Mastering prompt engineering is fast becoming a must-have skill in modern proposal writing.
Crafting better prompts for better proposal outcomes
The challenge
AI tools are only as good as the instructions they're given. In proposal writing, vague or poorly structured prompts can lead to generic, off-target content that misses the mark with evaluators. The challenge? Learning how to speak AI's language – clearly, strategically, and with purpose.
Overcoming the challenge
Prompt engineering is the art of crafting effective inputs to get the best outputs from AI tools. In our recent APMP AI micro-certification course, we explored how this emerging skill is transforming proposal writing. One participant noted, "Prompting is like briefing a junior writer – the clearer you are, the better the result."
Effective prompt engineering requires a blend of creativity, structure, and strategic thinking. It's not just about asking AI to "write a proposal section" – it's about guiding it with context, tone, structure, and intent. For example, instead of saying "Write about our solution," a well-engineered prompt might be:
"Write a 150-word executive summary that highlights our cloud-based solution's benefits for a government client, focusing on security, scalability, and cost-efficiency."
This level of specificity helps AI generate content that's closer to what's needed – reducing editing time and improving quality. But it's not just about writing better prompts. It's about knowing when to use AI, when to step in, and how to blend machine speed with human insight.
That's why proposal training now includes prompt engineering as a core skill. It empowers teams to use AI responsibly and effectively – not to replace human writers, but to enhance their capabilities.
How we can help
At Strategic Proposals, we help teams:
Build prompt engineering skills through hands-on proposal training
Develop prompt libraries tailored to your organisation's voice and sector
Integrate AI tools into your proposal writing workflows
