Unit 3, The Anatomy of a Proposal

When it comes to practical proposals, like a t-shirt order for the swim team, the specifics practically propose themselves. There is a definite set of parameters required to place the order including size, color, quantity, design, fabric, and of course price.  Policy proposals are a more broadly outlined course of action that shapes how society ought to respond to perceived problems. Though a policy proposal may offer more abstract ideas leading to an eventual outcome, the main ingredients of a proposal remain the same: a description of the problem, a proposed solution, and justification (Ramage, 311).

Using the description of the problem as a way to garner audience attention is an appropriate use of pathos. The narration of an alarming tale paired with the use of concerning statistics will grab the attention of anyone listening. Even if the problem is sort of vanilla and there are no vital interests at extreme risk of peril, making the tale of woe personal to yourself or personal to the audience means someone is invested, and someone is listening. Packaging the proposal up in a format that best corresponds to invested audience can help reinforce a particular proposal (Ramage, 325). Solutions for an entertainment media outlet can best be presented in a technically solid multimedia presentation across various platforms such as high definition webcast video. Solutions for a local church should probably be kept to a brochure or Microsoft PowerPoint slide show.

Justification is the supporting reasoning behind a specified proposal. There as many proposed solutions as there are perceived problems in any given room; the justification for one solution over the other may help an audience determine the best choice. Generally if a problem is rooted in a moral dilemma, the justification tends to be morally motivated. When a homeless shelter is full, one proposal may be to add new beds even though shelters are already quite crowded. The justification is that society wants to provide more shelter with just as many resources because it is morally unacceptable not to house people in space that could fit a few more. If the problem is rooted in logical dilemmas, such as the missed quota of a manufacturing and production line, the justification is also apt to be logical… like adding more hours of production. Using tools such as the claim type strategy or the enthymeme like in previous chapters can assist in providing the appropriate justification for a specific proposal (Ramage, 318). Having an issue to tackle with a well matched proposal and justification will give good credence with any audience, even if they don’t yet know they have a problem!

Works Cited

Ramage, John D., et al. Writing Arguments: Rhetoric with Readings. New York. Pearson, 2010. Print.