: Re: How should I respond to a supervisor/editor who thinks my technical writing is "too conversational?" My team and I are drafting a technical report to summarize the methods and results of a pilot

@Kimberly114

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In my experience, accepted writing styles tend to fluctuate over generations and professions. I've been criticized, at various times, on both ends of arc as being "too formal" and "too personal", even though my personal style hasn't changed all that much over the years.

To your specific situation, the sentiment, "I want my published documents to reflect that", only works if you are the sole author. Given that you're working with a team, your writing needs to represent and be acceptable to the entire team. That doesn't mean you roll over on all criticism, but it does mean you have no right to insist on your perspective above all others. You will have to compromise.

As other respondents have pointed out, the best approach to resolving the differences is a frank discussion. Instead of using attack language, like "It should be such-and-such because so-and-so", try something like, "I see you want me to add such-and-such here. To me that seems too verbose. Why do you like this wording better?"

Such a discussion can be hard to have 'in the moment', especially if you're getting a lot of feedback at once. At the end of any review discussion, open the door for further discussion with something like, "This has been helpful. Do you have any time tomorrow for a follow up if I have more questions?" This gives you a day to digest and recoup. It also gives you a chance to decide which compromises you are willing to accept and which items you are willing to fight for.

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