If possible, talk to someone who has already seen the proposal, and gauge their interest. Check recent news stories which indicate the current financial state of the company or individual you’re targeting. Think about the audience’s values, goals, and ideals. Your proposal should address not just their economic needs but their corporate mission, too.

Your written proposal should not be identical to your oral presentation. Simply reading the proposal word for word will bore your audience. Your oral presentation should use the proposal text as a foundation but should also expand on your main points without lingering on every detail.

An improper or incomplete proposal submission may jeopardize your chances of not only having your proposal approved but also receiving future RFPs. Use care when crafting your submission.

Rehearsing your presentation in front of a test audience of friends or family will not only give you great practice but might also yield some feedback you can use to fine-tune the presentation. [7] X Expert Source Michael McCutcheon, PhDCareer Coach & Psychologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020. Knowing your presentation and proposal inside and out will boost your confidence during the actual presentation. [8] X Expert Source Michael McCutcheon, PhDCareer Coach & Psychologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.

This is especially important when conducting an RFP presentation.

Slide shows can help listeners retain information and better understand the main points of your proposal. You can use the slide show to supplement or replace your own notes. They can keep you on track and keep your audience engaged.

Before you begin, try breathing in and out slowly for a while. Assume your audience is receptive, not hostile, to your proposal.

Avoid interjecting filler words like “uh” or “um” into your presentation.

If you get an off-topic or difficult question, address it honestly, but artfully try to redirect the question back to why your proposal is a good one. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source