Basics on Using AI with Proposal Writing
I've been using a range of AI tools to analyze, summarize, and research government RFPs. Overall, I’ve been impressed with their performance—but I’ve learned that the results always need to be filtered through the lens of a client’s specific capabilities and business strategy.
One key lesson: the clearer and more detailed your instructions, the better the output. Whether you're dealing with technical requirements, staffing, competitive positioning, or business needs, being explicit (even verbose at times) pays off.
A personal priority of mine—both in my own writing and in client work—is to make sure the final product has some personality. I try to steer clear of buzzwords and "market speak," whether it's for a website or a proposal. The tone should fit the audience and the purpose, even when you're trying to "check all the boxes" for proposal evaluation.
In my experience, achieving that balance still requires strong human editorial oversight. But I do wonder—will that always be the case?
Copyright 2025 by Dennis D. McDonald
