EP059: Proposal Writing, Plain and Simple – with Ronnie Moore

When it comes to proposals, less is more. And yet, many of us make the mistake of writing to IMPRESS rather than EXPRESS. We use stilted language, and we write too much—making the reader do all the work to find the answers they need. So, how do we learn to write RFPs in plain language that’s easy on the eyes and brain?

Ronnie Moore is a well-known trainer, speaker and author with 27 years of experience in the field of spoken and written communication—and 1,200 presentations under her belt! As a proposal coach, Ronnie has helped her clients win government and commercial contracts in excess of $1B, leveraging her expertise in plain language to craft well-written, RFP-compliant proposals. Her new book is called Why Did I Say That? Communicating to Keep Your Credibility, Your Cool, and Your Cash!

On this episode, Ronnie joins us to define plain language in the context of RFPs, describing how to write in sync with the way our eyes scan a page. She explains the challenge of writing RFPs in a single voice and including everything that’s necessary—and no more. Listen in for Ronnie’s insight on writing in a way that is reader-focused and learn how to organize proposal content in a way that flows!

Key Takeaways

  • Ronnie’s background in communication + the proposal arena

  • How Ronnie defines plain language in the context of RFPs

  • How to write in sync with the way our eyes scan a page

  • The challenge around writing a proposal in a single voice

  • Telling readers what the team wants to vs. what they asked

  • Tips for writing RFPs in a way that is reader-focused

    • Sufficient and relevant

    • Conversational language

  • Why it’s crucial to organize RFP content in a way that flows

  • Why it takes more time and talent to write succinctly

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EP060: RFP Strategy, Trends and Professionalism, Part 1 – with Ajay Patel

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EP058: Hiring the Right Talent for Your Team – with Devon Underwood