I think I've lost how to pitch my research at the right audience. I've forgotten in fact which audience to pitch it at.

One of my examiners is an expert in the field - he's literally written the book (or ten books) on my subject area.

So in the back of my mind i'm always thinking of him and thinking of what I should include etc.

But my sup doesn't seem to 'get' what I'm writing about (even though others seem to).

What level should I be pitching it at?

my gut tells me to pitch at an 'intelligent person who has little knowledge of the field' but when i start writing I think "omg - external is going to think this is awful!"

Is it close to the work of the examiner in terms of writing style etc? I know nothing about my examiners but constantly question what I've written, consider possible things that could be thrown up at viva and try to address these in the thesis. My writing style is common I think and so I've no concerns about that. Basically, write your thesis to please your examiners as your fate is in their hands, others should be of less concern. Look at your examiners writing styles, research them and do what you need to do to pass!

its not really writing style, its content. How in depth should I go -I feel like I need to acknowledge a lot more research than sup is saying I do. She's saying keep it really simple, but I'm worried that its too much. But then I imagine my other examiner reading it and I think that simple is ok.

Confused!

I hope you haven't written your thesis like that or I could understand why your supervisor doesn't 'get' it!:p

It's one of those things unfortunately and very subjective. You can't please all of the people all of the time. It might be best to look at the level of content covered by your examiner and be guided by this. Perhaps your expectations are too high or you're too close to your thesis. I know it's always said on here but your supervisor is working with you for a pass and since they can be more objective about your work it might be wise to be directed by them. That said, I'm inclined to listen and work with my gut instincts as I need to feel comfortable with my decisions.