Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

You're at odds with your supervisor on presentation content. How do you steer towards a common ground?

Finding yourself at odds with your supervisor over the content of a presentation can be a challenging situation. It's essential to approach this with a mindset focused on finding a resolution that respects both your perspective and that of your supervisor. Presentations are a critical skill in many professional settings, serving as a platform to convey information, persuade an audience, or showcase a project. When disagreements arise, they can create tension and hinder the effectiveness of the presentation. Your goal should be to navigate this delicate situation with diplomacy and aim for a solution that aligns with both your objectives and your supervisor's expectations.

1 Acknowledge Differences

When you notice a discrepancy between your vision for the presentation and your supervisor's, the first step is to acknowledge these differences openly. Engaging in a constructive conversation without defensiveness sets the tone for a collaborative resolution. Listen actively to your supervisor's perspective, as understanding their viewpoint is crucial. Express your concerns respectfully, ensuring that you are not dismissing their ideas but rather seeking to integrate both sets of insights into a cohesive presentation.

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Rhythm S.

Your favorite Christite | Assistant Director, UDAAN, E-Cell | Emcee at SWO | Financial Literacy Educator at BrightCHAMPS
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It is not certain but chances are high that there could be differences between your vision for the presentation and your supervisor's. You can resonate it with the differences you had with your teachers. The key here is to acknowledge! Try to know other's point of view and set the tone for collaboration. If you've any concerns regarding the presentation, express your concerns respectfully, making sure you form a solution which is an integration of both interests.

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2 Seek Clarification

In order to move towards a common ground, you need to seek clarification on why your supervisor insists on certain content. Ask specific questions about their objectives and the key messages they want to convey. This understanding will help you see the bigger picture and might reveal company strategies or priorities you were not aware of. With this information, you can better assess how to adjust your content without compromising the presentation's integrity or your own professional standards.

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Naitik Sarvaiya

IIM Calcutta | CA Finals Student | CS Professionals Student
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It is quite possible that you both are saying the same thing, but in different words, leading to the disagreement. To avoid this, try to simplify your point as much as possible, and repeat your supervisor's point in your own words so that you can confirm what they exactly mean. Try to find common ground from there on and reach a truce.

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3 Propose Alternatives

Once you understand your supervisor's stance, propose alternative ways to present the content that might align more closely with your original vision while still meeting their requirements. Be creative and suggest compromises that satisfy the core goals of both parties. For instance, if there's a particular topic your supervisor wants included that you disagree with, find a way to address it that feels accurate and ethical to you.

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4 Emphasize Benefits

Highlight the potential benefits of your approach to the presentation content. Explain how your ideas could enhance the presentation's impact, such as by making it more engaging or relatable for the audience. Your supervisor is likely interested in the success of the presentation, so if you can convincingly argue that your approach will contribute to that success, they may be more open to your suggestions.

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Rhythm S.

Your favorite Christite | Assistant Director, UDAAN, E-Cell | Emcee at SWO | Financial Literacy Educator at BrightCHAMPS
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People listen to that stuff which is of their benefit. No Benefit, No Listening. You need to explain how your ideas could enhance the presentation's impact, by citing relevant examples. Supervisor's are interested in success of the presentation, and if you're able to convince them about your presentation's benefit and how it is going to succeed, they may be open to suggestions.

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5 Build Consensus

Building consensus is about finding a win-win situation where both you and your supervisor feel your contributions are valued. This might involve incorporating some of their ideas into your sections or adjusting the flow to better suit their vision. The key is to maintain an open dialogue and be willing to make concessions where necessary, ensuring that the final presentation is a product of joint effort and mutual respect.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

After finding a compromise, reflect on what worked in reaching an agreement and what could be improved for future interactions. Take this as a learning experience to better understand your supervisor's communication style and expectations. Adapting to their preferences does not mean losing your voice; it means learning how to express it in a way that is heard and appreciated within the context of your working relationship.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're at odds with your supervisor on presentation content. How do you steer towards a common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Differences

2 Seek Clarification

3 Propose Alternatives

4 Emphasize Benefits

5 Build Consensus

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Presentations

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You're at odds with your supervisor on presentation content. How do you steer towards a common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Differences

2 Seek Clarification

3 Propose Alternatives

4 Emphasize Benefits

5 Build Consensus

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Presentations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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