As I dig into the current proposal writing season I am immersed in the benefits of clear communication; the point of which is to allow decision makers to easily understand proposed projects and benefits and grant funding.
Dr. Frank Lutz lays out ten rules of successful communication in the first chapter of his book, “Words that Work It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear”:
1. Simplicity: Use Simple Words
2. Brevity: Use Short Sentences
3. Credibility Is As Important As Philosophy
4. Consistency Matters
5. Novelty: Offer Something New
6. Sound and Texture Matter
7. Speak Aspirationally
8. Visualize
9. Ask a Question
10. Provide Context and Explain Relevance
These ten rules are good to ponder as we respond to funding opportunity announcements.
