Final Defense
Final Defense
Description
Tips & Tricks
Selecting a Presentation Date
Plan Ahead
Give yourself ample time to prepare by scheduling your presentation at least two weeks before your final deadline. This allows time to prepare your PowerPoint presentation, practice it, and get feedback from your advisor
Account for Edits
After your defense, you’ll likely need to make some edits based on committee feedback. Schedule your defense with enough time afterward to make these changes, get final approvals, and submit your dissertation.
Consider Committee Availability
Keep in mind that your committee members may have other obligations, especially near the end of the semester. Schedule your presentation early to avoid any delays in getting their signatures.
Rehearsing Your Presentation
Start Early
Begin rehearsing as soon as your slides are ready. Early practice allows you to refine your delivery and make adjustments based on your rehearsal experience.
Practice Out Loud
Rehearse out loud to get comfortable with the flow of your words and to gauge the timing of your presentation. Use a timer to keep track of how long each slide takes.
Use Your Equipment
Practice with the actual equipment you’ll use during your defense (e.g., laptop, projector, pointer, microphone) to ensure you’re comfortable with the technology.
Seek Feedback
Present in front of friends, family, or colleagues who can provide constructive feedback on your delivery. If possible, do a mock presentation in front of a peer or department member familiar with your field
Record Yourself
Recording your practice sessions can help you self-assess your pacing, clarity, and use of gestures. Watch the recordings to identify areas for improvement
Refine Your Slides
Adjust your slides based on your practice sessions. Simplify slides that feel too crowded and add any necessary annotations or cues to help during your presentation.
Master the Content
Know your material thoroughly. Understand how each part of your presentation connects to the others, and be prepared to answer questions on any aspect of your research.
Work on Public Speaking Skills
Focus on pacing, tone, and volume. Practice using gestures naturally and moving around the space to engage your audience
Visualize Success
Use visualization techniques to build confidence. Imagine delivering a successful presentation and receiving positive feedback from your committee
Anticipating Questions
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Think about what questions your committee might ask based on your research. Prepare answers for potential questions to build your confidence.
Handling Uncertainty
It’s okay if you don’t have an answer to a question. You can ask for time to search through your notes or offer to follow up with the information after the defense.
Receiving Requests for Edits
Expect Edits
Your committee will likely request edits after your defense. The goal is to ensure that these are minor, as your advisor should not let you reach this stage if major issues remain.
Complete Edits Quickly
Address any requested changes as quickly as possible and resubmit your dissertation for final approval. Timely completion of edits is crucial to meeting your deadlines.
Checklist
Schedule Your Presentation:
- Choose a date that allows at least two weeks before your final deadline.
- Ensure your committee members are available and confirm the date early.
Rehearse Your Presentation:
- Start rehearsing as soon as your slides are ready.
- Practice out loud and time your presentation to stay within the allotted time.
- Use the equipment you’ll have on the day of your defense.
- Seek feedback from peers or colleagues and make necessary adjustments.
Prepare for Questions:
- Anticipate potential questions from your committee and prepare your answers.
- Rehearse how you’ll handle questions, especially those you’re unsure about.
Handle Edits Efficiently:
- Expect and be prepared to make edits after your defense.
- Complete the edits promptly and resubmit your dissertation for final approval.
Action Items
Confirm Your Defense Date
- Schedule your defense date at least two weeks before your final deadline
- Communicate with your committee to ensure their availability.
Finalize Your Presentation:
- Complete your slide deck and begin rehearsing
- Refine your presentation based on practice sessions and feedback.
Prepare for the Defense:
- Anticipate potential questions and rehearse your responses.
- Stay healthy and well-rested in the days leading up to your defense.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston S. Churchill
Additional Resources
Preparing for Your Dissertation Defense
Graduate School Guide
Public Speaking Tips for Academic Presentations
University Writing Lab
Managing Stress During Your Dissertation Defense
Academic Success Center
Case Study
Michael’s Well-Prepared Defense
This is an Add-on course, which is only Accessible in the Bundle.
Courses includes:
- Level Expert
- Duration 11h 20m
- Lessons 12
- Quizzes 145
- Certifications Yes