If you work on a deck with your manager (playing a supporting role, not a 50/50 one) and they ask if you want to present your slides, is it acceptable to say no or is it expected that you should always say yes?

I have enough self awareness to know that I'm not the best at presenting and I'm working on it, but this client is notoriously difficult and the relationship is strained.

I can't tell if he's asking to be polite. I don't have an ego on presenting so I don't mind if he presents it.

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As a manager, it would be a good look to me if you said yes. It would be an even better look if you said yes, tentatively, but ask whether you could rehearse with me for pointers on what to voiceover especially on parts I worked on. It would turn me off a little if you just said “no” because I’d look at it as a signal that you are content to not have visibility. I see it as an opportunity for you to shine.

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We work in communications. If you’re nervous about communicating/presenting you should be taking more opportunities to present, not less. This will force you to practice, prepare, and become comfortable with the material and clients. This also gives you an opportunity to show your manager that you take your job seriously. This is the job.

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Yes. This is the way.

I have to agree with ADS1, it’s part of the job. At some point you will have to present or lead a presentation. If the boss asks, it’s a hint they’re giving you an opportunity.
Even after years of presenting and public speaking, I get nervous every time (that’s also how I am in general, I get nervous with everything); so I over prepare, especially, for a client presentation. Out of everything that what works for me the most.
Speaking of egos, being anxious about being perceived or what people think; so what even if you fail? (Which you won’t).

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Your boss wouldn’t ask you to present if they didn’t think you could or if it would risk the client relationship. Say yes, practice, and the more you do it, the better you’ll get. It’s your material, you’re the expert on it, and in the end, it’s just a conversation. Nothing more, nothing less.

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You’re not going to get better at presenting by not presenting. If the offer for you to present is on the table, take it. Not just because you’ll get better but also because people, rightly or wrongly, get credited with work they present even if they didn’t do it. So get credit for your work.

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If I ask my team and they say no, I’d be fine with it but I’d try to find other opportunities for them to hone those skills in situations they feel more comfortable in.

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I think they're giving you a chance here, and a chance to step up. If it's a difficult client, you can totally ask your manager for some advice and some practice. They want you to look good.

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I’m in the same boat. I’ve been honest about my concerns about presenting and it’s a sucky feeling, but I’m always glad I ended up saying something

I always give my team the option of presenting. It gives them experience and I’m tired of doing them.

If they say no, it’s cool. I just want them to get exposure to do doing it.

Take the opportunity if offered. It’s better to present poorly in front of your boss and get some coaching than it is to not develop in a crucial job skill. Presenting skills are, imo, only improved by experience.

My policy is to always say yes

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