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Writing Winning Proposals gives instructors of public relations opportunities to show that problem solving should be approached analytically and strategically. Unfortunately, there is widespread practice in the profession of throwing communication tools at problems to solve them. For example, "We can fix this reputation problem with a news release, fact sheet and two or three brochures." In writing activities (or tactics), students are instructed to describe the purpose of a tactic before suggesting its method of delivery. In other words, an activity or tactic should emphasize a strategic step rather than the vehicle to implement it. The text is written from a plan reviewer's perspective. For example, the question is posed, Why is the activity component of a plan of importance to plan reviewers? Response: Activities provide details of a strategy and reviewers want to assure themselves that they concur with the ways in which strategies are to be carried out. More than one activity usually is required to implement a strategy. Activities should be strategic steps, not a list of logistical chores (e.g. reserve conference room, pick up donuts, bring name tags, etc.). Activities should not be a skeleton list of communication tools.There are five rules on Page 182 that students should follow in writing activities or tactics.