Introduction To Oral Proposal Presentation

Oral proposal presentation is the oldest form of proposals in the world of business. It has been around before business organization became modernized. This is because humanity is a commercial entity that cannot help but interact at a commercial level with her environment and the people there. Trade by barter, which is arguably the first form of commercial interaction between humans, is simple oral proposals taking place.

Interestingly, oral proposals are still an integral part of doing business in this modern age. The fact that there are no records to refer to with respect to measuring it shows how common it is. Deals have been closed during dinner, in cars, parks, on walks and everywhere imaginable through informal oral proposal presentations. It is in fact very common for a deal to be closed orally and paperwork to follow later, part of the paperwork being a written business proposal.

It is still a great and effective means of securing business and looking into oral proposal presentation can give you an edge over the competition that they will not see coming.

What Is An Oral Proposal?

Oral or verbal proposals are business proposals that are solely dependent on exchange of words. The word “pitch” is usually associated with oral proposals. Having a great pitch could lead to a handshake which signifies that a deal has been secured, the other things that follow will just be formalities.

SEE ALSO: How To Design Business Proposals Around Given Guidelines

How Does It Work?

It relies on the power of persuasion. Beyond that, it follows every rule, every form of proposal is bound to follow.

• • It must be properly organized

• • It must meet a need

• • It can give several options to make it even more appealing

• • It must be compelling in the area of cost and profit
  • It must show that there is capacity on the person pitching to follow through or deliver on what is being pitched

Verbal proposals are different from written proposal in a couple of ways:

• • It is more interactive

• • It is more dynamic

• • You can read and react to body language and other nuances, giving you room for flexibility

• • It produces immediate engagement

• • It has the unique ability of creating immediate impact or a situation where the other person can accept or discard the idea immediately

When And Where Can It Be Applied?

Oral proposal presentation is not bound by office-hours kind of timing. This sets it apart from the other types of proposals. It is also a great way to get a business deal rolling. This is, by pitching the potential client and catching their interest, they could give you an appointment to make a more formal presentation. It can happen anytime, it could be in the restroom or by just outside the restaurant while waiting for your car.

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Oral proposals are the most informal type of proposal available, yet, it does not stop it from being an effective means of clinching deals or starting a process that will result in clinching one. You may have to consider a few things if you want to have an effective verbal proposal.

Watch Your Target And Timing

An office may not be the best place to make an oral proposal, unless, you have a written proposal to back it up. In fact, you might be told to drop the written proposal and they will get back to you. This is most likely in cases where the proposal was unsolicited i.e. the other party did not initially ask for it.

It makes a good advice to have a written proposal ready, but such proposals may not be the most ideal when it comes to unsolicited proposals because the other party might not be that interested. Oral proposal can work best in such situations, but this means you need to have a good sense of timing.

It could be anywhere except the office, but you would need to establish a connection with the other party that will justify him or her giving you audience. The biggest issue with oral proposals is being granted audience. Once you are given the opportunity to pitch, or you have engineered a meeting in such a way that you have such a chance, you are good to go.

Know What And How You Want To Say It

You must have a sense of control if you want to give a winning oral proposal presentation. Knowing what you want to say and how to say it, is only part of the task at hand. You will have to find the right moment to cue your proposal into the conversation. A straight forward way of doing it is to ask for permission to present an idea you have to the other party. You can also seek to be introduced to the other party by a mutual friend or colleague.

SEE ALSO: How Your Business Proposal Can Be Chosen Over The Competition

Once you are giving that audience, it would be easier to say what you want to say, how you want it said, and this could lead to further discussion, or getting the light to start something with the other party.

Be Flexible With Your Oral Proposal Presentation

You may start with the intention of pushing all the way but change mid-way to only secure a second hearing, where you will be able to give a better deposition as it were. Being flexible has to do with responding to reactions in real time. Knowing what you want to say and how to say it does not mean you should stick to it to the very end. On the contrary, be ready to switch tactics according to how receptive the person is, as you are relaying your idea.

Oral proposals will still remain one of the most effective marketing tools because, we are fist social animals that love communicating with each other. Having the ability to orally present your case is a skill that is still as valid today as it was during the time when trade-by-barter was the only means of commercial exchange.