of a long sales process between you and your clients. If you don’t structure it correctly or take the time to craft one with care, you risk losing the client’s buy-in for your solution. So getting it right is essential.

In this article, we’ll look at several ways to improve your business proposal presentation (and pitch) and increase the odds that you’ll walk away with a new customer.

Business Proposal Presentation

A business proposal presentation is a document that outlines a business solution for a customer after a lengthy consultation process. It is presented to the customer in either PDF or PowerPoint format, and can be paired with a contract for immediate signing.

Other formats that may be accepted include Google Docs or Google Slides, but PowerPoint is the industry standard. The presentation is then delivered in person or through a video conferencing tool such as Zoom.

Rarely, if ever, is a business proposal presentation sent to the customer for asynchronous perusal. Rather, it’s presented live in a customer meeting . That will give you the opportunity to sell them even more on the solutions you offer and persuade them to make a decision within a reasonable time frame.

Free Business Proposal Template

Propose your business as the ideal solution using our Free Business Proposal Templates

• Problem summary
• Proposed solution
• Pricing information
• Project timeline

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

If you let the customer review the presentation on their own, it’s likely that they’ll lengthen the sales process and even put off making a decision.

When crafting your proposal presentation, there are a few quick best practices to keep in mind.

• Personalize the presentation . While it’s totally fine to reuse a PowerPoint presentation template , you don’t want to accidentally include another business’ name on the deck. So be sure to go through every slide and personalize it for the customer’s goals and pain points.
• Send a pre-meeting email with an agenda. To prepare your customer for the presentation, it’d be wise to send a pre-meeting email with a quick, scannable sales agenda detailing how the meeting will go. That way, you can set the right expectations and keep you both on track.
• Plan your in-person customer visit. If you’re meeting the customer in person, there will be a few more elements at play, such as an office tour and even a colleague introduction. That can quickly lead to lost time, so use this guide to plan a customer visit that stays on track and helps you effectively sell your solution.
• Pay attention to the design of the deck . Your clothes and demeanor may be in tip-top shape, but if your deck is messy and poorly designed, then the effectiveness of your points will be diminished. Use a PowerPoint template and check out a few sales presentation examples to inspire you.
• Keep the presentation short and precise. Keep your presentation as short as possible, about 15 to 20 minutes. The longer you speak to your clients, the less they’ll remember.

Now, it’s time for your presentation. Let’s go over how you can execute it flawlessly.

How to Present a Business Proposal

• Optimize your meeting time from the start.
• Have a clear agenda.
• Open up with the customer’s problems and challenges.
• Pause and ask questions.
• Lead with stories, not data.
• Don’t read off of your PowerPoint slides.
• Present your solution — and sell them a vision.
• Establish a clear follow-up timeline at the end of the meeting.

1. Optimize your meeting time from the start.

When presenting a proposal, it’s important to remember that your clients are busy. They have other meetings to attend, phone calls and emails to return, and problems to solve. Time is their most precious asset. Here are a few tips to optimize the time you spend with your customers:

• Arrive early . This is a no-brainer, but arrive to the meeting with at least ten minutes to spare, especially if it’s in person. Use this buffer to use the bathroom, rehearse your introduction, and even set up the meeting space.
• Rehearse setting up the projector or sharing your screen before the meeting . If you’re carrying out a meeting in person, you don’t want to waste ten minutes figuring out how to project your laptop’s screen. Carry several adapters with you and have a fail-safe plan, such as bringing a tablet with a copy of the presentation. If the meeting is over Zoom, practice sharing your screen so that your notes aren’t visible.
• Keep your introduction short. Leave space for banter and rapport, but keep your personal introduction short. Small talk should be reduced as much as possible — you shouldn’t spend twenty minutes talking about the weather, unless you sell a weather-related solution.

2. Have a clear agenda.

Your presentation must have a clear and compelling agenda, which you can share right at the start (in addition to having shared it over email before the meeting).

The meeting should begin with compelling reasons to consider your proposal and culminate with a specific request for the business. Here’s an agenda template you can use to structure your meeting:

• Challenge/Opportunity. Begin your presentation by illustrating the opportunity or challenge that your client is overlooking. Make sure it’s compelling enough to motivate your client to listen to the rest of your presentation.
• Benefits . Discuss the benefits that your client will achieve by adopting your solution. Use a customer case study or testimonial to support your point.
• Plan . Present your plan or options to resolve the client’s challenge/opportunity.
• Company . Briefly share your company’s background, including who your company helps with these issues.
• Recommend . Before closing your presentation, be sure to ask for the client’s business. You might close by asking the client, “Do you believe that the solution that I’ve presented will effectively help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals?”

In the presentation, include a few bullet points that outline these parts of the meeting, so that the client knows what to expect.

3. Open up with the customer’s problems and challenges.

As mentioned, you’ll begin the meeting with a challenge or opportunity. Don’t walk into the meeting and immediately start talking about yourself or your company or your products. If you do this, your client will immediately focus on cost and product features, often ending the meeting before you’ve had a chance to finish.

Instead, focus on re-emphasizing the customer’s challenges and pain points. Your clients want to know how they can beat their competitors, reach new customers, retain existing customers, and increase profit margins. But before you can sell them your product, you have to emphasize the graveness of the issue they’re facing and illustrate how their challenges will prevent them from achieving these goals.

For instance, if 30% of their customers are churning, and you sell a business solution that can help reduce churn, you might open up your presentation with how their revenue will continue to be impacted by this loss. This will emphasize the urgency of the problem and help you create a stronger pitch later.

4. Pause and ask questions.

After you’ve spoken for a few minutes, stop and ask your client a question. This is a great way to stay in control of the meeting while allowing your client to interact with the sales presentation.

Here are some questions that you might ask:

• Have I summarized your challenges correctly?
• Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add?
• Am I right in saying that you want to solve this problem in the next quarter?

5. Lead with stories, not data.

While clients value data, they are also realistic about what data can — and cannot — tell them. They’ve seen many projects fail despite the glowing research results, and they’ve seen projects succeed despite the lack of any data to back it up.

So, introduce stories first, then the data to back it up. Come to the presentation armed with customer experiences and competitor moves. Your clients are far more interested in what other businesses like them have experienced and what their competitors are doing. They’re not all that interested in the latest research study, but you can use a study to support your points and lend credence to an anecdote.

6. Don’t read off of your PowerPoint slides.

Let the deck complement your points. If you read directly off the slides, you’ll quickly bore your customer, and the impact of what you’re saying won’t land.

Keep your slides simple, too, so that you’re not tempted to read off of them. Most slides are far too complex — too much text, distracting designs, and unrelated images.

You should only put one picture and one line of text on a slide. No more. Your clients can only absorb so much at once, and if they’re too busy trying to sort out paragraphs upon paragraphs on the screen, most of what you’ll say will be missed.

7. Present your solution — and sell them a vision.

After you’ve re-established the business challenge and spoken to the customer’s pain points, it’s time to present your product or service as a solution. But it’s important to not stop here — you have to also sell them a vision of what their business will look like after they take care of the problem.

Will they experience increased sales? Streamlined processes? Better customer retention? And what will that look like a few years from now? Don’t exaggerate, but don’t be afraid to show them how your product can create a much positive future for their business.

8. Establish a clear follow-up timeline at the end of the meeting.

This is maybe the most important part of your business proposal presentation. Tell your customer what will happen after the presentation, so that there’s no ambiguity regarding next steps.

We highly recommend establishing a clear follow-up date. Don’t say, “I’ll follow up in about a week.” Instead, try, “Is it okay if I call you on Friday, May 10th?”

We also recommend creating a timeline after the follow-up call. For instance, you might say you’ll call on a certain date, and then you’ll send the contract over using a tool such as PandaDoc , Qwilr , or Proposify . Your contract will be in your customer’s hand for a week, and then on the following Wednesday, you’ll follow-up once again to see if the customer has any questions.

Adjust this timeline depending on your customer, sales cycle length , and industry. Such a short timeline might not suit a product that costs thousands of dollars and requires a yearly commitment. However, it might suit a product that only costs a few hundred dollars a year.

Feeling stumped? No worries. Below, we share some business proposal examples you can glean inspiration from.

Business Proposal Presentation Examples

1. moving malta forward.

This compelling presentation proposes a metro system for the city of Malta. It opens with a “Case for Change” and uses graphics and visuals to argue for the creation of a metro in the city. While it is text heavy, it includes plenty of information for Malta’s government to make a decision. That’s why it’s important to know your audience. If you’re proposing to a gubernatorial entity, then being comprehensive is important.

2. The Big Picture

This is another presentation that argues for the urban development of a district. Its most notable feature is its “At a glance” spread, which shows an overview of the plan from top to bottom, down to the impact the proposed changes will have on the city. In the same way, you can include at an at-a-glance slide in your presentation.

3. AMW Tech

This deck presents a business as opposed to a product, but it does everything right: It opens with an agenda and closes with a call-to-action (“Keep in touch with us”). Even something as simple as providing your contact information can be enough to prompt your customer to continue the conversation.

4. Microsoft Advertising

This deck by Microsoft Advertising takes a slightly different approach: It starts with a quote from the Microsoft CEO, and then provides details about how the brand helps its customers. This works for a major brand like this one because the client may be interested in Microsoft as a whole as opposed to just one service. It’s important to know your audience in this respect, as well.

Creating a Compelling Business Proposal Presentation

Being able to effectively present proposals is key to your success. To be effective, get to the point and focus on vision and stories. Use PowerPoint or Keynote as supporting material and be sure to keep it short. Finally, your presentation should begin with compelling reasons to consider your proposal and culminate with a specific request for the business.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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7 Tricks for Writing Strong Conference Speaking Proposals

If you want to stay on top of what’s happening in e-learning, industry conferences like DevLearn , Learning Technologies , ATD ICE , Learning Solutions are well worth checking out. They showcase sessions, discussions, and examples that can help you push the envelope of what’s possible now and prepare for how learning technology will evolve in the future.

So these are exciting events to attend. But have you ever considered doing a speaking session at one yourself? Since most speakers are people in learning development just like you—people with practical, real-world experience who can assist others—that goal isn’t far out of reach if you’re interested.

If you’re considering submitting ideas or even wondering if you have anything suitable to share, we’re here to help you along with a few tips.

1. Identify a topic to share—and remember it doesn’t have to be earth-shattering 

People sometimes opt out of submitting speaking proposals because they don’t have a substantial online following or cutting-edge projects to talk about. But you don’t have to have industry fame to get a speaking slot. And you’d be amazed at how often what can seem mundane and everyday to you can spark ideas and insights in others.

Not sure what you have to share that would stand out to others? Try these tricks to uncover ideas:

• Talk with someone else in our field about your projects and industry interests. Do you see them light up about something you shared? That’s a good clue for a possible topic!
• List out aspects of your work you’re passionate about. Maybe you love checking out new multimedia creation tools. Or perhaps you geek out about project techniques that speed up e-learning projects. If you’re earnestly excited about a topic, that’ll come across to conference organizers and attendees.
• Take a look at old conference programs. That can help you spot content gaps you could fill. And it can give you ideas for topics that tend to make the program that you have a unique spin on.

2. When in doubt, consider a case study

Telling the story of a project or initiative is one of the easiest topics to craft a proposal around. You worked on it, so you’re already an expert on the topic. And conference attendees love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how something got from idea to launch.

And don’t think you have to pick a situation where everything went perfectly. Stories about times a project didn’t go as planned are great learning experiences and can help others avoid the same pitfalls. Nervous about sharing project missteps with your peers? You’ll be glad to know the audiences at these events are supportive and appreciative of speakers willing to share the realities of how our field works.

3. Frame your topic in a way that appeals to a wide audience

Event organizers don’t want to include sessions that only appeal to a few attendees. So if your initial idea seems niche, consider how you can take the insights you’re excited to share and expand them so they can apply to more situations. Sometimes this means broadening your original idea—like shifting from how to build surgical simulations to the related but wider topic of high-stakes simulations. But other times all you need to do is tweak your wording so it’s more obvious to attendees how your session connects to their challenges.

4. Make it clear what your session will cover

If you were reviewing session proposals, which would you pick: one that vaguely mentions it’ll share content writing tips or one that states it’ll cover eight ways to write more engaging content—and then outlines each one? That second one is the better bet, because conference organizers and attendees know exactly what they’re getting. So make sure your proposal isn’t too hazy and don’t be afraid to share spoilers! 

5. Take a look at past session descriptions

What exactly does a strong speaking proposal look like? A quick source for examples is the concurrent session descriptions for past events! Those descriptions are typically just edited versions of the submitted proposals. So what you see there can give you ideas for what to write.

6. Take advantage of the resources conferences offer prospective speakers

Event organizers want you to submit the best proposals possible. That’s because the more solid proposals they get, the easier it is for them to build a great event. So, many conference organizers offer resources to help you out. For instance, The Learning Guild shares proposal examples , holds live Q&As about the process , and will even chat with you about your ideas or drafts before you submit them.

Can’t find the resources you need? The people who organize conferences in our field are a kind bunch. So don’t hesitate to reach out to them for assistance. 

7. Ask us for help too!

Several of the Articulate community team members have spoken at industry conferences. And we’re happy to help you navigate the process or brainstorm ideas! Just comment on this post, and we’ll be there to assist!

With these tips, you should have a good start on writing a session proposal that stands out from the crowd. For an even deeper dive into the topic, check out this interview between our own Trina Rimmer and David Kelly from The Learning Guild .

And if you end up getting your proposal accepted, be sure to come by the expo hall and say hi to us!

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How to Craft the Perfect Proposal Speech

Are you stuck trying to figure out what to say when proposing? Check out this post so you can be prepared with a marriage proposal speech that will set the stage perfectly for the big question.

Page Contents

Why you need an awesome proposal speech

Proposal speech styles + examples of what to say when proposing, 10 tips for what to say during a proposal.

Updated: May 3, 2023

Before we get into specifics on what to say when you propose, it’s important to step back and look at the big picture. 

Why is this stuff important? Why don’t people just say “Will You Marry Me?” and be done with it? Because technically you could just say those few words, and your partner would get the point.

But this moment, the moment that you ask your partner to spend the rest of their life with you, is one that you only get once in your relationship. This moment is going to take your relationship to a very special level and change both of your lives! 

So you want your partner to know that this moment is important to you, and that it means as much to you as it does to them. 

On top of that, consider this. One of the first things that your partner will be asked after you two announce your engagement is this:

“How did they ask you?” 

Not only is your partner going to replay the story of how you asked again and again in their own head for years to come, but they’re going to be retelling this story to dozens of other people. 

Their friends, family, and coworkers will want to know all the details, from what you two were doing beforehand to really get the mood right, to how you set up the scene, and even what you did after to celebrate. 

There will be a frenzy of social media interest once you make the announcement and post that picture of the ring . You get the idea.

And there are no do-overs for this, so it’s important to be prepared!

But here’s the good news, just by being here reading this article, you’re already ahead of the game. You’re researching and putting thought into what you’re going to say. 

So keep reading and we’ll get into the specifics on how to create the perfect proposal speech!

P.S. In case you didn’t know, nailing the perfect proposal speech is only one part of the proposal process! Check out this post for all the things you need to think about to plan an amazing proposal!

When you’re trying to think of what to say leading up to the big question, there are a number of different approaches you might take. Read through the following styles and find one that speaks to you. Or pick and choose elements of multiple approaches to create your own unique proposal speech.

Go back to the beginning

The first approach you can take is to go back to the beginning, when you two first met. What first struck you about your partner? How did you feel about your partner on your first date? What was so fun and exciting about your relationship when you first got together? It can be fun to reminisce with your partner and bring them back to those special memories before popping the question!

What makes your partner so special

Another approach to take is to tell your partner all the reasons why you love them. What are your favorite things about your partner? Why are they special to you? 

Do you love they way they dance around the kitchen while they’re making dinner? Or how about the way they loved your dog as their own immediately when you started dating? 

There are a ton of ways to approach this, from little things to big ones. But telling your partner why they are special to you is a great way to set the mood before asking them to marry you.

How you knew 

Think back to when you knew you wanted to marry your partner. Was there a specific moment or did it build up over time? There’s no right answer here, but either way, it can be very sweet to let your partner in on this little secret of how and when you knew they were the perfect person for you.

Why you two make a great match

Another approach to your proposal speech is to talk about why you two are meant for each other. 

Are you both the biggest fans of Star Wars? Do you share the same goals or values that you can work towards together in life? List the reasons why you two belong together as a sweet lead in to the big question.

How life is better with your partner

What was life like before you and your partner met? Can you think about all the ways that your life has improved since then? Then tell your partner! Often these things go unsaid in a relationship, and there’s no better time than your proposal to say them.

How your lives have changed together and what the future holds

Often a couple goes through a journey of life events together during the course of a relationship. This could be things like graduating college, getting new jobs, moving to a new city or country, getting a pet or having a kid, and so on. Going through these life events and experiences together can shape your relationship and bond you together in special ways. 

Remind your partner of all the things you’ve been through together and then tell them about the future you want to have together.

In addition to thinking about what to say, here are 10 tips for nailing your proposal speech.

• Pick the right time and place. The location and day/time that you propose are pretty big components of pulling off a great proposal. Make sure you think through these aspects so that the mood is right for when you are ready to pop the question.
• Proposal ideas. Again, the proposal speech is only one part of the plan. If you need ideas for activities or creative ways to propose, check out this post !
• When it comes to the proposal speech, I don’t recommend totally winging it, but you probably don’t want to memorize something word for word either. Come up with general topics or ideas for what you want to say, and speak naturally. This approach will probably be easier for you, and it will sound more genuine than a rehearsed speech.

• Don’t worry if you stumble through it. Your partner will likely be nervous and excited just like you when they realize what is happening. There’s no need to feel like you have to get it perfect.
• Just go with the flow! You might get stuck or forget exactly what you planned to say. Just keep going and say what comes to you naturally.
• Don’t be afraid to get emotional! If there was ever a time in your relationship to show your partner your true feelings, this is it. So don’t worry about your emotions coming out. It’s a good thing!
• Practice! If you want to, you can always practice what you want to say in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend.

• Try to make your proposal speech (and the proposal overall) specific to your partner’s personality and taste. Think about what your partner would want and whether they’ve ever mentioned anything to you before about what they would prefer. 
• But that said, also consider your own personality. Your partner will know if your speech just doesn’t sound like something you would ever say, and it will seem less genuine. Be yourself!
• Most importantly, speak from the heart. WHY do you want to marry this person? The answer to that question will guide you!

And of course, don’t forget the four famous words at the end “Will You Marry Me?”

Looking for a photographer to capture your proposal?

Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision, or check out more posts on planning the perfect proposal.

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Gay & Lesbian Proposals

Hi I’m Kim, a Denver, Colorado based photographer specializing in epic proposal photography in Colorado and worldwide! Photographing couples on such a special day is a true honor for me. But I’ve made it my mission to take it one step further than that. When you work with me, you’re getting more than just a photographer. I’m here to help you with all of the planning resources you need to plan the most amazing proposal ever! That includes everything from assistance with location planning, proposal ideas and logistics, plus lots more free resources. So you can forget the work, and focus on having fun!

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18 Persuasive Proposal Deck Examples (+Tips & Templates)

Elevate your proposal game with our guide featuring standout proposal deck examples, expert tips, and easily customizable templates for different industries.

9 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What is a proposal deck?

A proposal deck is a visual presentation that outlines your project or business idea. It typically includes slides on objectives, strategies, timelines, and expected outcomes, presented in a clear, engaging format to persuade potential clients or investors.

It's how you present your proposal that can close the door on you

It's incredibly disheartening when a proposal, into which you've poured your heart, effort, and time, gets turned down right at the finish line.

To make a great idea really shine, you need a standout presentation. In this guide, I’ll walk you through creating a proposal deck that gets noticed, inspires action, and drives results.

I’ll also pair it with successful proposal deck examples from various industries and customizable templates to kickstart your next proposal.

Let's turn those rejections into opportunities for success!

What is the difference between a proposal deck and a pitch deck?

The difference between a proposal deck and a pitch deck is that a proposal deck focuses on detailed solutions and strategies for a specific client or project, emphasizing customization. A pitch deck , however, presents a general overview of a business idea or startup, aimed at attracting investors and partners.

How do you structure a proposal deck?

Creating a proposal deck is about strategically guiding your audience through a persuasive narrative.

Each slide should be a stepping stone, building your case and keeping your audience engaged from start to finish. Here's how to lay out your deck for maximum impact.

10 essential slides of a proposal deck:

Title slide: Start with a strong, engaging title and your company's name.

Problem statement: Clearly identify the issue or need your proposal addresses.

Your solution: Concisely present your solution, focusing on its uniqueness and value.

Benefits: Highlight the key advantages your solution offers to the client.

Methodology or approach: Outline your strategy and methods for implementing the solution.

Timeline: Provide a clear, realistic timeline for project execution and completion.

Case studies or examples: Demonstrate credibility with relevant success stories or experiences.

Budget and pricing: Clearly outline the financial aspects with transparency.

Team introduction: Introduce your team, emphasizing their skills and roles.

Next steps: Conclude with actionable next steps and a call-to-action.

What are the main types of proposal decks?

Proposal decks come in various forms, each tailored to convey specific ideas and objectives in the most effective way. Understanding the main types helps in crafting a deck that resonates with your target audience and achieves your goals.

8 key types of proposal decks:

Event proposal deck: Ideal for showcasing event concepts, focusing on themes, logistics, and audience engagement.

Project proposal deck: Outlines the objectives, scope, and plan for a specific project.

Sports proposal deck: Designed for sports-related pitches, highlighting team strengths, achievements, and event plans.

Business proposal deck: Used for presenting comprehensive business plans, including market analysis and growth strategies.

Partnership proposal deck: Focuses on proposing collaborations, detailing mutual benefits and partnership dynamics.

Sales proposal deck: Tailored for sales pitches, emphasizing product benefits, pricing, and customer value.

Research proposal deck: Presents research projects, outlining objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.

Marketing proposal deck: Used for pitching marketing strategies, focusing on target demographics, channels, and campaign ideas.

Proposal deck examples that persuade and drive action

The power of a proposal deck lies in its ability to persuade and inspire action. In this section, we'll explore real-world examples of proposal decks across various industries and use cases and dissect what makes each of them effective.

Whether you're pitching a business idea, a project plan, or a partnership, these examples will provide valuable insights and inspiration for creating a proposal deck that not only informs but also motivates your audience to act.

NOTE: These proposal decks have been created for fictional companies. However, they're 100% replicable, so you can use them all as templates. They've been created with best practices in mind, optimized for engagement, and look great on any device.

Product launch proposal

This proposal deck for a physical product launch, specifically for SpoonCo Sonic Harmony headphones, is visually engaging and informative, showcasing the product's features and market potential.

What makes this proposal deck great:

• Video on the cover: The deck starts with an eye-catching video, immediately grabbing attention.
• Editable product specs: It allows for updating product details even after the deck has been sent, ensuring always up-to-date information.
• Multiple smart CTAs: It offers various calls-to-action, guiding the viewer through different engagement options.

Brand design proposal

The brand design proposal deck by Pollyartis is a visually stunning and comprehensive presentation, detailing a strategic approach to crafting unique brand identities and enhancing online presence.

• Guided content: The deck utilizes grayed-out content to guide readers through the proposal effectively.
• Detailed project timeline: It includes a project timeline slide, providing a clear roadmap of the branding process.
• Interactive success stories: It features a slide with clickable tabs showcasing various success stories, adding credibility and engagement.

Brand strategy proposal

The brand strategy proposal deck by Excea is a detailed and visually appealing presentation, focusing on crafting powerful brand identities with a strategic approach for digital success.

Clear pricing information: The proposal provides transparent and detailed pricing information for each service offered.

Terms and Conditions slide: The terms and conditions slide provides all necessary legal information in a clear, concise manner. This ensures both parties are well-informed and agree on the scope and limitations of the services.

'Accept' button: To make the acceptance process as smooth as possible, there's an 'Accept' button included. This feature simplifies the agreement process and reduces deal closing time.

Modern brand proposal

This deck redefines branding proposals with its intuitive design that guides the viewer through a journey of strategic content, coupled with innovative features for extracting brand elements and a comprehensive service scope.

• Guided content with grayed-out sections: It uses grayed-out content to direct attention effectively through the proposal.
• Branding extraction feature: The deck features the ability to extract branding elements directly from a client's website.
• Clear presentation of scope of services: It offers a clear and detailed presentation of the scope of services, outlining what clients can expect.

Modern workshop proposal

This modern workshop proposal deck is designed to promote an innovative workshop, effectively outlining the agenda, training content, and expected outcomes in a clear and engaging format.

• Agenda slide: The proposal provides a clear overview of the deck’s agenda, setting expectations right from the start.
• Expandable text sections: It offers more information without overwhelming the reader, thanks to expandable text sections.
• Articulation of benefits: It clearly outlines the benefits of the consultancy, making the value proposition evident to the reader.

Light mode marketing proposal

This light mode deck offers a unique blend of client-focused data visualization, the personal touch of custom video integration, and a clear, step-by-step process timeline for clarity and engagement.

• Client snapshot slide: It includes a client snapshot slide, featuring various data visualization components for a comprehensive overview.
• Custom video option for sharing: The editor allows for adding a custom video when sharing the deck with a prospect, adding a personal touch.
• Timeline slide: It features a timeline slide, guiding prospects through the marketing process step by step.

Professional sales proposal

This proposal deck is a blend of functionality and design, offering an interactive and engaging experience.

It features a streamlined layout with expandable sections for in-depth information, making it an effective tool for presenting complex sales strategies in an accessible manner.

• Team slide integration: The deck includes a dedicated team slide, introducing the sales team with professional photos and brief bios, fostering trust and personal connection with potential clients.
• Clear layout: It features a well-organized layout, presenting key information at a glance. For those interested in delving deeper, 'Read more' buttons allow for expanded details without cluttering the main view.
• Embeddable calendar feature: This facilitates immediate action, allowing clients to schedule meetings or follow-ups while they are engaged with the proposal.

Business project proposal

This business project proposal deck is a sophisticated and interactive tool designed for presenting comprehensive project plans and strategies.

• Access to analytics panel: The deck includes an integrated analytics panel, providing real-time insights into viewer engagement and interactions.
• Responsive design: It boasts a responsive design, ensuring seamless viewing across various devices and screen sizes.
• AI assistant for content generation: The proposal features an innovative AI assistant, enabling the generation of dynamic content tailored to the project's needs.

Modern partnership proposal

This modern partnership proposal deck is designed to facilitate business collaborations, featuring a clear and persuasive layout with focus on detail and mutual benefits.

• Expandable section for terms of agreement: It includes an expandable section, providing detailed terms of agreement without overwhelming the main content.
• Pricing package slide: The deck presents various pricing packages clearly, aiding in transparent and informed decision-making.
• Clear presentation of key points: It effectively outlines the pain points, objectives, and benefits of partnering, ensuring a mutual understanding of the partnership's value.

Marketing partnership proposal

This marketing partnership proposal deck is a highly interactive and customizable presentation, designed to effectively communicate marketing strategies and partnerships.

• CRM integrations: The deck allows for CRM integrations, enabling the extraction of client data directly into the presentation.
• Automatic layout adjustments: Every added element automatically adjusts to the layout, ensuring a cohesive and professional look.
• Easily customizable slides: Each slide is designed for easy customization, allowing for a tailored presentation that aligns with specific marketing goals.

Event proposal deck

Tailored for event planners, this deck blends a meticulous budget breakdown with rich multimedia integration and interactive engagement strategies, setting a new standard in event proposal presentations.

• Transparent budget section: It includes a transparent budget section, providing clear financial details and expectations.
• Multiple image and video placeholders: The deck is equipped with various placeholders for images and videos, enhancing the visual storytelling aspect.
• Multiple smart CTAs: It offers the option to add multiple smart calls-to-action, guiding the viewer through different engagement options effectively.

Modern music event sponsorship proposal

This proposal deck is tailored for pitching music event sponsorships, combining visual flair with informative content.

• Data visualization components: It includes sophisticated data visualization tools, presenting key event metrics in an engaging and understandable format.
• Narrator slide: The deck features a narrator slide, guiding readers through the successes of past events, adding depth and context.
• Embeddable videos: Videos can be directly embedded into the deck, providing a dynamic and immersive experience for potential sponsors.

Consulting service proposal pitch deck

Strategically designed for consultants, this proposal deck merges the power of storytelling through case studies with a harmonious blend of textual depth and visual appeal.

• Embeddable case study: The deck allows for embedding a detailed case study, providing tangible evidence of past successes and expertise.
• Balance of text and visuals: It achieves a perfect balance between text-based and visual slides, ensuring clarity and engagement.
• Data visualization library: It includes a comprehensive library of data visualization components, enabling the presentation of complex data in an accessible manner.

Social media proposal deck

Focused on the dynamic world of social media, this proposal deck stands out with its ability to personalize content on-the-fly, narrate compelling project journeys, and incorporate live data for a cutting-edge presentation.

• Dynamic variables for personalization: It features dynamic variables, allowing for quick and easy personalization of the deck.
• Narrator slide for project details: The deck includes a narrator slide, effectively conveying the details and objectives of the social media project.
• The option to embed live stats: The ability to embed live data, such as real-time social media statistics, adds a layer of immediacy and relevance.

Athlete sponsorship proposal

Crafted for athletes seeking sponsorship, this deck captivates with its dynamic display of key statistics, a well-structured array of sponsorship options, and a user-friendly scroll-based design that brings the athlete's story to life.

• Running numbers for key statistics: The proposal features dynamic running numbers, highlighting the most important statistics in an engaging manner.
• Sponsorship packages in tabs: The deck segments various sponsorship packages in tabs, making it easy to understand and choose.
• Scroll-based design: It utilizes a scroll-based layout for easy navigation and enhanced engagement.

Sports tournament proposal

The sports tournament proposal deck for ACME Cycling Team is dynamic and visually striking, designed to showcase the team's achievements and offer sponsorship opportunities.

• Running numbers: It features dynamic running numbers that grab readers’ attention and boost engagement.
• Scroll-based design: The deck utilizes a scroll-based layout for easy navigation and engagement.
• Multiple image and video placeholders: It includes various placeholders for images and videos, enhancing the visual appeal and storytelling aspect.

Italian restaurant proposal

This proposal is ideal for showcasing restaurant concepts with a focus on market and competition analysis, enhanced by user-friendly design features.

• Logo finder: The editor simplifies the design process by extracting logos directly from the website, ensuring brand consistency and professional aesthetics.
• Detailed market analysis slide: The deck offers in-depth insights with various data visualization components, highlighting the restaurant's market position and competitive landscape.
• Expandable text sections: It allows for a more detailed exploration of each team member's experience and menu item, providing a comprehensive understanding of the restaurant's offerings and expertise.

Construction proposal

This construction proposal deck is a comprehensive presentation, detailing project specifics, timelines, and costs for an apartment complex construction, showcasing expertise and commitment to quality.

Dynamic variables: The proposal allows for quick personalization with dynamic variables throughout the deck.

Cost estimate table: A comprehensive cost estimate table is included, featuring expandable text sections for detailed breakdowns. This allows for a clear understanding of all costs involved.

'Accept' button: To finalize the agreement, the proposal includes an 'Accept' button, designed to resemble a signature field. This feature simplifies the acceptance process, making it more intuitive and engaging for the client.

How to create a proposal deck?

Your proposal deck is often the most impactful point of contact with your audience. It's about telling a story that resonates with your audience, convincing them that your idea is not just viable, but irresistible.

Let's dive into some expert tips on how to create a proposal deck that turns skepticism into belief and interest into commitment.

1) Define your objective clearly

Start by being crystal clear about the objective of your proposal. What is the ultimate goal you're trying to achieve?

Whether it's securing funding, getting a project greenlit, or forming a partnership, your entire deck should be aligned with this objective. Every slide, every piece of data, and every argument should serve this end goal.

2) Understand your audience

Take a moment to really understand who your audience is. What are their needs, pain points, and expectations?

A proposal tailored to the specific interests and concerns of your audience will always be more effective. This means using language they understand, addressing their specific concerns, and showing that you have the solution to their problem.

3) Structure your content strategically

Every great proposal tells a story . Your deck should have a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Start by setting the scene and outlining the problem or opportunity. Then, lead your audience through your proposed solution, and conclude with a compelling call to action.

A narrative structure helps keep your audience engaged and makes your proposal more memorable.

4) Be concise and clear

Clarity is key in a proposal deck. Each slide should convey one main idea.

If you find yourself trying to cram too much information onto a single slide, it's a sign you need to simplify. Use bullet points, short sentences, and clear headings to make your content easily digestible.

5) Research and integrate relevant data

Your proposal should be underpinned by solid research . Include relevant market analysis, case studies, or success stories that support your proposal.

This data should be integrated into your narrative to strengthen your arguments and give credibility to your proposal.

Here's a great example of a data visualization slide:

6) Address potential objections

Anticipate any potential objections or questions your audience might have and address them within your deck.

This not only shows that you've thought through your proposal thoroughly but also helps to build trust with your audience by acknowledging and addressing their concerns.

7) Keep your content focused

Avoid the temptation to include everything you know about the subject. Focus on what's most important.

Prioritize content that directly contributes to your objective and resonates with your audience. Less is often more when it comes to making a strong, focused argument.

8) Personalize where possible

If you can personalize aspects of your deck for specific audiences or stakeholders, do so. This could be as simple as including the client's logo or as complex as tailoring the content to address their unique challenges.

Personalization shows that you've put thought into your proposal and value your audience's specific needs.

Here's a great example of a personalized deck:

9) Include a clear call to action

What do you want your audience to do after they've seen your deck? Whether it's scheduling a meeting, signing a contract, or just considering your proposal, make this clear.

A strong call to action slide provides a clear next step for your audience and can significantly increase your chances of success.

Here's an example of a next step slide:

Incorporating an 'Accept' button into your proposal is another small change that makes a big difference.

It's a straightforward way for clients to give their approval, cutting down on the time it takes to get from proposal to partnership.

This feature is a smart move towards smoother, faster business agreements, benefiting both you and your clients with its simplicity and effectiveness.

Here's an example of a deck with an accept button:

Proposal deck design principles

The design of your deck is not just about looking good; it's about enhancing comprehension, retaining attention, and creating an experience that sticks with your audience long after the presentation is over.

Let's dive into the art of designing a proposal deck that not only looks professional but also communicates your message with clarity and impact.

1) Embrace interactive elements

When it comes to proposal decks, many turn to static legacy decks that are straightforward, often resembling a digital brochure filled with text.

They're like reading a book from cover to cover; you get all the information, but the journey is predetermined, with no room for interactive elements or personalized pathways.

They can also be a bit of a squeeze on mobile devices, often requiring zooming in and out to read the details.

Interactive decks are like stepping into a 'choose-your-own-adventure' book. They transform the viewer's experience from a passive receipt of information to an active exploration with elements such as embedded links, clickable tabs, and dynamic graphs.

It's about creating a journey where the audience can dive deeper into areas of interest, watch embedded videos for more insights, or interact with real-time data.

Here's what a static deck looks versus an interactive one:

2) Make sure the design is responsive

With people accessing content on a variety of devices, responsive design is crucial. Your proposal deck should look great and function well whether it's viewed on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

This means optimizing layouts, text sizes, and interactive elements to work seamlessly across different screen sizes. Responsive design ensures that your audience has a quality experience no matter how they choose to view your deck.

Here's an example of a mobile-responsive deck:

3) Visualize your data

Data visualization is a powerful tool in proposal decks. It turns complex data into easy-to-understand visuals like charts, graphs, and infographics.

Good data visualization should simplify information, not complicate it. Use it to highlight key points, show trends, or compare figures.

Remember, the goal is to make your data accessible and meaningful to your audience, helping them grasp your points quickly and clearly.

4) Maintain consistent branding

Your deck should reflect your brand's identity. Use your brand's color scheme, fonts, and logos consistently throughout the deck. This not only looks professional but also reinforces your brand in the minds of your audience.

Be mindful of color psychology and choose a palette that aligns with the mood and tone of your message.

Here's an example of a branded deck:

5) Implement narrated design

Narrated design is a modern approach that mimics the natural way we consume digital content. Instead of clicking through slides, the audience scrolls down a continuous canvas.

This design is intuitive and allows for a storytelling flow that feels seamless and cohesive.

It's particularly effective for online presentations, where the audience can scroll through the content at their own pace, ensuring they absorb information in a comfortable and engaging manner.

Here's an example of narrated design:

6) Balance text and imagery

A well-designed deck strikes a balance between text and imagery. Use high-quality images that complement and enhance your narrative.

Avoid overcrowding your slides with text; instead, use bullet points or short paragraphs. The imagery should serve to break the monotony of text, making your deck more visually appealing and easier to digest.

7) Use white space wisely

White space, or negative space, is a crucial design element. It's the space between text, images, and other elements on your slide.

Proper use of white space prevents your deck from looking cluttered and helps to focus the audience's attention on the most important elements. It makes your content more readable and gives your deck a clean, professional look.

8) Prioritize readability

Everything in your deck should be easy to read. This means choosing fonts that are clear and legible, even from a distance.

Be mindful of color contrasts; text should stand out against the background for easy reading. Remember, if your audience struggles to read your deck, they'll struggle to engage with your content.

Interactive proposal deck templates

The process of creating a proposal deck can be incredibly time-consuming, requiring not only a deep understanding of your content but also skills in design and interactivity.

It's a bit like building a house – you need a solid foundation, the right tools, and a clear plan.

Interactive proposal deck templates are like a well-equipped workshop, where the heavy lifting of structure and design has already been done for you. They bring a level of professionalism and polish that can be hard to achieve on your own.

Grab one and see for yourself.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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How to Write a Persuasive Project Proposal

Image via Unsplash .

Knowing how to approach a business project proposal can be tricky.

What if you oversell yourself—or worse, what if you shy away from talking up your skills? How do you convey that you are the right person for the job in a way that will appeal to a prospective client? Plus, there are the nuts and bolts of how to organize your proposal correctly, which can feel intimidating.

Not only that, but you need a solid, persuasive project proposal in order to win the business you want . If your proposal is lacking, you might end up losing out on valuable clients—even if you offer the best work and would be the best fit for the job!

Luckily, the reality is that writing a business project proposal isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Think of it as the cousin of a business plan, except that rather than using it for internal organization or submitting the plan to investors, you are submitting it to a business in the hopes that they will hire you for your work.

To learn more about how to write a business project proposal, keep reading.

What is a project proposal?

A business project proposal is a document that Business A sends to Business B, detailing why they are the best candidate for work that Business B needs completed. It’s essentially a version of a pitch, only instead of asking for funding, you’re offering your services and asking to complete a project for another business.

When should you submit a business project proposal?

Generally, businesses who need work done will put out an RFP, or “request for proposal.”

As it sounds, this is where the business will detail what work they need done, information about how they want the project to go, and any other relevant details on the scope of the project.

This is what is known as a solicited proposal—Business B puts out a request for proposal, and Business A prepares their proposal, sends it in, it’s reviewed with the others submitted, and a winner is chosen.

It’s worth noting that you can also submit an unsolicited proposal, in which you approach a business and detail the work you would like to do for them. However, this is definitely less common, as the business may not have any intention of hiring someone to do this type of work at this particular time.

How to write a project proposal: 3 key areas to consider

While the content of a business project proposal will obviously vary greatly depending on the specific project, client, and industry, every business project proposal aims to address three key things:

Problem statement

Proposed solution, pricing information.

To summarize each quickly, the problem statement is the thing your services solve—it’s the reason the client needs work done in the first place. The proposed solution is your service, and pricing information is pretty self-explanatory.

While it’s best that each proposal be specific to your client, much of what we’re covering can be created into a template that you can quickly create with proposal tools, like the top-ranked  proposal software, Bidsketch .

We’ll go over each in more detail here now:

Be careful that you do not get thrown off by the use of the word “problem.” It can be strange to think of needing services rendered as having a problem, but it helps to think of it this way for a business project proposal.

For instance, a client needs graphic design work so that they have various branded elements for their business. The problem? They lack cohesive, professional branding that fully captures what their business is all about. Now, when you phrase it that way, it actually becomes clear that this is, in fact, a problem!

If you are still at a bit of a loss for how to think of this in terms of your own business, go back to your initial business planning and brainstorming documents. What problem are you solving for your clients or customers ? What need, desire, or solution do you offer? Use similar language when discussing the problem statement to your customer in your business project proposal.

This section of your project proposal should focus on articulating that you understand why the client’s problem is important to them. You want to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the importance of the work, and how the completion of this project will benefit your client.

You also want to show that you understand your client’s specific needs. Let’s go back to the graphic design example; if the client’s brand is modern, professional, and clean, you want to express that you understand the importance of having design elements for their business that represent these qualities. You wouldn’t want to spend time talking about how businesses need a brand that is “edgy,” for example—because that isn’t the vibe your client is after. This section is a chance for you to articulate that you understand not only the actual problem your client is facing, but the way in which they want the solution handled.

Speaking of solutions, here’s where you move on to defining yours. This is where you get to brag a little—and seriously, don’t hold back. You want to use this section to convince your prospective client why you are the absolute best person to solve their problem.

You also want to use this example to paint a picture for your client of your vision. Detail exactly how you plan to use your work to solve their current problem. Use this section to marry both a description of your expertise with a clear articulation of what you envision for their business, should they choose to work with you.

For the graphic design example, this might look like a discussion of what type of design work would best capture the spirit and intent of the client’s brand, and what you would deliver that would help the client create a more cohesive brand image.

This aspect is obviously pretty straightforward; here, you will detail how you plan to price your services.

Make sure to go into detail about a pricing schedule, if you plan to implement one, and include any information about up-front deposits if you ask for them. You can use this time to detail what you will deliver at what point in time, and how much payment you expect at each point, if that’s the way you do business. Of course, if you ask for just a deposit and the full amount at the end, you can stick to the basics and make this clear here, too.

It’s also worthwhile to consider breaking down exactly what your services cost on a line-by-line basis. Sometimes clients might experience a little sticker shock when they see the bottom line, but by showing how you’ve worked out the cost (by hours worked, the different type of work you need to do for each step, and so on), you can demonstrate your value to your prospective client, and make it clear that you are worth the price you are charging.

The format of a business project proposal

Now that we’ve gone over the central aspects that your proposal should contain, it’s time to address the nuts and bolts of formatting and constructing your proposal.

The structure of a business project proposal is similar to that of a business plan—but, it’s important to note that the two are not the same. Keep your internal strategy, extensive discussion of your company vision, and financial data out of your proposal; it’s really all about the client in this instance, and how you can help them, rather than about the details of your business in general.

So, here is a sample layout that you can follow. Keep in mind that this layout is exhaustive; depending on your business and the project you are hoping to secure, you may not need to include all these steps.

To start, your proposal should open with a title page, which should include your name, the name of your company, the name of the company and person that you’re submitting the proposal to, and the date you are submitting the proposal.

Table of contents

While not necessary, for more detailed proposals, a table of contents is a nice touch and will help organize your proposal for the reader.

Executive summary and introduction

If you have a business plan (and let me just say, you probably should have one that you work on regularly!), you can draw from your existing executive summary here. However, pay more attention to really selling your business here, a little more so than would be expected in a business plan executive summary.

This is your first chance to hook your reader and make them see why you and your company are worth considering. You can go into some detail about your business’s history, the services you offer, previous clients, and any other information that you think will prove persuasive.

Problem description and background

Going back to the section above, here is where you will go into detail about the problem at hand. While you should weave the idea of the problem statement and proposed solution into your proposal wherever applicable, this is the specific section where you can articulate the problem the client is facing.

Objectives, goals, and scope

On the similar note as the section above, the objectives and goals section is where you will go into detail on your proposed solution.

Not only that, but this section is where you can lay out the “what” behind your solution. Go into detail on how you plan to approach their problem, the steps you’ll take, resources you will employ, and process you go through. Obviously, the detail needed here will vary greatly by industry, but here is where you can clarify exactly how you will do your work, should they choose to hire you.

As a note, however, be sure to minimize the use of industry jargon and specificities here—keep the information to that which your client will actually be interested in. The detail will vary based on industry, but you do not want to risk losing their attention by going into exhaustive detail that they will not be interested in (or maybe even understand).

Qualifications

While you may have touched on past experience in your executive summary, the qualifications section is another area where you can go into more detail on why you’re the person for the job. Did you attend a prestigious school with a respected program for your specific industry, or did you intern with a well-respected influencer or company? Include those details here.

Also include information on how long you have been doing what you do, extra additional learning you participate in, accolades you have received, and any other information you think will bolster your case.

Requirements and timeline

This section may be lengthy or concise, depending on the scope of the project—it may just include a final date of deliverables, or it may be a detailed schedule that goes into what will be delivered on what date, when you will have meetings to touch base, and so on.

Make sure that you are realistic here; it’s not a good idea to over promise and then under deliver. Even though you might hope to excite your client by being able to deliver sooner than the competition, the risk to your relationship with the client (and your overall reputation) should you not be able to complete the project by your scheduled deadlines is not worth the potential business you might snag.

Additionally, you can have a requirements section here as well, that will lay out anything you will need from the prospective client to complete the project. For example, perhaps you need to access their website to do work on it, or you need access to their building on certain days and times.

Project budget

The “pricing information” will go here, as well as information about how you will accept payment, and anything else pertinent.

As mentioned above, depending on your schedule of deliverables and how you accept payment, this might be more or less detailed. A section simply titled “fee summary” may be enough, or you may need to break out a “fee schedule” to show when you are owed what.

Key stakeholders and personnel

If you or someone on your team is uniquely positioned to solve the business’s particular problem, you would detail that here. This can also be as simple as a list of who will be involved in completing the project, and any information about the management structure that is necessary to include here.

If there are areas where permits and licenses are required, include any necessary information on legal matters in this section. If this isn’t applicable to your industry, you can skip this section entirely.

Monitoring and evaluation

What will the prospective client need to do in order to make sure that the project is going smoothly and being completed on schedule? Not only that, what does “completion” of certain aspects of the project look like?

You will want to discuss these aspects in this section of your business project proposal. Be sure to be specific when you mention what will be delivered when, and how your prospective client will be able to determine if each stage has been completed to their satisfaction.

Risks of undertaking the project

Now clearly, this section applies more to certain industries than others, as some industries are inherently more high-risk. If, using our example from earlier, you are offering graphic design services, there may not be a lot of risk inherent period. However, if you are dealing with physical materials, sensitive data, or certain types of intellectual property, you will want to include a breakdown of the risks here.

Success criteria

As touched on in the monitoring and evaluation section, you’ll want to clarify what completion looks like, in this instance for the final project as a whole. Detail what success will look like in terms of what the final deliverables and outcome will be.

If needed, you can break the success criteria into multiple steps, as you’ll likely have a handful of aspects that, when accomplished, will indicate success and completion of the project.

This is essentially a way for the client to determine if you’ve done the job they hired you to do. It also serves as insurance for you; if you meet the success criteria the two of you have agreed upon, you can clearly prove that you have completed the project as mutually agreed upon.

Endorsements, next steps, benefits, and appendix

Depending on your proposal and the industry you are a part of, you may need to provide final supplemental information.

If the project is endorsed or supported by any key individuals, list them here and add their contact information. You can also include a section entitled “next steps” where you will indicate what the receiver of the proposal should do next to contact you.

You can also work in a final “benefits” section, as the “next steps” section serves as something of a call to action. Here, you have one last chance to sell your prospective client on your services. Don’t hold back; make your most persuasive case for why they should work with you, and not a competitor (without throwing others under the bus, obviously!). Reiterate why you are the best choice, the vision you have for their business, and why your experience and past work clearly demonstrates your aptitude and right fit for the project.

If needed, end with an appendix. If you have supplemental material that needs to be included to bolster your case (research studies, statistics, external quotes, financial information, and so on), include an appendix and supply that information there.

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Giving a Speech on a Community-Building Project: Full Guide

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: January 11, 2022  - Last updated: July 3, 2023

Categories Leadership , Community

Giving a speech on a community-building project is a great opportunity and also a great responsibility. It’s one of the most difficult tasks, but also one of the most rewarding when it goes well.

Whether your speech is aimed at potential investors or to recruit new members, you need to be persuasive to grow your community.

I’ve given speeches in the past on various community development projects I’ve been involved in, and giving a speech is a development process that requires good communication skills and organization.

Like giving any other speech, representing a community organization requires good public speaking preparation.

It’s important to get it right because it means that your community members, your colleagues, stakeholders, other community leaders, and audience members are relying on you not just to give a speech, but to make a positive impact and bring about social change.

Communication Is Key When You Are Giving a Speech on a Community Building Project

Whether it’s about civic engagement in a global or local community, a nonprofit organization, large or small businesses, or a high school, a speech requires excellent communication skills.

Here are a few examples of speeches about community building projects:

Sales Presentation to Obtain Funding

In this speech, you tell people how their community involvement helps your community’s needs and why they should give you their money.

It’s important that they understand that donating to your community organization means you will both be working together toward a common goal, even if the goal isn’t exactly the same on both sides.

For example, if you’re giving a speech for your community to create jobs for youth, your potential investors need to see a business or economic opportunity for your speech to influence their decision-making.

Community Involvement & Community Service Recruitment

Whether your speech is aimed at international or rural communities, adults, or youth, building relationships with your audience during your talk is critical to your community engagement. If you have an engaged community, it’ll be easier to gain credibility and attract new members or even get people to apply for volunteering opportunities.

Community Story

Telling the story of your community project is what community leaders often do.

You tell how and why your idea came to be, what its initial community needs were, what pitfalls and successes there were in the development process, how you engaged community members and stakeholders, what you accomplished, and how it had a positive impact.

For example, if your community focuses on youth development, share how it brought about social change for youth .

Stories are very effective in public speaking because good stories tell of strengths as well as weaknesses. This is important for gaining credibility and a good way to engage citizens by telling them what they can do to change their community for the better.

Why Community Building Speeches Succeed or Fail

The success of a project often depends on the people who help set the direction, funding, and overall vision. If you are giving a speech on a community-building project, you need to understand the motivations of these individuals.

People are motivated by different things, which is why some people place more emphasis on building relationships while others place more emphasis on results. Your speech should cover both aspects if you want it to be effective.

A speech needs to have a little something for everyone. It must be interesting and relevant to the audience. It must be delivered with confidence and conviction. And it must have a positive impact, whether it changes the listener’s mind or simply makes them think about the topic in a new way.

To be successful at a speech, you don’t have to be a professional speaker. You need good communication skills to know your topic. Your preparation is one of the most important parts of your speech.

Development Process

When giving a speech, you must appear confident and find a good balance between nervousness and arrogance (too much confidence could be perceived as arrogance). Community leaders are expected to inspire and motivate their listeners by speaking with passion, enthusiasm, and excitement. Preparation is a crucial step.

When preparing a speech on a community-building project, it’s important that you know what you’re talking about and that you research how to explain the project in a way that audience members will understand.

If you want to make public speeches, you must know how to prepare. You shouldn’t give speeches unless you’re prepared to put in the necessary effort. There are a number of things you need to do when preparing for public speaking.

Know Your Goal

The first step in crafting a great speech about a community-building project is to understand why you’re giving the speech in the first place. Whether you’re advocating for a cause you believe in or trying to convince your audience of your point of view, you need to make sure your goal is clear and that it relates to the issue at hand.

Connecting your purpose to the issue will also help you decide which point of view or argument to make. In other words: What do you want your audience to think or feel after your speech?

Once you’ve decided on the main point, you can start planning the rest of your speech. This is where structure comes into play. Having a clear plan of what you want your audience to think and feel will help you develop a logical structure for your speech.

Research the Topic

Researching the topic of your speech first will help you in many ways. When researching, make sure you’ve enough information about the topic and not just a few. Also, make sure that your speech has a clear focus.

Make sure it’s written properly.

Don’t just copy lines from a book and say them out loud, because that will make a negative impression on your audience and it’ll look like you didn’t put any effort into writing your speech yourself.

It’s important that you know your topic inside and out. If you aren’t prepared, people will see through you and it’ll affect your credibility. The best way to prepare is to do thorough research beforehand. You should also have one or two key points that you want people to remember.

Some people find it useful to take notes, others prefer not to because they feel it limits their speaking.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with what you’re saying.

Learn From Other Speakers in Your Industry

If you’re going to give a presentation on a particular topic (eg: economic development, community service, rural communities, etc.), it can be helpful to see how others in your industry have handled it. They’re sure to have good tips for you on how to improve your presentation.

It can be helpful to find out how people in other fields present their information.

You may not be able to apply what you learn directly, but you can get new ideas on how to prepare the material and make it interesting for your audience, which is key to a successful presentation.

Know Your Audience

One of the most important aspects of being a successful speaker is knowing your audience. You need to tailor your speech to them.

Presentations are aimed at a specific group of people (eg: local leaders, local government, young adults, etc.) . If you know who’ll be in attendance and what their interests are (eg: local resident opportunities, high school, global economic development, community service, etc.), you can tailor your speech to them. You can also select the main types of citizens you want to address in your introduction and conclusion.

Ideally, you’ve met some of them before or at least know something about them, such as their background, interests, or profession. What’re their motivations? What do they like and dislike? What do they want to hear? These questions need to be answered before you start writing.

If you don’t know your audience, talk to someone who does, or interview members of the group before the speech.

Know Your Core Message

Your audience will take away from your speech what you tell them they’ll take away. It’s important that they understand what you’re getting at. Make sure you have a clear message that everyone can easily remember, and stick to it throughout the presentation.

Have a Clear Structure

Your speech should have a clear structure. This makes it easier for the audience to follow your key points and understand the message you want to convey. When writing your speech, you should first formulate your main idea in a single sentence.

Make sure that everything you say supports that main idea. Your main idea should relate directly to your audience and the event, so take plenty of time to think about it.

Have an introduction and an ending that connects all the points well. If your speech is logical, i.e. flows from one point to the next and is logically linked to other points or ideas of the topic under discussion , your audience will benefit from it.

The best way to develop this main theme is to think about what you want your audience to take away from your speech after they hear it.

Try to write down some keywords or phrases that you want them to remember afterward. These can be practical tips or inspirational ideas that will help them in their own lives or work. Once you find these keywords, write them down on a separate sheet of paper in the order you want them to appear in your speech. This will then be your outline for the speech.

When you write down your speech, start with an introduction that will pique people’s curiosity and make them curious about what’s coming next. You may also want to share a joke or personal anecdote here if it fits the theme and tone of your speech.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids can boost your confidence when speaking in public.

There’s a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. A picture means more than just something to look at.

It can help you remember what you want to say or give you an example of something you may not have thought of.

For example, if you’re talking about a local resident in New York (United States) who’s made a difference in his neighborhood, you should show a picture of him in New York in your presentation so that people will feel that he’s real when you talk about him, and it’ll remind you at what point you should talk about him.

Trying to remember everything on the spot can be stressful, especially when you’re speaking in front of others for the first time. If you’re able to create a visual aid that explains what you want to say, it’ll keep you from forgetting things.

When you create a visual aid, it’s important to use simple and easy-to-understand images and diagrams. You want your message to get across, so try not to make it too complicated or confusing.

You should also use different colors and fonts so they stand out and grab everyone’s attention. Different colors will help keep everyone focused on the main topic and not distracted by a particular color that stands out to them.

If you’re using PowerPoint, Keynote, or other software, make sure the content for your presentation is already loaded. If you’re planning to use visual aids, you should find out if it’s allowed beforehand. Make sure all equipment (projector, microphones, etc.) is working before the presentation begins.

Practice Your Speech

If you’re nervous about speaking in front of an audience, try to imagine that your audience is coming to hear you speak. Remember that they probably have no idea who you’re, so don’t worry if they aren’t overly excited when you walk into the room. Remembering these things will help you relax and make it easier to deliver your speech.

By recording yourself on your smartphone, you can get used to how you’ll look when you give your speech and memorize the key parts when you watch it again. This way, you can get used to your body language while giving the speech, and it’ll be easier for you to relax and focus on the right words.

If possible, practice your speech in front of others. The more often someone hears a speech, the more likely he or she’s to remember it. Ask friends or family members to help you practice, and listen to their suggestions on how to do it better.

If you want to give a good speech about a community-building project, you should first think about what makes you stand out in your job – how hardworking you’re.

Work on Your Self-Confidence

A confident speaker can motivate and inspire the audience – whether it’s a single person or an audience of thousands. If you’re not confident, it can be hard to muster the courage to speak in public. But if you work on your confidence, it can help you give a great speech about a community-building project.

A less experienced speaker or a young person may worry about what’ll happen if they forget their lines or stumble over words. This is normal and to be expected. A little nervousness can be good for the right amount of adrenaline.

More experienced speakers may have trouble even getting up to speak, or they may have trouble delivering their words with the right enthusiasm.

Bringing the Audience Along

The purpose of a speech is to get a message across. This can be done in many different ways. You can use humor, stories, statistics, or facts to grab the audience’s attention and make them listen.

The success of your speech depends largely on how you deliver it. The first step to a successful speech is to prepare for the speech itself by thinking about what you want the audience to take away from the speech.

When deciding on your message, you must keep in mind that people learn in different ways. It’s important to craft your message so that it reaches the different types of learners.

Before You Deliver Your Speech

When you’re ready to give your speech about community building (or whatever topic you’ve chosen), it’s important to relax. If you focus too much on your speech, other activities may overwhelm you.

A day or two before your speech, it’s important to relax. Keep yourself busy with other things, because if you focus too much on your speech, it can overwhelm you. Get together with friends, exercise or meditate, watch a comedy – anything that will take your mind off the event.

The night before the speech, write down all the information you need to remember for the next day. This includes any notes related to what you’ll be saying and where the items you’ll need are located on stage or at the podium (if it’s a big event). It’s also helpful to make a list of the times of certain events during the presentation so you won’t feel embarrassed if someone calls you on it.

Make sure you aren’t hungry or tired. If necessary, sleep in and eat a filling meal before giving your speech.

Don’t go on stage with a full stomach, but go to the bathroom several times before you give your speech. This will prevent you from being distracted by discomfort during your presentation and allow you to focus on what you’ve to say.

On the Day of Your Speech

The day before you give your speech, eat breakfast or lunch at least an hour before your performance.

Wear clothes that you feel confident and comfortable in and that won’t distract others. Also, take a glass of water and something small to eat – this will help you keep your energy up during the presentation.

Be aware that you’ll probably be nervous before you give your first speech.

When you’re in front of an audience, always remember that they’re on your side and rooting for you – even if it’s not always obvious from their reactions. If you take a moment to calm your nerves and focus on what you’ve to say, not how you say it, you’ll become more confident with time and experience.

Remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect speech – only good speeches. And the only way to give a perfect speech is to practice until you can give it perfectly every time. When giving a speech for the first time, don’t expect perfection; instead, strive for progress and improvement.

During Your Speech

When you give your speech, speak confidently and make eye contact with the audience. Smile often to show that you’re relaxed, but avoid smiling too much or laughing at your own jokes; this can give the impression that you’re taking what you’re saying less seriously.

Remember to breathe deeply while you speak so you don’t get out of breath or wind. Also, make sure you don’t speak too quickly; this can cause people to not understand what you’re saying and therefore not listen.

Remember that while your speech is a presentation, it’s more of a conversation than a typical business presentation, so keep your audience in mind and adjust your tone accordingly.

If you want to emphasize a point, ask a question or make a comment that gets the group thinking. This will make the group members feel more involved in the discussion and have something to talk about later in their offices.

Remember that you’re one of the most important members of your community and that’s why you’re giving this speech. You should lead by example and show what it means to be a good community member. Community members should know that they can count on you when they need help or support.

Prepare for any questions that may come from the audience during the speech.

Being prepared for possible questions and having answers ready will help you deliver your speech more confidently. Also, be prepared that you may not know all the answers and that’s okay because you can’t know everything.

At the End of Your Speech

At the end of a speech, a good speaker always thanks his/her audience for being there.

When you thank your audience for listening to you, you also have the opportunity to say how honored you’re to be standing in front of them at the podium. At this point, you can even emphasize what brilliant questions they asked during your speech.

It’s also a good idea to repeat some of the key points from your speech. This helps to summarize things while providing a point of reference for anyone who wasn’t present for your presentation.

Also, it would be a great gesture on your part if you could give them useful information or refer them to someone who can give them more information on the topic you just talked about.

Remember that it’s not just the content of your speech that matters, but how well you deliver it. That’s why it’s important to prepare for your big day and leave a lasting impression on people!

After Your Speech

If you have the opportunity to engage in conversation with your audience after your speech (e.g. networking, tea break, etc.), it’s always good to show that you care. Here are some things you can do to impress your audience and leave a good impression.

• Always thank the organizers for inviting you to speak at their event. A thank you note on social media is usually appreciated by the organizers as well.
• Smile as you personally greet each audience member (if possible). To most, you need to shake hands and say, “Thank you for coming” or “It was a pleasure to meet you.”
• Don’t refer to your speech unless someone mentions it, because you don’t want to come across as “self-centered.”
• prepare a 10-20 second personal message for each of the event organizers thanking them for inviting you to speak at their event (if possible). This is how you make a personal connection with the organizers and leave a positive impression on them.
• Try not to just walk by people who’re trying to strike up a conversation with you, but stop with them and make small talk if possible. If you’re in a hurry, it’s best to go out the back door.

It’s hard to follow up on a speech if you don’t record it. If your speech was recorded or written down, you should go over it thoroughly to find out what went right or wrong. For example, to find out how well the speech was received by the audience.

How to Improve Your Next Speech

The key to getting the most out of your speech is to take something away from it. You can get more out of your time by taking some notes and using them as a foundation for future speeches. Here’s what to look for:

What did you say was most impactful? What was the overall impact of your speech? Did people start their own communities? Did they sign up to comment on posts? How did they respond to specific points you raised?

What worked, what didn’t, and why? What would you do differently next time? Use this feedback to make your next speech even better.

You can use SurveyMonkey or another survey tool to capture the results of your speech in detail. This is especially useful if you did a community-building activity; otherwise, it’s just good practice . You can also see some responses to your survey on the organizer’s social media page in the comments section.

The Key to Success

Good preparation is the key to a successful speech. When you’re preparing to give a speech, there are a few things you can do in advance to make sure it goes well, like the steps above.

Most importantly, be passionate about what you’re doing to get better results.

Make sure that you’re constantly learning from your mistakes so that you can constantly improve as a leader, even if you aren’t perfect. If you’re honest with your mistakes, you can always improve as a person and as a community builder, especially if you can learn from your mistakes and improve.

Related articles:

Is Community Building a Skill – brilliantio

Seven Reasons Why Storytelling Works for Business – brilliantio

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How to Write a Convincing Science Fair Research Proposal

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For students interested in the STEM fields, there are many extracurriculars to choose from. You might join the Math or Science Olympiad team, you could join the Computer Science Club, or you could even volunteer as a naturalist at a local conservation area.

If you are interested in scientific research, you might pursue the opportunity to secure a research assistant position or shadow various scientific researchers. But if you truly want to take the helm and guide your own research, your path may lead you to participating in the science fair.

The science fair is a traditional component of many high school science programs, with participation ranging widely from school to school and science fair to science fair. At some schools, the science fair might be a rite of passage expected of every student. At others, it attracts a handful of dedicated science die-hards.

Regardless, most science fairs feature presentations by students who have completed experiments, demonstrated scientific principles, or undertaken an engineering challenge. Participants are judged by a panel of experts who score each presentation according to a rubric. Traditionally, awards are presented for the top-scoring projects. 

There are many science fairs beyond school-sponsored fairs, too. Regional, state, national, and even international fairs are open to students who qualify through their schools and work their way up through the science fair circuit. Others, like the Regeneron Science Talent Search, are open through an intensive application process.

If you are considering entering a project in the science fair, you will need to think carefully about your subject matter, your experimental design, and the relevance of your work before committing to a project. Many science fairs will even require that you complete a formal research proposal to demonstrate the level of thinking you’ve put into your experiment before beginning it.

In this post, we will outline the purpose of a research proposal for the science fair, the common elements of such a proposal, and how you can go about writing a comprehensive research proposal that is sure to impress.

What is the Purpose of a Research Proposal?

A research proposal has three primary purposes. The first purpose is to explain what you intend to do. This is essentially what you will do in your experiment or project, summarized into a basic overview.

The second function of a research proposal is to explain how you intend to accomplish this. You will give a brief summary of the methods and techniques that you intend to employ, and list the materials that you will need to do so.

The final point of a research proposal is to explain why this project should be done. Here, you will discuss the important or relevance of this study. Basically, in this portion of your proposal you’ll answer the question, “so what?”

Now that you know the aim of a research proposal, you can begin to prepare to write one. -->

Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Research Proposal

1. narrow down the subject area..

Before you go into your project in any sort of depth, you’ll need a fairly good idea of what your project’s focus will be. In order to narrow this down, you should consider a few different angles.

First, ask yourself what you’re interested in. You will be more likely to feel engaged and passionate about a project that is genuinely interesting to you, so take some time to carefully consider the areas of science that you find the most fascinating. Even if they don’t seem particularly well-suited to a science fair project at first, you never know what you might be able to come up with through some collaboration with mentors or through some background research. Keep a running list of areas of science that sincerely fascinate you.

Next, consider any specialized labs or equipment to which you might have access. Does your best friend’s mother work in a lab with highly specialized tools? Does your school have a state-of-the-art wind tunnel or fully equipped greenhouse? These are all possible resources you can utilize if you want your project to truly stand out. Of course, it’s completely possible to choose a project that shines on its own without any specialized equipment, but if you’re looking for every boost you might get, having access to specialized technology can be a great advantage to make your project truly unique.

Finally, consider if you know a teacher or other professional who might be willing to mentor you. You can also seek out a mentor specifically if you can’t think of anyone obvious. Having a mentor in your field will provide you with invaluable insight into practice and past research in the field.

In the ideal world, you would find a project that maximizes all of your resources, including your interests, access to equipment, and an enthusiastic mentor. Don’t worry if you can’t secure all three, though. Plenty of science fair participants go on to do quite well relying on only their own dogged determination and commitment to their subject matter.

2 . Decide How Your Experiment Will Be Done

If you have a mentor, teacher, or adviser willing to consult with you, schedule a time to sit down with them and discuss what you’d like to do. If you can’t find someone more experienced than you, even discussing your ideas with a trusted classmate, parent, or older sibling is a good idea. Sometimes the outside perspective will help to fine-tune your design or identify areas for improvement.

You should also begin some research at this stage to learn how similar projects have been conducted in the past. Use the results and limitations from these experiments to help guide your own experimental design.

As you do so, keep in mind any limiting factors. Remember to consider what equipment you have at your disposal, the time commitment you’re able to make, and the materials that you’ll need to acquire.

In addition, be sure to check the rules of the specific science fairs you’ll be attending. Some have strict regulations designed to keep you safe, like limiting the ways in which potentially hazardous chemicals can be used. Other rules are designed to keep the environment safe, like placing restrictions on how you dispose of foreign substances or non-native species. There are also ethical rules that govern the use of human participants or vertebrate animals in your studies. Make sure to check which rules govern the fair in which you’re participating and how they might impact your ideas before you put any more thought into your project.

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3. Background Research

Your background research should be fairly comprehensive at this point and will be the single largest component of your research proposal. You should focus on your research on relevant past studies that inform your work either by identifying areas for future research or by identifying limiting factors in their own research. You should also research past experiments that support or attempt to disprove your working theory.

Finally, your research should clearly show why the project is relevant. What is important about it? What does it add to the field? Why should we care? Make sure that you can communicate the scientific value of the project you’re proposing.

4. Write Your Proposal

Once you’ve chosen a project, decided how you’ll undertake it, and done the relevant background research, you are finally able to begin drafting your research proposal. Check with your school or science fair to see if there is a specific format or form that you’re required to adhere to. If not, and you are producing a general research proposal, follow this format:

This should be a one-paragraph description of the project, your hypothesis, and the goals of your experiment. Here, you provide a brief overview of your project for anyone who is skimming your work.

Introduction/Literature Review:

This is the bulk of your proposal. In your literature review, you present what is currently known about your project’s focus and summarize relevant research that has been done in the field. You will discuss previous discoveries in your field, including how they were made and what they lend to your current work.

You will also show what is interesting and ground-breaking about your research idea. In this section you will need to summarize why your project is relevant, what makes it important, and how the field or current base of knowledge could change or be improved due to your project’s results.

As you write your literature review, you’ll need to be sure that you’re using high-quality, accurate sources. It’s best to rely on scholarly journal articles or reference books. Be wary of using the Internet, as many sources are unverified. If you are using online resources, be sure to verify their source. Published, peer-reviewed scholarly articles are best.

It’s also important to include proper citations for every source cited. You’ll need to list all your sources in the appropriate format in your bibliography along with citing them in the text of your proposal when you quote directly or reference specific data. If you aren’t sure how to cite properly, check out the Scientific Style and Format page.

Hypothesis:

This is the working theory that you are testing and what you expect the results will be, based off what you have learned through your background research.

Materials and Methods:

In this section you’ll provide a precise, in depth description of how you plan to test your hypothesis and what tools or materials you’ll need to do so. Summarize your experimental design, specifically referring to how you will control and replicate the experiment. Also list the equipment and materials that you will need for undertaking your experiment.

Conclusion:

Here, you will reiterate how your proposed research will advance knowledge in the scientific field and outline any potential longterm impact that your work could have on theory or practice within the field.

Bibliography:

List all sources used in appropriate format. Refer to the Scientific Style and Format page if you aren’t sure how to do so.

What Happens After I Submit a Research Proposal?

After you submit the research proposal, it will be reviewed by your teacher or a science fair administrator or adviser. It will be approved, rejected, or returned for revisions based on its feasibility, value to the scientific field, and adherence to the science fair rules and regulations.

While larger, more selective science fairs will have to select only a limited number of candidates based on the merits of their research proposals, it is fairly uncommon for a science fair research proposal to get completely denied at the school level. Usually, in these cases, your proposal will be returned to you with requests for edits or further clarification. You have most likely consulted with your teacher or adviser throughout the process of developing your proposal, so nothing should come as a complete surprise when you receive feedback.

If your proposal is rejected and you don’t receive constructive feedback, don’t be shy about respectfully requesting some feedback to help you shape a better, more effective proposal in the future.

If your proposal is returned for revisions, you should feel encouraged. While you still have some work to do, this is generally a sign that with a few tweaks, your proposal will be accepted. Meet with a teacher, mentor, or adviser to review the revisions requested and address each thoroughly before returning the proposal for another round of review.

If your proposal is accepted, congratulations! It’s time to get to work. While your proposal itself was probably a time-consuming endeavor, your research will ultimately be easier for having taken the time and care to craft a precise proposal. Your research will be more focused and likely a smoother process due to all your careful planning, and you will be able to use large chunks of your written work in your final scientific report.

Don’t be intimidated if you’re getting ready to write a science fair research proposal. It can be a long process to fine-tune your project and focus your proposed research, but the work that you put in now ultimately makes your job easier in the long run.

Looking for help navigating the road to college as a high school student? Download our  free guide for 9th graders  and our  free guide for 10th graders . Our guides go in-depth about subjects ranging from  academics ,  choosing courses ,  standardized tests ,  extracurricular activities ,  and much more !

For more information about the science fair and opportunities for students interested in the STEM fields, see these valuable CollegeVine posts:

• How to Spend Your Summer As a Prospective Math Major (And Why Math is a Great Career Path)
• A Guide to STEM Scholarships
• Summer Activities for the Future BS/MD Applicant
• Ultimate Guide to the AP Research Course and Assessment
• How to Choose a Project for Your AP Research Course
• How to Get a Research Assistant Position in High School
• An Introduction to the AP Capstone Diploma
• How to Choose a Winning Science Fair Project Idea
• How to Plan and Implement an Independent Study in High School
• A Beginner’s Guide to the Science Fair
• Guide to National Youth Science Camp

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