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Further Considerations for the Oral Proposal |
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Oral Presentations for Source Selection tend to be long (3 hours or more), so everyone must be "on their toes" and well prepared. You should approach the orals with studied consideration and thoroughness. Each of these elements is important to the production of a successful oral proposal.
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Review Every Aspect of the RFP
Make sure everyone is familiar with all of it, not just the portion he or she is responsible for at the orals. (This includes the understudies.)
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Create Storyboards for the Presentation
These should be as detailed and complete as any you would create for a written proposal.
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Create Time Limitations
Instead of page limitations, each storyboard should have a time limitation. Each speaker uses the storyboards to create their scripts in their own words.
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Anticipate Questions and Answers
Anticipate questions and determine the best way to handle them. Work out who will be the lead person for fielding the questions and directing the answers.
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Conduct a Dry Run
Using the storyboards as a guide, have each person go over their portion of the presentation; let the others make comments and suggestions as they go. (Turn in any sketches and art at this time).
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Conduct an Intermediate Rehearsal
Have a "friendly" audience attend a run-through of the orals with speakers working from cards or notes. Don't interrupt, but ask attendees to take notes and share them when it's over.
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Conduct a Dress Rehearsal
Conduct this in a room that is similar in size and layout to the one where the actual orals will take place and do not allow interruptions. Bring your equipment into the room and set it up just as you might for the actual presentation. Encourage reviewers to emulate the people you think will be in the room during the actual orals. Include a question and answer session, and have speakers wear the complete outfit they plan to wear to the orals.
A final word. If you're facing a large procurement (over $500,000), you may want to hire specialized help to coach your team.
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