Crafting a Persuasive Proposal Email in English

Every week, we dive into practical strategies and insights to help you navigate the complexities of managing in English. Let's get started!

Read time: 2 minutes

Find the mistake in this sentence (Answer at the bottom):

Today’s Template

An oral script or piece of writing you can adapt and use at work

Crafting a Persuasive Proposal Email in English

When you've got an idea that needs approval, your email pitch can make all the difference. Here's a basic structure to get your proposal noticed:

Subject: Proposal for [Topic]

Greeting: Dear [Name/Team],

Opening Line: I hope you’re having a great week. I'm reaching out to share an idea that I believe could significantly benefit our [department/company].

Body: Explain the core of your proposal, focusing on the benefits and how it aligns with company goals. Keep it brief, and use bullet points to break up text.

Closing Line: I am keen to discuss this further and explore how we can bring this idea to fruition together.

Sign-Off: Looking forward to your thoughts, [Your Name]

Beyond the boardroom

Small talk, networking, and socializing

Good small talk can be the key to opening doors in the business world. This week, we focus on mastering the initial step: starting conversations.

1. Begin with a friendly greeting and a smile. A simple “Hello, how are you?” can go a long way in setting a positive tone. Smile even if you don’t feel like it.

2. Use open-ended questions to encourage more than a yes or no answer. Try “What’s your take on [common industry topic]?” to spark interest.

3. Share a bit about yourself to break the ice. “I recently read an article about… and found it fascinating because…”

4. Mention a mutual interest or experience if you know one. “I heard you’re interested in [topic]. I am too!”

5. Be mindful of the other person’s body language. That’s how you can tell if they are open to the conversation.

Remember, the goal is to build rapport, not to close a deal on the spot. Stay genuine, and let the conversation flow naturally.

Next week, we’ll explore how to talk about the weather in a way that’s interesting and engaging, even in English!

Business Idiom of the week

Use this phrase when you want to skip unnecessary details and get directly to the important point in discussions or presentations.

Did You know?

The phrase "Time is money" was popularized by Benjamin Franklin in an essay in 1748. This idiom underscores the value of efficiency and speed in business--a principle that holds true in every language, including English.

Find the mistake from above:

Our company are launching a new initiative to improve sustainability

The mistake is "are launching." It should be "is launching" because "company" is a singular noun. Note: this is only a mistake in North America. In British English, it’s correct to use “are.”

Keep practicing,

Chris