thesis well defended

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How to prepare an excellent thesis defense

What is a thesis defense?

How long is a thesis defense, what happens at a thesis defense, your presentation, questions from the committee, 6 tips to help you prepare for your thesis defense, 1. anticipate questions and prepare for them, 2. dress for success, 3. ask for help, as needed, 4. have a backup plan, 5. prepare for the possibility that you might not know an answer, 6. de-stress before, during, and after, frequently asked questions about preparing an excellent thesis defense, related articles.

If you're about to complete, or have ever completed a graduate degree, you have most likely come across the term "thesis defense." In many countries, to finish a graduate degree, you have to write a thesis .

A thesis is a large paper, or multi-chapter work, based on a topic relating to your field of study.

Once you hand in your thesis, you will be assigned a date to defend your work. Your thesis defense meeting usually consists of you and a committee of two or more professors working in your program. It may also include other people, like professionals from other colleges or those who are working in your field.

During your thesis defense, you will be asked questions about your work. The main purpose of your thesis defense is for the committee to make sure that you actually understand your field and focus area.

The questions are usually open-ended and require the student to think critically about their work. By the time of your thesis defense, your paper has already been evaluated. The questions asked are not designed so that you actually have to aggressively "defend" your work; often, your thesis defense is more of a formality required so that you can get your degree.

• Check with your department about requirements and timing.
• Re-read your thesis.
• Anticipate questions and prepare for them.
• Create a back-up plan to deal with technology hiccups.
• Plan de-stressing activities both before, and after, your defense.

How long your oral thesis defense is depends largely on the institution and requirements of your degree. It is best to consult your department or institution about this. In general, a thesis defense may take only 20 minutes, but it may also take two hours or more. The length also depends on how much time is allocated to the presentation and questioning part.

Tip: Check with your department or institution as soon as possible to determine the approved length for a thesis defense.

First of all, be aware that a thesis defense varies from country to country. This is just a general overview, but a thesis defense can take many different formats. Some are closed, others are public defenses. Some take place with two committee members, some with more examiners.

The same goes for the length of your thesis defense, as mentioned above. The most important first step for you is to clarify with your department what the structure of your thesis defense will look like. In general, your thesis defense will include:

• your presentation of around 20-30 minutes
• questions from the committee
• questions from the audience (if the defense is public and the department allows it)

You might have to give a presentation, often with Powerpoint, Google slides, or Keynote slides. Make sure to prepare an appropriate amount of slides. A general rule is to use about 10 slides for a 20-minute presentation.

But that also depends on your specific topic and the way you present. The good news is that there will be plenty of time ahead of your thesis defense to prepare your slides and practice your presentation alone and in front of friends or family.

Tip: Practice delivering your thesis presentation in front of family, friends, or colleagues.

You can prepare your slides by using information from your thesis' first chapter (the overview of your thesis) as a framework or outline. Substantive information in your thesis should correspond with your slides.

Make sure your slides are of good quality— both in terms of the integrity of the information and the appearance. If you need more help with how to prepare your presentation slides, both the ASQ Higher Education Brief and James Hayton have good guidelines on the topic.

The committee will ask questions about your work after you finish your presentation. The questions will most likely be about the core content of your thesis, such as what you learned from the study you conducted. They may also ask you to summarize certain findings and to discuss how your work will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Tip: Read your entire thesis in preparation of the questions, so you have a refreshed perspective on your work.

While you are preparing, you can create a list of possible questions and try to answer them. You can foresee many of the questions you will get by simply spending some time rereading your thesis.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your thesis defense:

You can absolutely prepare for most of the questions you will be asked. Read through your thesis and while you're reading it, create a list of possible questions. In addition, since you will know who will be on the committee, look at the academic expertise of the committee members. In what areas would they most likely be focused?

If possible, sit at other thesis defenses with these committee members to get a feel for how they ask and what they ask. As a graduate student, you should generally be adept at anticipating test questions, so use this advantage to gather as much information as possible before your thesis defense meeting.

Your thesis defense is a formal event, often the entire department or university is invited to participate. It signals a critical rite of passage for graduate students and faculty who have supported them throughout a long and challenging process.

While most universities don't have specific rules on how to dress for that event, do regard it with dignity and respect. This one might be a no-brainer, but know that you should dress as if you were on a job interview or delivering a paper at a conference.

It might help you deal with your stress before your thesis defense to entrust someone with the smaller but important responsibilities of your defense well ahead of schedule. This trusted person could be responsible for:

• preparing the room of the day of defense
• setting up equipment for the presentation
• preparing and distributing handouts

Technology is unpredictable. Life is too. There are no guarantees that your Powerpoint presentation will work at all or look the way it is supposed to on the big screen. We've all been there. Make sure to have a plan B for these situations. Handouts can help when technology fails, and an additional clean shirt can save the day if you have a spill.

One of the scariest aspects of the defense is the possibility of being asked a question you can't answer. While you can prepare for some questions, you can never know exactly what the committee will ask.

There will always be gaps in your knowledge. But your thesis defense is not about being perfect and knowing everything, it's about how you deal with challenging situations. You are not expected to know everything.

James Hayton writes on his blog that examiners will sometimes even ask questions they don't know the answer to, out of curiosity, or because they want to see how you think. While it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, but you would need to do [...] in order to find out.” This shows that you have the ability to think as an academic.

You will be nervous. But your examiners will expect you to be nervous. Being well prepared can help minimize your stress, but do know that your examiners have seen this many times before and are willing to help, by repeating questions, for example. Dora Farkas at finishyourthesis.com notes that it’s a myth that thesis committees are out to get you.

Two common symptoms of being nervous are talking really fast and nervous laughs. Try to slow yourself down and take a deep breath. Remember what feels like hours to you are just a few seconds in real life.

• Try meditational breathing right before your defense.
• Get plenty of exercise and sleep in the weeks prior to your defense.
• Have your clothes or other items you need ready to go the night before.
• During your defense, allow yourself to process each question before answering.
• Go to dinner with friends and family, or to a fun activity like mini-golf, after your defense.

Allow yourself to process each question, respond to it, and stop talking once you have responded. While a smile can often help dissolve a difficult situation, remember that nervous laughs can be irritating for your audience.

We all make mistakes and your thesis defense will not be perfect. However, careful preparation, mindfulness, and confidence can help you feel less stressful both before, and during, your defense.

Finally, consider planning something fun that you can look forward to after your defense.

It is completely normal to be nervous. Being well prepared can help minimize your stress, but do know that your examiners have seen this many times before and are willing to help, by repeating questions for example if needed. Slow yourself down, and take a deep breath.

Your thesis defense is not about being perfect and knowing everything, it's about how you deal with challenging situations. James Hayton writes on his blog that it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", but he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, you would need to do [...] in order to find out".

Your Powerpoint presentation can get stuck or not look the way it is supposed to do on the big screen. It can happen and your supervisors know it. In general, handouts can always save the day when technology fails.

• Dress for success.
• Ask for help setting up.
• Have a backup plan (in case technology fails you).
• Deal with your nerves.

The top 10 thesis defense questions (+ how to prepare strong answers)

Crafting a thesis is significant, but defending it often feels like the ultimate test. While nerve-wracking, proper preparation can make it manageable. Prepare for your thesis defense with insights on the top questions you can expect, including strategies for answering convincingly.

Mastering the thesis defense: cultivate a success mindset

Nurturing a success mindset for your defense is pivotal. This means adopting a mental outlook geared towards achieving favorable outcomes during your thesis defense. To truly excel in this pivotal academic moment, it’s imperative to cultivate both confidence and composure.

Remember, you know your thesis best, so trust in your expertise.

In essence, a success mindset encompasses the belief in your abilities, coupled with the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

By embracing these principles and staying confident and adaptable, you’ll navigate your thesis defense with ease.

Question 1: Why did you choose this particular topic for your research?

This question delves into the origins of your academic journey, aiming to understand not just what you studied, but the underlying motivations and processes that drove your exploration. It’s not merely about the superficial aspects of your research, but rather about the deeper intellectual curiosity that ignited your quest.

Additionally, highlight any personal or academic experiences that played a pivotal role in steering you towards your chosen topic. Whether it was a transformative educational experience, a profound personal interest, or a meaningful encounter, these experiences can offer valuable insights into the origins of your scholarly pursuits.

Question 2: How does your research contribute to the existing body of knowledge?

Next, describe how your work engages with or challenges current conversations in your field. Discuss the existing paradigms or theories your research builds upon or critiques. Articulate how your findings contribute to ongoing debates or reshape prevailing understandings. By positioning your research within the broader context of scholarly discourse, you showcase its relevance and impact on the evolving landscape of your field.

Illuminate how your findings could influence future research trajectories. Explore potential avenues for further inquiry that emerge from your research findings. Consider how your work opens up new questions or areas of exploration for future researchers. By identifying these potential research directions, you demonstrate the forward-looking nature of your work and its potential to shape the future trajectory of your field.

Question 3: What are the key findings of your research?

Furthermore, relate these findings to the broader implications they hold for your field. Articulate how your research contributes to advancing knowledge or addressing pressing issues within your academic discipline. Consider the potential impact of your findings on theory, practice, or policy, highlighting their relevance and significance within the larger scholarly community.

Question 4: Can you defend your research methodology?

Begin by elucidating the reasons for selecting the chosen methodology over alternatives. Discuss the specific advantages or suitability of the selected approach in addressing the research questions or objectives. Consider factors such as feasibility, appropriateness for the research context, and compatibility with the theoretical framework guiding your study.

Question 5: How did you analyze the data and what challenges did you encounter?

Addressing the intricacies of data analysis involves not only outlining the techniques employed but also navigating the challenges encountered and evaluating the reliability and validity of the interpretations drawn. When responding to inquiries about data analysis, it’s essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the methodologies employed, the obstacles faced, and the strategies utilized to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the findings.

Question 6: What theoretical frameworks or references underpin your research?

Exploring the theoretical underpinnings of your research involves delving into the foundational frameworks and seminal works that informed your study’s conceptual framework and analytical approach. When responding to inquiries about theoretical frameworks , it’s essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theories and references that shaped your research, elucidate their influence on your hypothesis and analysis, and reflect on the potential contributions or revisions your study may offer to existing theoretical foundations.

Question 7: How did you address ethical considerations in your research?

When addressing ethical considerations in your research, it’s essential to demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical standards and protecting the rights and well-being of participants. Responding to inquiries about ethical protocols involves explaining the steps taken to ensure ethical conduct throughout the research process, describing the consent process and data protection measures implemented, and mentioning any institutional review board (IRB) approvals obtained.

Question 8: In what ways does your research contribute to the field?

When discussing the contributions of your research to the field, it’s essential to highlight the novel insights and potential impact your thesis offers. Responding to inquiries about your research’s significance involves detailing the unique perspectives and fresh understanding it brings to the academic discourse, as well as considering its implications for future research or practice and arguing its relevance within the broader academic community.

Question 9: How did you ensure your research was free from bias?

When ensuring the integrity of your research and minimizing bias, it’s crucial to maintain objectivity and rigor throughout the study. Responding to inquiries about bias involves discussing the steps taken to uphold objectivity, describing any blind or double-blind procedures employed, and acknowledging and mitigating any unavoidable biases that may have arisen during the research process.

Question 10: Where can future research go from here?

When considering the potential trajectory of your research topic, it’s essential to identify areas where further investigation could yield valuable insights, discuss unexplored questions that emerged from your research, and reflect on the limitations of your study as starting points for future research endeavors. Responding to inquiries about the future direction of research involves suggesting fruitful areas for further investigation, highlighting unresolved questions, and leveraging the limitations of your study as opportunities for future exploration.

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Defending Your Dissertation: A Guide

Written by Luke Wink-Moran | Photo by insta_photos

Dissertation defenses are daunting, and no wonder; it’s not a “dissertation discussion,” or a “dissertation dialogue.” The name alone implies that the dissertation you’ve spent the last x number of years working on is subject to attack. And if you don’t feel trepidation for semantic reasons, you might be nervous because you don’t know what to expect. Our imaginations are great at making The Unknown scarier than reality. The good news is that you’ll find in this newsletter article experts who can shed light on what dissertations defenses are really like, and what you can do to prepare for them.

The first thing you should know is that your defense has already begun. It started the minute you began working on your dissertation— maybe even in some of the classes you took beforehand that helped you formulate your ideas. This, according to Dr. Celeste Atkins, is why it’s so important to identify a good mentor early in graduate school.

“To me,” noted Dr. Atkins, who wrote her dissertation on how sociology faculty from traditionally marginalized backgrounds teach about privilege and inequality, “the most important part of the doctoral journey was finding an advisor who understood and supported what I wanted from my education and who was willing to challenge me and push me, while not delaying me.  I would encourage future PhDs to really take the time to get to know the faculty before choosing an advisor and to make sure that the members of their committee work well together.”

Your advisor will be the one who helps you refine arguments and strengthen your work so that by the time it reaches your dissertation committee, it’s ready. Next comes the writing process, which many students have said was the hardest part of their PhD. I’ve included this section on the writing process because this is where you’ll create all the material you’ll present during your defense, so it’s important to navigate it successfully. The writing process is intellectually grueling, it eats time and energy, and it’s where many students find themselves paddling frantically to avoid languishing in the “All-But-Dissertation” doldrums. The writing process is also likely to encroach on other parts of your life. For instance, Dr. Cynthia Trejo wrote her dissertation on college preparation for Latin American students while caring for a twelve-year-old, two adult children, and her aging parents—in the middle of a pandemic. When I asked Dr. Trejo how she did this, she replied:

“I don’t take the privilege of education for granted. My son knew I got up at 4:00 a.m. every morning, even on weekends, even on holidays; and it’s a blessing that he’s seen that work ethic and that dedication and the end result.”

Importantly, Dr. Trejo also exercised regularly and joined several online writing groups at UArizona. She mobilized her support network— her partner, parents, and even friends from high school to help care for her son.

The challenges you face during the writing process can vary by discipline. Jessika Iwanski is an MD/PhD student who in 2022 defended her dissertation on genetic mutations in sarcomeric proteins that lead to severe, neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy. She described her writing experience as “an intricate process of balancing many things at once with a deadline (defense day) that seems to be creeping up faster and faster— finishing up experiments, drafting the dissertation, preparing your presentation, filling out all the necessary documents for your defense and also, for MD/PhD students, beginning to reintegrate into the clinical world (reviewing your clinical knowledge and skill sets)!”

But no matter what your unique challenges are, writing a dissertation can take a toll on your mental health. Almost every student I spoke with said they saw a therapist and found their sessions enormously helpful. They also looked to the people in their lives for support. Dr. Betsy Labiner, who wrote her dissertation on Interiority, Truth, and Violence in Early Modern Drama, recommended, “Keep your loved ones close! This is so hard – the dissertation lends itself to isolation, especially in the final stages. Plus, a huge number of your family and friends simply won’t understand what you’re going through. But they love you and want to help and are great for getting you out of your head and into a space where you can enjoy life even when you feel like your dissertation is a flaming heap of trash.”

While you might sometimes feel like your dissertation is a flaming heap of trash, remember: a) no it’s not, you brilliant scholar, and b) the best dissertations aren’t necessarily perfect dissertations. According to Dr. Trejo, “The best dissertation is a done dissertation.” So don’t get hung up on perfecting every detail of your work. Think of your dissertation as a long-form assignment that you need to finish in order to move onto the next stage of your career. Many students continue revising after graduation and submit their work for publication or other professional objectives.

When you do finish writing your dissertation, it’s time to schedule your defense and invite friends and family to the part of the exam that’s open to the public. When that moment comes, how do you prepare to present your work and field questions about it?

“I reread my dissertation in full in one sitting,” said Dr. Labiner. “During all my time writing it, I’d never read more than one complete chapter at a time! It was a huge confidence boost to read my work in full and realize that I had produced a compelling, engaging, original argument.”

There are many other ways to prepare: create presentation slides and practice presenting them to friends or alone; think of questions you might be asked and answer them; think about what you want to wear or where you might want to sit (if you’re presenting on Zoom) that might give you a confidence boost. Iwanksi practiced presenting with her mentor and reviewed current papers to anticipate what questions her committee might ask.  If you want to really get in the zone, you can emulate Dr. Labiner and do a full dress rehearsal on Zoom the day before your defense.

But no matter what you do, you’ll still be nervous:

“I had a sense of the logistics, the timing, and so on, but I didn’t really have clear expectations outside of the structure. It was a sort of nebulous three hours in which I expected to be nauseatingly terrified,” recalled Dr. Labiner.

“I expected it to be terrifying, with lots of difficult questions and constructive criticism/comments given,” agreed Iwanski.

“I expected it to be very scary,” said Dr. Trejo.

“I expected it to be like I was on trial, and I’d have to defend myself and prove I deserved a PhD,” said Dr Atkins.

And, eventually, inexorably, it will be time to present.  

“It was actually very enjoyable” said Iwanski. “It was more of a celebration of years of work put into this project—not only by me but by my mentor, colleagues, lab members and collaborators! I felt very supported by all my committee members and, rather than it being a rapid fire of questions, it was more of a scientific discussion amongst colleagues who are passionate about heart disease and muscle biology.”

“I was anxious right when I logged on to the Zoom call for it,” said Dr. Labiner, “but I was blown away by the number of family and friends that showed up to support me. I had invited a lot of people who I didn’t at all think would come, but every single person I invited was there! Having about 40 guests – many of them joining from different states and several from different countries! – made me feel so loved and celebrated that my nerves were steadied very quickly. It also helped me go into ‘teaching mode’ about my work, so it felt like getting to lead a seminar on my most favorite literature.”

“In reality, my dissertation defense was similar to presenting at an academic conference,” said Dr. Atkins. “I went over my research in a practiced and organized way, and I fielded questions from the audience.

“It was a celebration and an important benchmark for me,” said Dr. Trejo. “It was a pretty happy day. Like the punctuation at the end of your sentence: this sentence is done; this journey is done. You can start the next sentence.”

If you want to learn more about dissertations in your own discipline, don’t hesitate to reach out to graduates from your program and ask them about their experiences. If you’d like to avail yourself of some of the resources that helped students in this article while they wrote and defended their dissertations, check out these links:

The Graduate Writing Lab

https://thinktank.arizona.edu/writing-center/graduate-writing-lab

The Writing Skills Improvement Program

https://wsip.arizona.edu

Campus Health Counseling and Psych Services

https://caps.arizona.edu

https://www.scribbr.com/

The 10 Key Components of a Successful Thesis Defence Presentation

Sep 27, 2023 | Research FAQs

What are the Key Components of a Successful Thesis Defence Presentation?

The culmination of years of rigorous research, analysis, and academic dedication is often encapsulated in a single event – a successful thesis defence presentation. This pivotal moment in an academic journey can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Success hinges on a well-prepared and effectively delivered presentation. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key components of a successful thesis defence presentation, equipping you with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate this critical milestone in your academic career.

10 Key Strategies To Defend Your Thesis

#1 clearly define your statement of thesis.

At the heart of every successful thesis defence presentation lies a well-articulated statement of thesis. This concise and focused sentence or two should encapsulate the core question or problem your research addresses. Peer review, a critical evaluation of your work by experts in the field, often commences with a thorough assessment of the clarity and relevance of your thesis statement. It is the compass that guides your entire presentation.

The statement of thesis serves as the cornerstone of an entire successful thesis defence presentation, and its importance cannot be overstated. This concise and focused sentence or two should encapsulate the core question or problem your research addresses. Think of it as the spark that ignites the intellectual journey you’re about to take your audience on.

When you consider the peer review process, it becomes clear that the experts in your field are like seasoned explorers, setting out on an intellectual expedition through your work. And where does their journey begin? With your thesis statement. It acts as the compass that guides their critical evaluation. They venture into the depths of your research, often commencing with a meticulous assessment of the clarity and relevance of your thesis statement. It’s not merely a formality; it’s a critical checkpoint to ensure that your compass is finely tuned and aligned with the path you’ve forged.

#2 Comprehensive Literature Review

A robust literature review demonstrates your understanding of the existing body of knowledge in your field. This component of your presentation should not merely summarise relevant literature but critically analyse it. Peer-reviewed journals, academic databases, and scholarly publications are invaluable resources for conducting a thorough literature review. Clearly demonstrate how your research fits into the existing landscape and adds a new dimension to the field.

Your literature review isn’t just a bibliography; it’s the evidence of your mastery over the existing body of knowledge in your field. It should be robust, showcasing your understanding and critical thinking abilities. Think of it as a treasure trove of insights from the minds of scholars who have paved the way before you.

Peer-reviewed journals, academic databases, and scholarly publications are the maps to this treasure trove. They are invaluable resources for conducting a thorough literature review. But remember, your role is not merely that of a summariser; you are an interpreter. Your presentation should not merely summarise relevant literature but critically analyse it. Imagine yourself as an art critic, dissecting each brushstroke to reveal the masterpiece that is your research. Show the audience how your research fits into the existing landscape and adds a new dimension to the field, like an artist contributing a unique piece to a gallery.

#3 Methodology and Data Collection

Describe in detail the methodologies employed in your research, addressing questions such as: How did you collect data? What tools or instruments did you use? How did you ensure the validity and reliability of your data? Peer review often scrutinises the rigor of your research methods, so be prepared to defend your choices and demonstrate their appropriateness for your study.

Your methodology is the blueprint of your research, and the data you collect are the bricks that build your thesis. This section deserves meticulous attention and clarity. Describe in detail the methodologies employed in your research. Address questions such as: How did you collect data? What tools or instruments did you use? How did you ensure the validity and reliability of your data? Think of it as the architectural plans that ensure your thesis stands tall and sturdy.

Keep in mind that peer review often scrutinises the rigor of your research methods. It’s like having a team of experienced builders inspecting your construction site for structural integrity. Be prepared to defend your choices and demonstrate their appropriateness for your study. You’re not just presenting data; you’re presenting the process behind the creation of your data.

#4 Data Analysis and Results

Present your findings with precision and clarity. Utilise graphs, tables, and visuals to enhance comprehension. Peer review experts will closely examine your data analysis methods to ensure they are statistically sound. Transparency in reporting results, including any limitations or unexpected outcomes, is crucial. Remember, transparency fosters credibility.

Your data is the treasure you’ve unearthed through your research, and it’s time to present it with precision and clarity. Visual aids like graphs, tables, and visuals should be your artistic tools. Imagine yourself as a storyteller, weaving a narrative with data points.

Peer review experts will closely examine your data analysis methods to ensure they are statistically sound. It’s akin to having statisticians double-check your calculations. Transparency in reporting results is paramount. Think of it as being transparent about the ingredients of a recipe; it fosters credibility. Be honest about any limitations or unexpected outcomes, just as a chef might explain a dish’s unique flavours. Transparency invites trust and understanding.

#5 Discussion and Interpretation

This is your opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills. Discuss the implications of your findings in the context of your thesis statement and existing literature. Address any unanswered questions or areas for future research. Peer review experts will assess the depth of your analysis and the coherence of your interpretations.

This is the moment when your audience gets a glimpse of your critical thinking skills. It’s not just about presenting data; it’s about the story behind the data. Consider yourself a detective solving a complex mystery. Discuss the implications of your findings in the context of your thesis statement and existing literature.

Address any unanswered questions or areas for future research. This is your chance to engage your audience in a scholarly conversation. Peer review experts will assess the depth of your analysis and the coherence of your interpretations. Think of it as a roundtable discussion where your ideas are put to the test.

#6 Effective Presentation Skills

Engage your audience with effective presentation skills. Practice your delivery, ensuring that you maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and use appropriate gestures. A confident and composed demeanour goes a long way in conveying your expertise. Utilise visual aids sparingly and strategically to enhance, not overwhelm, your presentation.

As you step into the spotlight of your thesis defence presentation, imagine yourself as a performer on the academic stage. Engage your audience with effective presentation skills that not only convey your expertise but also hold their attention. Practice your delivery meticulously to ensure that you maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and use appropriate gestures.

Confidence is your best companion on this stage. A confident and composed demeanour goes a long way in conveying your mastery of the subject matter. Utilise visual aids sparingly and strategically to enhance, not overwhelm, your presentation. Think of them as props in a play, designed to complement your narrative, not steal the show.

#7 Anticipate and Address Questions

Be prepared for a barrage of questions from the thesis committee during and after your presentation. Anticipate potential queries based on your research and be ready to provide well-informed responses. Peer review often extends to this phase, assessing your ability to defend your research and engage in scholarly discourse.

The Q&A session during and after your presentation is a challenging yet essential phase. Imagine it as the part of your performance where the audience gets to interact with you directly. Be prepared for a barrage of questions from the thesis committee. Anticipate potential queries based on your research and be ready to provide well-informed responses.

Peer review often extends to this phase, assessing your ability to defend your research and engage in scholarly discourse. Think of it as a debate where you defend your thesis against the toughest opponents. Embrace questions as opportunities to showcase your expertise and deepen the understanding of your work.

#8 Time Management

Respect the allocated time for your presentation. Going over your time limit can be detrimental and reflects poorly on your preparation. Time management is a skill that not only demonstrates professionalism but also allows for a smoother and more focused presentation.

Time management is the conductor’s baton in the symphony of your presentation. It’s not just about keeping things on schedule; it’s about ensuring that your performance is harmonious and well-paced. Respect the allocated time for your presentation. Going over your time limit can be detrimental and reflects poorly on your preparation.

Think of your presentation as a well-rehearsed orchestral piece, with each section seamlessly flowing into the next. Time management is the key to orchestrating this performance effectively. It demonstrates professionalism and allows for a smoother and more focused presentation.

#9 Adaptability

Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances or questions. Your ability to handle unexpected challenges with grace and knowledge can leave a positive impression on both your thesis committee and peer reviewers.

In the world of academia, as in life, surprises are inevitable. Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances or questions. Your ability to handle unexpected challenges with grace and knowledge can leave a lasting positive impression on both your thesis committee and peer reviewers.

Think of this adaptability as the mark of a seasoned explorer who can navigate uncharted territory. The ability to pivot gracefully when faced with the unexpected demonstrates your resilience and expertise.

#10 Mock Defences and Feedback

Prior to your actual defence, conduct mock thesis defence presentations with peers or mentors. Seek constructive feedback to refine your presentation. This rehearsal process can help you identify areas that may require improvement and boost your confidence.

Before the curtain rises on your actual defence, consider the value of dress rehearsals in the world of theatre. Prior to your defence, conduct mock thesis defence presentations with peers or mentors. Seek constructive feedback to refine your presentation. This rehearsal process can help you identify areas that may require improvement and boost your confidence.

Think of these mock defences as a preview performance, an opportunity to fine-tune your act before the main event. Constructive feedback from trusted sources is like the guidance of seasoned directors, helping you polish your performance and ensure you’re ready for the spotlight.

In conclusion, a successful thesis defence presentation is a multifaceted performance that combines research expertise, effective communication, and adaptability. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative of your research journey. Just as a skilled performer prepares meticulously for a show, you too must invest time and effort in honing your skills and refining your presentation. Embrace the peer review process as a means to elevate your work and ensure it stands up to the scrutiny of the academic community. With these key components and a commitment to excellence, you’ll not only defend your thesis but also make a meaningful contribution to your field of study.

Key Tips To A Successful Thesis Defence 

• Clear and Concise Thesis Statement : Craft a thesis statement that is clear, concise, and aligned with your research.
• Thorough Literature Review : Leave no stone unturned in your literature review to demonstrate your grasp of existing knowledge.
• Prepare for Questions : Anticipate questions and practice your responses to showcase your expertise.
• Practice and Timing : Practice your presentation and stick to the allotted time.
• Adaptability and Confidence : Stay adaptable and confident in the face of unexpected challenges.

The Building Blocks of a Successful Thesis Defence Presentation

In the realm of academia, the successful thesis defence presentation is a culmination of years of dedication, research, and scholarship. It is a testament to your expertise in your chosen field and your ability to contribute to the body of knowledge. Key components, such as a well-defined thesis statement, a comprehensive literature review, meticulous data analysis, and effective presentation skills, are the building blocks of a successful presentation.

Moreover, the engagement with peer review processes adds a layer of scrutiny that enhances the quality and credibility of your work. Embrace feedback, both during mock defences and from the thesis committee, as opportunities for growth and refinement.

As you embark on this academic journey, remember that a successful thesis defence presentation is not just a milestone but a stepping stone to a future where your research can make a significant impact. The key to success lies in meticulous preparation, effective communication, and a deep passion for your subject matter. With these components in place, you are well on your way to a successful thesis defence.

Useful Resources

Way With Words – Website: https://waywithwords.net/services/transcription-services . A reliable source for academic research transcription services, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in transcribing your research data.

Peer Review Process – Website: https://www.elsevier.com/reviewers/what-is-peer-review . Understand the peer review process and its significance in academic research.

Engagement Questions

As you prepare for a successful thesis defence, ask yourself:

• How can I best convey the significance of my research to both my thesis committee and the broader academic community?
• How can I use peer review feedback to strengthen my work?
• What are the key takeaways from my research that I want my audience to remember?

Remember that a successful thesis defence is not just about defending your research; it’s about sharing your passion and contributing to the academic discourse in your field. Embrace the journey, and you’ll emerge from it with a deeper understanding of your subject and a sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering this critical academic milestone.

Preparing For Your Dissertation Defense

13 Key Questions To Expect In The Viva Voce

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) & David Phair (PhD) . Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021

Preparing for your dissertation or thesis defense (also called a “viva voce”) is a formidable task . All your hard work over the years leads you to this one point, and you’ll need to defend yourself against some of the most experienced researchers you’ve encountered so far.

It’s natural to feel a little nervous.

In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important questions you should be able to answer in your viva voce, whether it’s for a Masters or PhD degree. Naturally, they might not arise in exactly the same form (some may not come up at all), but if you can answer these questions well, it means you’re in a good position to tackle your oral defense.

Viva Voce Prep: 13 Essential Questions

• What is your study about and why did you choose to research this in particular?
• How did your research questions evolve during the research process?
• How did you decide on which sources to include in your literature review?
• How did you design your study and why did you take this approach?
• How generalisable and valid are the findings?
• What were the main shortcomings and limitations created by your research design?
• How did your findings relate to the existing literature?
• What were your key findings in relation to the research questions?
• Were there any findings that surprised you?
• What biases may exist in your research?
• How can your findings be put into practice?
• How has your research contributed to current thinking in the field?
• If you could redo your research, how would you alter your approach?

#1: What is your study about and why did you choose to research this in particular?

This question, a classic party starter, is pretty straightforward.

What the dissertation or thesis committee is assessing here is your ability to clearly articulate your research aims, objectives and research questions in a concise manner. Concise is the keyword here – you need to clearly explain your research topic without rambling on for a half-hour. Don’t feel the need to go into the weeds here – you’ll have many opportunities to unpack the details later on.

In the second half of the question, they’re looking for a brief explanation of the justification of your research. In other words, why was this particular set of research aims, objectives and questions worth addressing? To address this question well in your oral defense, you need to make it clear what gap existed within the research and why that gap was worth filling.

#2: How did your research questions evolve during the research process?

Good research generally follows a long and winding path . It’s seldom a straight line (unless you got really lucky). What they’re assessing here is your ability to follow that path and let the research process unfold.

Specifically, they’ll want to hear about the impact that the literature review process had on you in terms of shaping the research aims, objectives and research questions . For example, you may have started with a certain set of aims, but then as you immersed yourself in the literature, you may have changed direction. Similarly, your initial fieldwork findings may have turned out some unexpected data that drove you to adjust or expand on your initial research questions.

Long story short – a good defense involves clearly describing your research journey , including all the twists and turns. Adjusting your direction based on findings in the literature or the fieldwork shows that you’re responsive , which is essential for high-quality research.

#3: How did you decide on which sources to include in your literature review?

A comprehensive literature review is the foundation of any high-quality piece of research. With this question, your dissertation or thesis committee are trying to assess which quality criteria and approach you used to select the sources for your literature review.

Typically, good research draws on both the seminal work in the respective field and more recent sources . In other words, a combination of the older landmark studies and pivotal work, along with up-to-date sources that build on to those older studies. This combination ensures that the study has a rock-solid foundation but is not out of date.

So, make sure that your study draws on a mix of both the “classics” and new kids on the block, and take note of any major evolutions in the literature that you can use as an example when asked this question in your viva voce.

#4: How did you design your study and why did you take this approach?

This is a classic methodological question that you can almost certainly expect in some or other shape.

What they’re looking for here is a clear articulation of the research design and methodology, as well as a strong justification of each choice . So, you need to be able to walk through each methodological choice and clearly explain both what you did and why you did it. The why is particularly important – you need to be able to justify each choice you made by clearly linking your design back to your research aims, objectives and research questions, while also taking into account practical constraints.

To ensure you cover every base, check out our research methodology vlog post , as well as our post covering the Research Onion .

#5: How generalizable and valid are the findings?

This question is aimed at specifically digging into your understanding of the sample and how that relates to the population, as well as potential validity issues in your methodology.

To answer question this well, you’ll need to critically assess your sample and findings and consider if they truly apply to the entire population, as well as whether they assessed what they set out to. Note that there are two components here – generalizability and validity . Generalizability is about how well the sample represents the population. Validity is about how accurately you’ve measured what you intended to measure .

To ace this part of your dissertation defense, make sure that you’re very familiar with the concepts of generalizability , validity and reliability , and how these apply to your research. Remember, you don’t need to achieve perfection – you just need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your research (and how the weaknesses could be improved upon).

Need a helping hand?

#6: What were the main shortcomings and limitations created by your research design?

This question picks up where the last one left off.

As I mentioned, it’s perfectly natural that your research will have shortcomings and limitations as a result of your chosen design and methodology. No piece of research is flawless. Therefore, a good dissertation defense is not about arguing that your work is perfect, but rather it’s about clearly articulating the strengths and weaknesses of your approach.

To address this question well, you need to think critically about all of the potential weaknesses your design may have, as well as potential responses to these (which could be adopted in future research) to ensure you’re well prepared for this question. For a list of common methodological limitations, check out our video about research limitations here .

#7: How did your findings relate to the existing literature?

This common dissertation defense question links directly to your discussion chapter , where you would have presented and discussed the findings in relation to your literature review.

What your dissertation or thesis committee is assessing here is your ability to compare your study’s findings to the findings of existing research . Specifically, you need to discuss which findings aligned with existing research and which findings did not. For those findings that contrasted against existing research, you should also explain what you believe to be the reasons for this.

As with many questions in a viva voce, it’s both the what and the why that matter here. So, you need to think deeply about what the underlying reasons may be for both the similarities and differences between your findings and those of similar studies.

#8: What were your key findings in relation to the research questions?

This question is similar to the last one in that it too focuses on your research findings. However, here the focus is specifically on the findings that directly relate to your research questions (as opposed to findings in general).

So, a good way to prepare for this question is to step back and revisit your research questions . Ask yourself the following:

• What exactly were you asking in those questions, and what did your research uncover concerning them?
• Which questions were well answered by your study and which ones were lacking?
• Why were they lacking and what more could be done to address this in future research?

Conquering this part dissertation defense requires that you focus squarely on the research questions. Your study will have provided many findings (hopefully!), and not all of these will link directly to the research questions. Therefore, you need to clear your mind of all of the fascinating side paths your study may have lead you down and regain a clear focus on the research questions .

#9: Were there any findings that surprised you?

This question is two-pronged.

First, you should discuss the surprising findings that were directly related to the original research questions . Going into your research, you likely had some expectations in terms of what you would find, so this is your opportunity to discuss the outcomes that emerged as contrary to what you initially expected. You’ll also want to think about what the reasons for these contrasts may be.

Second, you should discuss the findings that weren’t directly related to the research questions, but that emerged from the data set . You may have a few or you may have none – although generally there are a handful of interesting musings that you can glean from the data set. Again, make sure you can articulate why you find these interesting and what it means for future research in the area.

What the committee is looking for in this type of question is your ability to interpret the findings holistically and comprehensively , and to respond to unexpected data. So, take the time to zoom out and reflect on your findings thoroughly.

#10: What biases may exist in your research?

Biases… we all have them.

For this question, you’ll need to think about potential biases in your research , in the data itself but also in your interpretation of the data. With this question, your committee is assessing whether you have considered your own potential biases and the biases inherent in your analysis approach (i.e. your methodology). So, think carefully about these research biases and be ready to explain how these may exist in your study.

In an oral defense, this question is often followed up with a question on how the biases were mitigated or could be mitigated in future research. So, give some thought not just to what biases may exist, but also the mitigation measures (in your own study and for future research).

#11: How can your findings be put into practice?

Another classic question in the typical viva voce.

With this question, your committee is assessing your ability to bring your findings back down to earth and demonstrate their practical value and application. Importantly, this question is not about the contribution to academia or the overall field of research (we’ll get to that next) – it is specifically asking about how this newly created knowledge can be used in the real world.

Naturally, the actionability of your findings will vary depending on the nature of your research topic. Some studies will produce many action points and some won’t. If you’re researching marketing strategies within an industry, for example, you should be able to make some very specific recommendations for marketing practitioners in that industry.

To help you flesh out points for this question, look back at your original justification for the research (i.e. in your introduction and literature review chapters). What were the driving forces that led you to research your specific topic? That justification should help you identify ways in which your findings can be put into practice.

#12: How has your research contributed to current thinking in the field?

While the previous question was aimed at practical contribution, this question is aimed at theoretical contribution . In other words, what is the significance of your study within the current body of research? How does it fit into the existing research and what does it add to it?

This question is often asked by a field specialist and is used to assess whether you’re able to place your findings into the research field to critically convey what your research contributed. This argument needs to be well justified – in other words, you can’t just discuss what your research contributed, you need to also back each proposition up with a strong why .

To answer this question well, you need to humbly consider the quality and impact of your work and to be realistic in your response. You don’t want to come across as arrogant (“my work is groundbreaking”), nor do you want to undersell the impact of your work. So, it’s important to strike the right balance between realistic and pessimistic .

This question also opens the door to questions about potential future research . So, think about what future research opportunities your study has created and which of these you feel are of the highest priority.

#13: If you could redo your research, how would you alter your approach?

This question is often used to wrap up a viva voce as it brings the discussion full circle.

Here, your committee is again assessing your ability to clearly identify and articulate the limitations and shortcomings of your research, both in terms of research design and topic focus . Perhaps, in hindsight, it would have been better to use a different analysis method or data set. Perhaps the research questions should have leaned in a slightly different direction. And so on.

This question intends to assess whether you’re able to look at your work critically , assess where the weaknesses are and make recommendations for the future . This question often sets apart those who did the research purely because it was required, from those that genuinely engaged with their research. So, don’t hold back here – reflect on your entire research journey ask yourself how you’d do things differently if you were starting with a  blank canvas today.

Recap: The 13 Key Dissertation Defense Questions

To recap, here are the 13 questions you need to be ready for to ace your dissertation or thesis oral defense:

As I mentioned, this list of dissertation defense questions is certainly not exhaustive – don’t assume that we’ve covered every possible question here. However, these questions are quite likely to come up in some shape or form in a typical dissertation or thesis defense, whether it’s for a Master’s degree, PhD or any other research degree. So, you should take the time to make sure you can answer them well.

If you need assistance preparing for your dissertation defense or viva voce, get in touch with us to discuss 1-on-1 coaching. We can critically review your research and identify potential issues and responses, as well as undertake a mock oral defense to prepare you for the pressures and stresses on the day.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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13 Comments

Very interesting

Interesting. I appreciate!

Really appreciating

My field is International Trade

Interesting

This is a full course on defence. I was fabulously enlightened and I gained enough confidence for my upcoming Masters Defence.

There are many lessons to learn and the simplicity in presentationmakes thee reader say “YesI can”

This is so helping… it has Enlightened me on how to answer specific questions. I pray to make it through for my upcoming defense

Lovely to hear that 🙂

Really educative and beneficial

Interesting. On-point and elaborate. And comforting too! Thanks.

Thank you very much for the enlightening me, be blessed

Thankyou so much. I am planning to defend my thesis soon and I found this very useful

Very interesting and useful to all masters and PhD students

Wow! this is enlightening. Thanks for the great work.

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Nick Byrd, Ph.D.

Using science and technology to understand and improve how we think.

How To Prepare For A Thesis Defense

I defended my doctoral dissertation in 2020—yes, remotely. I also defended a master’s thesis a few years earlier. I learned a few things and sought plenty of advice between these two defenses. In this post I will share the checklist that I used to prepare for the dissertation defense.

(This checklist assumes that your committee has seen the thesis and you have asked them whether they have any reservations about scheduling a defense date—e.g., in case they are concerned that the you or the dissertation are not ready for defense. Here goes.)

1. Have You Followed The Institutional Requirements?

Universities (and their graduate schools) may have weird rules about thesis defenses. For example, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, thesis defenses were expected to occur in person. Even during the pandemic the defenses needed to occur during a semester in which the student is enrolled. And revisions to the thesis needed to occur with a certain number of days from the (successful) defense date. There may be many other requirements. So find your institutions’s thesis defense protocols and follow them.

2. Do You Know Your Advisor’s And/Or Committee’s Expectations?

Ask your advisor for their expectations about the defense. Ask for clarification where necessary and try to fulfill those expectations.

• Should you provide an overview of the thesis at the beginning of the defense?
• Should your committee provide commentary in advance of the defense?
• Will anyone expect you to wear any particular style of clothing?
• About how long might the defense last?
• Who else is allowed to attend the defense?
• Do they or the committee expect some sort of gift?

Note: I consider it odd to provide gifts to your advisor and/or committee after a successful defense. And I consider it a conflict of interest to do so before a successful defense. However, I am unsure if my view on this is the norm. So ask your advisor about informal stuff like as well.

I've been many people's advisors and would consider it highly unusualy to receive a gift. A thoughtful card would be nice but more than that is totally unnecessary. So feel free to skip that one & save $. — Anne Churchland (@anne_churchland) June 29, 2019

3. Have You Prepared For Predictable Questions?

I recommend rereading your thesis the week of your defense. This will help you anticipate the kinds of comments and questions that your committee will raise during the defense.

• If you have thoughts or questions while rereading any part of your thesis, write them down. Then write out some responses to those thoughts and questions.
• Generate at least one critical question or comment that you might expect from each of your committee members. Then prepare a response to each criticism.

4. Do You Understand The Question?

During the discussion portion, if you do not understand a question, then say so. Better yet, ask the questioner a question that will help them rephrase the question in a way that makes more sense to you. Some examples are below. You may want to prepare your own.

• “I am not sure I know what section of the dissertation you are referring to. Do you have a particular chapter, section, or page in mind?”
• “Are you are asking about [X] or [Y]. Or are you asking about something else entirely?”
• “Can you say more about what you mean by [Z]? For example, what observations would allow me to discern it from something else?

5. What Good Questions Can Replace Bad Questions?

Bad questions are not uncommon in academic presentations . If you get a question that seems bad in some way, translate it into a good question and answer that—without saying that the question is bad and that you’re translating it. For example, “This is an interesting line of inquiry. After all it, it raises questions like, [insert good question here]? To that I would say….”

You may want to consult your prepared list of questions and responses if you receive an unambiguously bad question during the defense.

6. Don’t Forget To Thank Everyone Involved

Thank questioners for their questions. When the defense is over, thank everyone involved for their time and attention (and whatever else they have invested in you, if they have). Don’t forget

• anyone who provided comments on drafts of the thesis.
• people who attended presentations of any part of your dissertation.
• those who provided funds for the thesis research.
• administrators who handle many of the bureaucratic aspects of your thesis.
• editors who check your thesis’s compliance with institutional formatting guidelines.

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Nick is a cognitive scientist at Florida State University studying reasoning, wellbeing, and willpower. Check out his blog at byrdnick.com/blog View all posts by Nick Byrd

Preparing for a Successful Dissertation Defense

Everything you need to know about dissertation defense is right here: ten basic defense techniques to be ready for your academic career.

Defending your thesis is the final stretch, the finish line, and it must be handled seriously. All experiments, results analysis, and heaps of literature research lead to how well you understand your research. 

Rest assured that you are not alone if you are tormented by questions as your defense approaches. Every dissertation defense is unique, but there are strategies to prepare for this critical and significant occasion.

This article will act as a guideline with helpful tips for navigating the crucial dissertation defense phase.

What Is A Dissertation Defense?

A dissertation defense, also known as a thesis defense, is an oral presentation and discussion of a research study. The goal is to present the findings, demonstrating to the committee and the academic community that the researcher completed the work with high enough quality to be awarded a doctorate and that the researcher is capable of speaking about it without hesitation, fully understanding the work, and answering any potential questions.

It’s worth mentioning that the first step is to get the dissertation document accepted, since dissertation chairs won’t let candidates schedule defenses unless the dissertation document’s quality is completely acceptable. The purpose is to see if the researcher is prepared to defend their work.

Timing And Format

• Dissertation defenses typically require two hours of private oral examination. Depending on the institution, they may seek an additional hour for a public seminar.
• The title, as well as the written document, should be provided to the committee early on. Check the institution’s deadlines ahead of time to be prepared.
• The format might also vary depending on the institution, however, you must be prepared for an external audience as an open-to-the-public defense.

Committee Members: How To Choose And What Are The Expectations?

To align expectations, understand that the dissertation committee should support you through the process of planning, writing, and revising your dissertation; they should act as mentors, providing helpful advice and recommending modification ideas. Choose your committee carefully, it is one of the most important steps for a successful dissertation.

Avoid famous and prominent members; instead, choose someone you know well and can reach whenever you need to; and, last, choose someone you know you can learn from. 

Tips for Preparing for a Dissertation Defense

1. prepare and practice.

Before you submit your dissertation document to the committee and in between the delivery and defense event, use every time to practice and prepare yourself to defend your dissertation.

2. Know Your Weakness

Get to know your anxiety tendencies and prepare yourself around them. If you tend to talk at a quicker tempo than usual giving public speeches, you can practice a calmer rhythm. Prepare your speech and time it; this will assist you in understanding how long it should take.

3. Attend Different Presentations

Go see other dissertation defenses to help you take it more smoothly, discover tactics and how other researchers perform their speeches, and grasp the value of a dissertation defense for the community.

4. Give Yourself Enough Time To Prepare Slides

Spend some additional time crafting the perfect dissertation slides. Check that you have the right information on your slides and that your assumptions are correct to create a logical flow for your presentation. Try to start working on it as soon as you send the written document.

5. Breathing Techniques

Breathing is closely tied to oratory skills. Successful public speakers know how to regulate their breath. Try learning some breathing techniques, including long and steady breaths. 

6. Focus On A Good Introduction

It’s critical to make a strong first impression, so make sure your introduction focuses on the most important key points and that it piques your audience’s curiosity to learn more about your work.

7. Avoid Unnecessary Topics

Personal exposition should be avoided. Remember to concentrate on your work, on providing excellent research, and let go of comments implying that you worked too hard for this or that you didn’t sleep for days. Maintain a professional and clear demeanor.

8. Make Your Questions

You’ll recognize the loose ends after refining your defense multiple times. As a result, create a list of questions that come to mind when rehearsing your defense. Tip number three will also come in handy here.

9. Maintain Your Cool

You will be asked questions that you have prepared for as well as unexpected ones; this is absolutely normal, and it is quite acceptable if you don’t know the answers to all of them, since you may have opportunities for future research. While commanding your defense, maintain your cool and be confident. 

When there’s something so important on your agenda, it’s easier said than done, but you’ll be much more prepared if you get enough rest. This will make you look better, but it will also assist you in remaining focused and comfortable during your defense.

Turn Your Data Into Easy-To-Understand And Dynamic Stories

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Thesis defense: tips and know-how

If you are preparing to defend your thesis, you’ve come to the right place! This guide explains some pointers to consider when preparing for your thesis defense, both prior and during the thesis presentation. Before we can begin discussing some tips and best practices for preparing a thesis defense, we first need to define and differentiate between the different types of defenses that exist. Doctoral defenses (PhD defenses) follow a different format than bachelor or master thesis defenses. The format tends to vary greatly, depending on the country, so there are is no one size fit all policy with regards to the structure. There are however some general guideliens that are important to consider, regardless of the format.

What is a thesis defense?

The thesis defense, also known as thesis presentation or disputation in certain countries, signifies what is often the last and final part of your thesis journey. This is your moment to shine, where you are the center of the stage, to promote your thesis and discuss your results and your research. To some, this event is stressfull, particularly those who prefer not to speak in front of others (see our guide on public speaking) and for others, it’s an opportunity to finally be able to let the world know what you have been up to for the last few months (for master/bachelor theses) or for the last few years for PhD/doctoral theses work.

So how do we learn how to deliver a good thesis defense?

Learn from the mistakes of others…

Many years ago, when I was still in the early phases of my PhD, one of my academic supervisors, a late Professor of Civil Engineering, suggested that I enroll in a dissertation analysis course. The “course” was comprised of me sitting through several thesis / dissertation defenses and jotting down anything that I could learn from them. This included, how well the PhD candidate defended their thesis, what kind of criticism or points were reoccurring, and any other observations that I had regarding the thesis defense. This proved to be a very valuable exercise. This is an exercise that you can (and perhaps should) undertake yourself, not in a formal “course” setting, but rather by listening in and taking part in other peoples’ public thesis defenses. Although not all thesis defenses are public, most tend to be, and there is a lot that you can learn by observing the defense from the point of view of the audience.

So how do you find a thesis defense to listen in on?

The best case scenario would be to listen to theses defenses delivered by students in the same research area and university, if that’s not possible, a different thesis topic but still fairly tangential to your research area would also be useful. These days (I am writing this guide during the covid pandemic of 2020/2021), it is extremely easy to take part in thesis defenses online via Zoom as they are often publicized in advance and can be found by browsing your universities’ online events calendar.

So what did I learn through the numerous theses that I listened to?

The first thing I noticed that was a recurring theme, a question that seemed to appear in all the theses defenses that I attended, had to do with how the student’s work contributed to their research field. What is special with your research? What new findings have you been able to lay forth; or which previously known findings have you been able to amend? This is the the central point that all of your research enquires revolve around, the raison d’être of your research, what are the contributions that you are bringing, and why should we care?

Of course, the bar is much set much higher for doctoral theses work compared to bachelor and master thesis, but the point still stands. This does not mean that each and every thesis that is published needs to be groundbreaking and ignite a paradigm shift. In fact, most thesis work do not lead to any revolutionary contributions. This point is perhaps best illustrated by satirical web sites such as lolmythesis where students submit their real thesis titles alongside a more comical title in plain English. This gives rise to titles such as this one from Yale University with the plain title “UAV deployment for fine-scale CO2 estimation in a mid-size city” which the author claims could also be titled as “I collected all my data then realized I didn’t record the variables needed for the one thing I promised to do in the title of my thesis”.

Do not stress over the significance of your research contributions, but do be prepared to defend them publicly.

What concrete contributions can you claim came about as a result of you having done this study of yours? If you can not answer that question (or at least explain why why your results were or were not remarkable), then you are out on dangerous water. There is an expectation that these contributions that we bring should actually have some form of substance, which they unfortunately do not always have. The site lolmythesis is a testimony to that, it perfectly encapsulates what it means to publish theses. Here are some more examples to put your mind at ease:

Keeping a strong mind set

The table above reminds us not to take things too seriously. If you feel that your results are underwhelming, you may consider yourself a member of the academic club, everyone tends to produce results at one point in their research career that they themselves consider underwhelming. For the defense however, the key here is not to focus on the results themselves, but rather on the overall arguments and the overarching discussion that surrounds your results and provides a context to your key points. Be ready to defend and explain anomalies in data, or the specific choices that you made with respect to why you chose a specific research method instead of another. The thesis defense should be viewed as an exercise for you to be able to explain your overall argument and show why it is consistent. Remember that the thesis defense does not exist for you to be criticized with regards to other peoples data or research. As long as you have a strong grasp of your own research topic, you should be able to breeze through the defense. You can feel assured that (for most cases) no external expert or review committee will know more about your specific thesis than you do. As long as this disparity in knowledge holds true, it doesn’t matter how much more they know about the overall research field, if you are more knowledgeable of your specific research inquiries and their underlying assumptions.

The second point that I want to highlight is that all of your conclusions should follow from the results that has been presented (which in turn come from the data that you collected, depending on research area). With other words, all of the conclusions that are mentioned should follow logically from the underlying premises. I remember once attending a thesis defense where it was clear that the doctoral student highlighted certain conclusions that had no basis in the person’s data, and that sort of things tends to get highlighted real fast. So you need to be careful about that.

The third point concerns quality. The work must of course be of high quality, this is understood by all, but it also means that the data was gathered properly and that the sources that you cite are relevant and authoritative. Make sure that the image/story that you are presenting during your defense is internally consistent. Thus, even if an opponent has issues with a specific method that you chose, they cannot claim that your research contradicts itself. Apparent contradictions can be very problematic, and if you suspect that there might be a contradiction somewhere in your thesis, you need to be ready to explain that paragraph if asked to.

The last thing I want to mention has to do with the mental state of the one who is presenting. There is no doubt that public speaking is stressfull for a lot of people, and it is therefore extra important to remember to not place to much weight on the matter. It is after all only a speech. You know the topic, why worry, you literally wrote a book on it! As one says in swahili, hakuna matata is an appropriate attitude to have towards the thesis defense. It is important to remember that studies, specifically doctoral studies, are more than just a written dissertation. Instead, it encapsulates the whole process where you gradually learn more about your specific research work. Regardless of whether you achieve a undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral degree at the end of your research, that degree only symbolizes the start of a learning journey, and not the end. Unlike the common conception, PhD studies shouldn’t be viewed as a dreadful and draining undertaking that finally culminates in this large-scale orgasmic metamorphosis where you are transformed from this lowly caterpillar to become a fully-feathered and competent butterfly.

The list below contains a few links to real examples of theses defenses. Do check out the presentation by Dr. Ben Conrad which is really good example of a thesis defense done right, it manages to be informative, to the point as well as engaging the audience and the material.

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Defend A Thesis: Prepare For Your Thesis Defense For PhD

When you’re nearing the end of your graduate program, a critical milestone looms: the thesis defense. This isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to showcase the depth of your research and knowledge. 

In this post, we explore what is a thesis defense, the process, and how you can do well in it. 

What Is A Thesis Defense?

A thesis defense is a crucial component of completing a graduate degree, where a student presents their research findings to a panel of experts, typically comprising faculty members from their university.

This event marks the culmination of a student’s research efforts and is a formal requirement for obtaining a master’s or PhD degree.

A thesis defense is also quite similar to a dissertation defense. Both involves a student presenting their research to a panel of experts and answering in-depth questions.

The main difference typically lies in the level of study—thesis defenses are common in master’s programs, while dissertation defenses are associated with doctoral studies. Both assess the student’s research rigor and depth of knowledge.

A thesis defense is usually a nerve wrecking experience for many PhD students, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it is usually managable.

Why Must a PhD Student Defend Their Thesis / Dissertation?

There may be doctorate programs that does not require thesis defense, but PhDs generally need to do this. There are several reasons why PhD students must defend their thesis:

Demonstration of Expertise

A thesis defense compels you to consolidate your research into a coherent presentation, showcasing your depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills.

During this oral examination, you answer open-ended questions posed by a committee of faculty members. This is your chance to demonstrate that you are an expert in your field, having moved from a student to a scholar.

Mastery of Subject Matter

The defense process requires that you not only know your study’s details but also how your work fits into the broader field.

Committee members, including your advisor and other professors, will probe your understanding, asking you to justify your methodologies and conclusions.

This is akin to a rigorous job interview where your task is to convince them of your thesis’s merit.

Feedback Opportunity

This is a rare moment to receive direct, critical feedback from multiple seasoned academics. Their insights can profoundly shape the final version of your dissertation, refining your arguments and possibly influencing future research directions.

Engaging with their questions helps you think more deeply and respond to critiques that you might face when publishing your work.

Validation of Research Efforts

Defending your thesis validates your years of hard work. Successfully articulating your research process and findings in front of the defense committee is a significant accomplishment in itself.

It’s a formal acknowledgment by the academic community that your research contributes valuable knowledge and meets the rigorous standards required for a graduate degree.

Professional Preparation

The skills you hone while preparing for your defense are invaluable in any professional context, including:

• articulating complex ideas,
• responding to unexpected questions, and
• handling critique.

Whether in academic conferences, teaching scenarios, or even non-academic jobs, the ability to present and defend your ideas clearly and professionally sets you apart.

In the grand scheme, your thesis defense is more than just a formality. It’s a crucible that transforms years of research into a defended, deliberate statement of your academic capability.

It’s not just about answering questions; it’s about proving that your research stands up to scrutiny and contributes to your field.

What Happens In A Thesis Defense?

Thesis defense is a very long process. You start with months, sometimes years, of preparation, writing and completing your thesis.

You will defend your work before a committee usually made up of faculty members from your department, and possibly an external examiner. These are the experts in your field who will rigorously evaluate your research.

The defense itself is a formal yet dynamic process. It begins with you presenting your thesis, often through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. This presentation highlights:

• the main points of your research,
• your methodology, and
• your findings.

Think of it as a summary of your long journey—a chance to argue the significance and validity of your work.

After your presentation, the committee will ask questions. These aren’t just any questions; they are often complex, open-ended queries designed to test how well you understand your research and your ability to think critically under pressure.

You need to demonstrate not just knowledge, but a deep grasp of your topic and related theories.

An interesting twist is that you may be asked to leave the room after your presentation. During this time, the committee deliberates on your performance. They discuss whether you’ve met the high standards required for a PhD and whether your thesis contributes significantly to the field.

This can be a nail-biting time for many students, as the discussion behind closed doors determines the outcome of years of hard work.

If all goes well, they will call you in, and inform you that you have passed your thesis defense. At this point, you may hear yourself being addressed as a ‘Doctor’ for the first time. 

If theres hiccups, you pay still pass, but with corrections. This means you need to perform additional work on your thesis for it to be accepted. In worse cases, you thesis may require major corrections. Some examination panels may also require you to redo your thesis defense.

This is fortunately, not very common. This is because your supervisor would have ensured your work is up to par before submitting your application for thesis defense.

How To Prepare For A Thesis Defense?

Preparing for your thesis defense can be daunting. You’re about to present years of work to a committee that will scrutinize your research and knowledge. Here are ten tips to help you prepare for your thesis defense.

1. Understand the Format: Every university has its own rules for thesis defenses. Check with your advisor or the graduate office to understand exactly what’s expected of you. Whether it involves a public lecture or a closed session with your committee, knowing the format helps you prepare effectively.

2. Focus on the Core Ideas : Resist the temptation to include everything from your dissertation in your presentation. Highlight the most significant findings and methodologies. This approach helps you stay within time limits and keeps your audience engaged.

3. Anticipate Questions : Think about potential gaps in your research that faculty members might target. Prepare slides or notes that can help you answer these tough questions. This foresight can turn a difficult question into a demonstration of your thorough preparation.

4. Rehearse Extensively : Practicing your presentation multiple times is crucial. Try to simulate the defense environment as closely as possible, ideally in the actual room where you’ll present. This rehearsal will make you more comfortable and fluent during the actual defense.

5. Prepare Visually Clear Slides : Your slides should aid your presentation, not confuse the audience. Ensure they are clear, visually appealing, and free of clutter. Use diagrams, charts, and bullet points to effectively convey complex information.

6. Dress Professionally : First impressions matter. Dressing professionally respects the formality of the occasion and can also boost your confidence. A business suit is often the go to for most candidates, although some universities may be more relaxed on the dress code.

7. Create Backup Slides : Have additional slides prepared for deeper dives into specific topics. These are particularly useful if a committee member asks a detailed question about a particular point or method.

8. Know Your Committee : Research the interests and work of your committee members. This knowledge can help you anticipate the kinds of questions they might ask and prepare more targeted responses.

9. Stay Calm and Collected : Remember that defense is not just an examination but also an opportunity to showcase your work. If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to admit this and suggest how you might find it out. This shows honesty and a willingness to learn.

10. View It as a Professional Dialogue : Approach your defense as a professional discussion rather than an interrogation. This mindset can change how you perceive the event, reducing stress and helping you engage more openly with your committee.

These strategies are about more than just surviving your defense; they’re about making the most of an opportunity to excel and impress

Prepare For Your Thesis Defense

Your thesis defense is not just a formality; it’s a bridge to your future career and a chance to shine. Prepare diligently, understanding that this is as much about demonstrating your grasp of the field as it is about honouring your own hard work.

With the right preparation, you’ll be able to defend your thesis with confidence and leave a lasting impression on your committee.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

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17 Thesis Defense Questions and How to Answer Them

A thesis defense gives you the chance to show off your thesis work and demonstrate your expertise in your field of study. During this one- to two-hour discussion with the members of your thesis committee, you'll have some control over how you present your research, but your committee will ask you some prodding questions to test your knowledge and preparedness. They will all have read your thesis beforehand, so their questions will relate to your study, topic, methods, data sample, and other aspects.

A good defense requires mastery of the thesis itself, so before you consider the questions you might face,

1. What is your topic, and why did you choose it?

Give a quick summary in just a few sentences on what you've researched. You could certainly go on for hours about your work, but make sure you prepare a way to give a very brief overview of your thesis. Then, give a quick background on your process for choosing this topic.

2. How does your topic contribute to the existing literature? How is it important?

Many researchers identify a need in the field and choose a topic to bridge the gaps that previous literature has failed to cover. For example, previous studies might not have included a certain population, region, or circumstance. Talk about how your thesis enhances the general understanding of the topic to extend the reach beyond what others have found, and then give examples of why the world needs that increased understanding. For instance, a thesis on romaine lettuce crops in desert climates might bring much-needed knowledge to a region that might not have been represented in previous work.

3. What are the key findings of your study?

When reporting your main results, make sure you have a handle on how detailed your committee wants you to be. Give yourself several options by preparing 1) a very general, quick summary of your findings that takes a minute or less, 2) a more detailed rundown of what your study revealed that is 3-5 minutes long, and 3) a 10- to 15-minute synopsis that delves into your results in detail. With each of these responses prepared, you can gauge which one is most appropriate in the moment, based on what your committee asks you and what has already been requested.

4. What type of background research did you do for your study?

Here you'll describe what you did while you were deciding what to study. This usually includes a literary review to determine what previous researchers have already introduced to the field. You also likely had to look into whether your study was going to be possible and what you would need in order to collect the needed data. Did you need info from databases that require permissions or fees?

5. What was your hypothesis, and how did you form it?

Describe the expected results you had for your study and whether your hypothesis came from previous research experience, long-held expectations, or cultural myths.

6. What limitations did you face when writing your text?

It's inevitable — researchers will face roadblocks or limiting factors during their work. This could be a limited population you had access to, like if you had a great method of surveying university students, but you didn't have a way to reach out to other people who weren't attending that school.

7. Why did you choose your particular method for your study?

Different research methods are more fitting to specific studies than others (e.g., qualitative vs. quantitative ), and knowing this, you applied a method that would present your findings most effectively. What factors led you to choose your method?

8. Who formed the sample group of your study, and why did you choose this population?

Many factors go into the selection of a participant group. Perhaps you were motivated to survey women over 50 who experience burnout in the workplace. Did you take extra measures to target this population? Or perhaps you found a sample group that responded more readily to your request for participation, and after hitting dead ends for months, convenience is what shaped your study population. Make sure to present your reasoning in an honest but favorable way.

9. What obstacles or limitations did you encounter while working with your sample?

Outline the process of pursuing respondents for your study and the difficulties you faced in collecting enough quality data for your thesis. Perhaps the decisions you made took shape based on the participants you ended up interviewing.

10. Was there something specific you were expecting to find during your analysis?

Expectations are natural when you set out to explore a topic, especially one you've been dancing around throughout your academic career. This question can refer to your hypotheses , but it can also touch on your personal feelings and expectations about this topic. What did you believe you would find when you dove deeper into the subject? Was that what you actually found, or were you surprised by your results?

11. What did you learn from your study?

Your response to this question can include not only the basic findings of your work (if you haven't covered this already) but also some personal surprises you might have found that veered away from your expectations. Sometimes these details are not included in the thesis, so these details can add some spice to your defense.

12. What are the recommendations from your study?

With connection to the reasons you chose the topic, your results can address the problems your work is solving. Give specifics on how policymakers, professionals in the field, etc., can improve their service with the knowledge your thesis provides.

13. If given the chance, what would you do differently?

Your response to this one can include the limitations you encountered or dead ends you hit that wasted time and funding. Try not to dwell too long on the annoyances of your study, and consider an area of curiosity; for example, discuss an area that piqued your interest during your exploration that would have been exciting to pursue but didn't directly benefit your outlined study.

14. How did you relate your study to the existing theories in the literature?

Your paper likely ties your ideas into those of other researchers, so this could be an easy one to answer. Point out how similar your work is to some and how it contrasts other works of research; both contribute greatly to the overall body of research.

15. What is the future scope of this study?

This one is pretty easy, since most theses include recommendations for future research within the text. That means you already have this one covered, and since you read over your thesis before your defense, it's already fresh in your mind.

16. What do you plan to do professionally after you complete your study?

This is a question directed more to you and your future professional plans. This might align with the research you performed, and if so, you can direct your question back to your research, maybe mentioning the personal motivations you have for pursuing study of that subject.

17. Do you have any questions?

Although your thesis defense feels like an interrogation, and you're the one in the spotlight, it provides an ideal opportunity to gather input from your committee, if you want it. Possible questions you could ask are: What were your impressions when reading my thesis? Do you believe I missed any important steps or details when conducting my work? Where do you see this work going in the future?

Bonus tip: What if you get asked a question to which you don't know the answer? You can spend weeks preparing to defend your thesis, but you might still be caught off guard when you don't know exactly what's coming. You can be ready for this situation by preparing a general strategy. It's okay to admit that your thesis doesn't offer the answers to everything – your committee won't reasonably expect it to do so. What you can do to sound (and feel!) confident and knowledgeable is to refer to a work of literature you have encountered in your research and draw on that work to give an answer. For example, you could respond, "My thesis doesn't directly address your question, but my study of Dr. Leifsen's work provided some interesting insights on that subject…." By preparing a way to address curveball questions, you can maintain your cool and create the impression that you truly are an expert in your field.

After you're done answering the questions your committee presents to you, they will either approve your thesis or suggest changes you should make to your paper. Regardless of the outcome, your confidence in addressing the questions presented to you will communicate to your thesis committee members that you know your stuff. Preparation can ease a lot of anxiety surrounding this event, so use these possible questions to make sure you can present your thesis feeling relaxed, prepared, and confident.

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40 Thesis Defense Questions

Practicing answering thesis defense questions in a mock thesis defense is the best way to get ready for this challenging step in your academic career. Aside from knowing your research project inside and out, you must have solid strategies for tackling different question types and talking about why you chose your research topic. You might have already answered questions related to your research interests in your research interest statement and grad school interview questions , but now after years for in-depth study, it's time to really test what you have accomplished! Check out some of the hardest thesis defense questions below and read our expert responses!

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

What to expect in a thesis defense.

A thesis defense is your chance to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and expertise in the topic of your research thesis. While you will be able to take charge of the narrative and present your research to those on your thesis committee, the professors will prod you to test how well you know and understand your topic. The questions are mostly open-ended and give you the chance to showcase your knowledge and understanding, as well as any future plans you may have regarding your research topic.

A thesis defense usually lasts between one and two hours, depending on the area of your research. It starts with you giving a presentation of your interest, findings, and conclusions. After you have finished, the committee members will ask you questions based not only on your presentation, but also on your written thesis as they will have read it before your presentation. Lastly, the committee might approve your thesis or suggest changes to your paper.

Preparing thesis defense questions requires you to start well in advance. While the duration of your thesis defense might vary as per your institution's requirements, the major idea is to defend your research. Thus, you should go about preparing for your thesis defense questions by taking the following steps.

Interested in a quick overview of the section below? Check out this infographic:

Re-read your thesis for clarity

Your thesis defense questions will be based on what you have written in your research paper. Hence, it is a good idea to re-read your paper. You should be clear on the concepts and understand your research well. It might have been some time since you would have submitted your paper, so a revision should be the starting point of your preparation.  

Have an answer strategy and structure

Plan a strategy to answer the panel’s questions. Keep your answers direct, but elaborate on the research details wherever necessary. If you do not know the answer to a question, that is alright. The key is to be able to formulate an answer even if you do not possess enough knowledge to answer at that point in time. For instance, if a question is about the content of your research, you can say something like “I am not certain my research touches on the question you are asking, but my research has led me to Dr. X. Based his evidence, I would have to conclude that…” Having a strategy for answering even the most unexpected questions can be a life saver in these situations!

Most of the thesis defense questions can be easily predicted based on your research. You can prepare a list of possible questions when you are going through your paper. Getting to know the committee can help you in preparing better. Their areas of expertise can help you in determining what they might ask. Once you have a list of questions, you can start brainstorming how you might answer them. 

Prepare your slides in advance

If you require visual aids such as slides, it is a good idea to prepare them beforehand. You can double-check the slides and make sure that your presentation will run smoothly on the day of your thesis defense. Make sure your slides are arranged in the correct order. 

Attend a thesis defense of other candidates if it is an open event

If your institution allows it, you can visit a thesis defense of other candidates. This will give you an excellent idea of what you can expect in your meeting. If it is not possible to attend the event, you can speak to your peers to find out how their meeting went and what questions were asked.

Dress appropriately for your meeting

The thesis defense meeting is a formal event, and hence you should be dressed in formal clothes. While there are no strict dressing rules, you should consider it something equivalent to a job interview. Don’t just wear your T-shirt and appear in front of the committee. Your formal suit is a better option for the occasion.

Practice speaking for your meeting

Take your preparation to the next level by practicing your presentation. This activity will give you the confidence for the actual meeting and presentation. You can request your academic peers to help you out in the practice task. Based on their feedback in the mock session, you can improve for the actual session. Make sure to prepare well for the mock session as if you are preparing for the actual session. You can also practice your speech and body language in the mock session. If you used thesis writing services , these professionals would also be the ideal people to test you in a mock thesis defense – don’t hesitate to reach out to them again!

Sample Thesis Defense Questions and Answers

1.    what is your research study all about.

In your answer, you should summarize your research in a few sentences. The question is simple but requires technical expertise for a better explanation of concepts. For instance, if you completed a thesis in an attempt to explain the constituents of dark matter in the universe and particle accelerators, you could frame your answer like this:

In this research, the different aspects of dark matter and its detection models have been investigated. The cosmic ray positron excess observed by the PAMELA detector has been discussed and explained through the construction of models of decaying dark matter. The cosmic-ray electron and positron spectra were studied assuming a general Dirac structure for the four fermion contact interactions of interest. A supersymmetric leptophilic Higgs model was constructed to explain the possible excess of gamma rays in the galactic center. Finally, by the use of Razor analysis, an improvement on the dark matter collider searches is considered.  

2.    Why did you choose this study?

This question requires you to answer what motivated you to pursue the study in the first place. Your answers could touch on your interests in the area of the study. For example, if you conducted a study called “Media Combat: The Great War and the Transformation of American Culture” then you can shape your answer like this:

The First World War (1914-1918) has always been a topic of fascination for me, and my prime interest lies in exploring the state of society at that time. I wanted to analyze the formation of a nationalized, wartime cultural apparatus during the United States' involvement in the war and how theatre and music transformed the relationship between the government and American citizens. 

3.    Why did you choose this particular title for your research?

The title of your thesis captures the main point of your research, which is why it is so important to use an appropriate title. Your committee will want to know how you came to the final decision of naming your work. For example,

I chose the title “Dark matter in the heavens and at colliders: Models and constraints” for my research thesis because my research attempts to explain the constituency of dark matter as it occurs in the universe. “The heavens” is another word for the universe. Dark matter can also be created in particle accelerators such as the CERN collider. I have attempted to provide an explanation for both of the cases through the use of models, along with describing the constraints which exist in the current times due to certain scientific limitations.

4.    What is the scope of your study?

In your answer, you have to define the boundaries of your project and define exactly what you are studying. There can be several elements involved but you have to define the parameters that you have chosen to study. For example,

My study is on the efficacy of equity stocks in the US market. For my study, I have chosen 50 companies listed on the NASDAQ. You can review the names of these companies on page 5 of my thesis.

5.    What phenomenon were you trying to understand with this research?

Describe the focus concept of your thesis in the answer. For example,

In our study “Motivation to volunteer”, we were looking to study the Theory of Planned Behavior by analyzing the behavioral and normative beliefs that influence attitudes and subjective norms.

Want increase your productivity and mainain a healthy work life balance to help get you through your thesis project? Here are some tips straight from our CEO:

6.    Who will be most interested in your research?

You can talk about who may be affected by your research and the parties who can potentially benefit from the research. Take a look at this example:

My sociology thesis on “Impact of social media on youngsters” can be of interest to sociology academics, social media companies, education experts, and parents of youngsters in general.

7.    Did your research questions evolve during the process? If so, how?

Often, qualitative research questions change over time with respect to the responses that you might get from your focus group. Or you might just change your question as you do lab research or general text research. You can describe the change to the evaluating committee. For example,

We started our study to understand the impact of the new public policy change on recycling of vinyl waste through installation of garbage bins specifically for vinyl products. However, after interviewing some of the respondents in the target community, we found that the rule is actually irrelevant to their behavior and thoughts because the percentage of vinyl waste in that specific locality was very low and it didn’t need the installation of dedicated bins for the purpose. Going by their frustrations with the current economic insecurity, our study evolved into the impact of costs incurred by public policy changes.           

8.    What gaps did you intend to bridge with your research?

Your research thesis must eliminate the present gaps in the concepts related to your subject topic.

The relationship between hard water and its effect on the size of the kidney stone is not clear yet, so we analyzed the mineral composition of hard water to determine its impact on the size of the kidney stone.

9.    Why is your research significant?

The answer to this research question should outline the impact of your research on your field of study. You may talk about the new insights contributed by your research and its impact on society.

Through my study on “The effect of chamomile in reducing stress and promoting better sleep,” patients with insomnia and anxiety will be able to find alternative treatments without the use of medicinal drugs. The medical abilities of chamomile will promote the usage of ingredients in nature and will encourage the community to plant more herbs and trees.

10. What did you find in your research?

You may describe your research in a few sentences in this answer. For instance,

In our study on “Impact of artificial fluoride in water on the human body,” we found that excessive exposure to high quantities of Fluoride can result in tooth discoloration and bone issues in humans since it has neurotoxic qualities. 

11. What research findings surprised you?

When you conduct research, you come across findings that you were not expecting earlier. If you had such an experience, you might describe the same to the evaluation committee when you answer this question. For example,

I was expecting that business promotion through social media would not be a good idea for rural enterprises in developing countries in my comparative analysis of the usage of traditional and contemporary marketing methods. But I was surprised to learn that 68% of rural textile businesses in Nigeria promote their products on Instagram.

12. What is the validity of your findings?

You have to talk about the conditions in which your research findings would be valid.

In my research, I have considered test anxiety to be involving both nervous system activation and negative thoughts. Thus, my measure of test anxiety has included the elements of both nervous feelings and negative thoughts, the conditions in which my findings are valid.

For example,

For studying the differential protein expression, its localization, and distribution at different levels, we used the method of immunostaining in our research.

14. What sources did you use for data collection?

You would have used several sources to search for data for your topic. You may elaborate on those sources. You might have referred to databases, content on the web, or even conducted primary research by interviewing prospects. Thus, you can talk about these sources. Refer to the following answer:

To understand the impact of the current tax regime on skilled workers, we interviewed 150 subjects in 5 months. Additionally, we referred to databases and scholarly works available by authors who had previously conducted such studies for previous tax laws and rates. 

15. How can your research be put into practice?

This question talks about the practical implications of your research. You should talk about how your research is beneficial for society and how it can help in eliminating current issues.

In our research titled “Effectiveness of Meditation on Reducing the Anxiety Levels of College Students in the US,” we discovered that students who practiced meditation at least thrice a week were two times more likely to score better in their exams, owing to the positive impact of meditation. So, this research finding can help in the reduction of mental health issues among students. A suitable course of action would be to hold meditating sessions a couple of times a week. 

16. How will your findings contribute to the related area of knowledge?

Our study on medicinal analysis of herbs conveys information about various medicinal benefits of chamomile in treating depression and contributes to the area of medicinal botany.

17. Did you experience any limitations in your research?

Our research on “Impact of smoking on β-cell function and risk for type 2 diabetes in US citizens” finds that smoking increases the risk of diabetes among smokers. However, smokers might be affected by some genetic conditions which can protect them from diabetes. 

18. What sampling techniques did you use?

When conducting research, it is practically not possible to study the entire number of elements. So, you would be using a method to select a sample population.

In our study “Impact of consumption of soda on the health of teenagers in Corpus Christi”, we used area sampling to divide the city into several areas and then selected some clusters for our sample group.

19. What are the dependent and independent variables in your research?

In research, several variable factors impact your study. You can describe these variables. Independent variables have values which are not affected by other variables in your study. On the other hand, the dependent variables have values that change with changes in the independent variable. For example,

In our study on “Impact of online tutoring on test scores”, the independent variable is the nature of the classes i.e., online and the participants' test score is the dependent variable.

20. What areas do you suggest for further research?

As a researcher, you should be able to describe what further areas are open for research with the addition of your research to the field. This can act as a starting point for future researchers. For example,

In my research on “Effectiveness of Acetaminophen in treating sports induced injuries”, I discovered that administering Acetaminophen is not very effective for treating joint pains such as the knee. This further suggests measures for the regulation of Acetaminophen in the production of painkillers for body pain and the search for alternative compounds.

Practice Questions

After taking a look at the sample answers, now try answering these questions by yourself:

Do you have any closing comments? "}]">

After submitting your research thesis for evaluation, you have to appear before a panel of professors and present your work; afterwards, they will ask you questions about your research.

You have to plan and prepare for your thesis defense. Review your paper and anticipate the questions that the committee can ask. Practice with mock defense sessions using professional servicesand make improvements based on their feedback. Be prepared with a strategy for answering any question asked by the panel.

Your research thesis should be on a topic of your interest. Scan your course syllabus to find something that makes you curious. Or, you can even refer to your grad school career goals statement to review what got you interested in grad school in the first place. Shortlist a few topics and zero down to the one that excites you the most.

The first step in preparing for a master’s thesis defense is to revise your research paper and write down a list of questions that the committee might ask. Find answers to those questions and get ready for your presentation. Practice your presentation beforehand. Try to attend a thesis defense of other candidates to know what you can expect in your session. 

You will get questions related to what you have mentioned in your research paper. The most common starting questions are “what is your research about?" and “what was your motivation behind choosing this topic?” Later on, the committee asks you more detailed questions on research methodology, literature review, study variables, research findings, recommendations, and areas of further research.

You can get help from a grad school essay tutor for your research thesis writing. They can help you in developing writing skills and reviewing your work. They can proofread your work and provide recommendations on areas of improvement.

You can include your research thesis on your grad school CV to show your practical knowledge and skills. You can add the details of the study in a separate section for research experience.

Immediately after the thesis defense, the evaluation panel will decide whether to approve your paper as submitted or request some changes, or reject it.

To pass a thesis defense, a majority of the panel members must approve the defense. In case of more than one vote against you, you can fail the thesis.

A thesis defense can last for two hours or longer, depending on your area of research.

Your thesis defense presentation should include the focus concept, findings, recommendation, and conclusion.

The contribution of your thesis towards your degree differs as per institution. You can refer to your course handbook for exact details. In most cases, the committee needs to approve your thesis for you to graduate from your degree.

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Hi Jeff! Yes, this can also be one of the questions you are asked in a thesis defense!

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The Ultimate Guide to Delivering an Outstanding Master's or PhD Thesis Dissertation Defense Presentation (Over 20 Templates Included)

“Congratulations, Dr. (Your Name)”

These words can be music to the ears of a research scholar at the end of their master’s dissertation defense presentation. All those years of hard work ( and the occasional partying ) on an A-list university campus boil down to you earning the title of a doctorate. Your blood, sweat and tears ( mostly tears ) invested in the doctoral subject of your choice just to hear the committee assign you that title rest on one (not so) simple thing: your dissertation defense.

However, to ensure that you, indeed, achieve your goal of earning that title, you have to ace your dissertation defense. You want to impress the committee. You want to ignite their minds. And more so, you want to be prepared for all the hard-hitting questions they are going to pose when you click through your dissertation defense presentation slides and explain what all you grasped in your years of research at the university.

Nerve-wracking may be an understatement, wouldn’t it?

Accomplishing that PhD with a well-presented dissertation defense can be an uphill battle for those who get the jitters while facing an audience. Plus, anticipation of top-level questions from experts in your field can leave you hot under the collar. You want to ace that dissertation defense, no matter what.

Fear not! This blog will break it down for you. Read on to find out how to make your master's or PhD thesis dissertation defense an outstanding medium to charm the thesis committee with ease.

The preparation

Now, before the dissertation defense, you have to prepare for it well in advance. Just organize your thoughts and prepare your thesis in a well-structured manner before you hand it over to the thesis committee. When you have studied a particular topic at length, you are able to devise a strategy for presenting it to the experts as well. Doctoral research gives you extensive knowledge about a topic which you can see yourself working with in your future prospects. Mostly university programs are inclined to the analyzing how the research has been fruitful with your endeavors. Here, you must note some important points to prepare well.

Know thy audience

When you have your dissertation defense to prepare, it bodes well for you if you try to get to know your audience, i.e. the members of the thesis committee. Before you make the final submission to the committee chair, make a checklist of what all you have included in the dissertation report. In fact, submit the report at least a month in advance so that the chair is ready to capture what your point of contention will be. You do not have to just brush things off with the normal two-week-prior submission. You have to give yourself a chance to prepare for what the committee members can ask you as per their expertise.

While you can ask your adviser or guide to take in the subject, it will also work well if you meet the chair in person for advice on the general thought process of the committee members. So instead of going into the meeting room unarmed, you will have a bit of a groundwork laid for yourself. It is all in the mind, but it is also all in a bit of a control.

Watch, ask and learn

Your research adviser or guide is your biggest asset when it comes to earning that doctoral degree. Since a dissertation is based on what you have explored and found out during the university course based on an original research, you can get the best advice from your guide. Ask them what kind of presentation methodology you need to adhere to. You can also take reference from the university’s scholar resources.

More so, since the dissertation defense presentations are open in most of the universities, you can attend these to get an idea of the procedure involved. Watch closely how the committee dwells on the key aspect of a scholar’s research. Also, see how the scholar handles the questions, the tough ones. Is that a straight “No I don’t know.” or something refined like “I speculate that…”? Ask the previous scholars who have presented their dissertation in front of the committee members you have. The more similar the subject, the better your chances of nailing that presentation.

Accustom yourself

Yes. Everybody has thrown this one at you before an exam (or a date). Practice makes perfect. When we talk of laying the groundwork, it involves booking the meeting room and the committee members’ schedule for your final dissertation defense well in advance to avoid any lapses. University research experts and thesis committee members have busy schedules around which you need to plan your dissertation defense. Planning in advance can keep you from having the last-minute anxieties.

• A secret to giving an outstanding dissertation defense presentation is to present in front of your colleagues or friends. It will be a bonus if this practice audience is a mix of scholars from your field and different fields as well. The idea is to influence the minds of the listeners as analogous to those of the committee members. Use notes and feedback from this audience to plan out what you will say on the day of the presentation.
• Another secret to being well-prepared is to keep the chosen committee members in loop with your research process after you have submitted a dissertation proposal. You can ask them for reviews and incorporate the changes they suggest. These changes can then give you an indication on what could be the basis of the questions the committee will ask. Since the experts are aligned to pose such questions as interest their mind for exploration, you can keep a track of the reviews you have subjected your dissertation to. If the committee members suggest some major changes and you make them, keeping them in the loop will help avoid any last-minute surprises, and therefore, blunders.
• Since university doctoral research has to be published online and even distributed as written text, it is important to take some guidance from your adviser and teachers about formatting standards. It makes it easy if you get it formatted well enough before submitting the manuscript to the committee members for final notes and revision suggestions. Each institute may have their own standards for devising a dissertation manuscript. So know the process to avoid careless mistakes. Your research matters not only to you, but to the university as well.
• Ask your adviser how much time is allotted to each part of your dissertation defense presentation. This way you can plan as much material as you should for your presentation. Time slots will keep you structured throughout your presentation. You can focus on the key issues and give time to each topic as per the structure as follows.

Make your presentation right

Your dissertation defense presentation is your masterpiece. It can sway the committee members in your favor. Designing a good dissertation ppt presentation that implores the audience to say that much-wanted YES is an art. Once you get the basics right, you will start off with a bang. The basic setup which you should employ while putting together your presentation is as follows:

The very first slide of the presentation is going to be your title slide. It should include the name of your thesis and your name. Mention the university’s name in a prominent manner as well. A catchy title slide can keep your audience visually stimulated before the presentation.

#2 Introduction

You have a well-defined slot within which you introduce the subject of your doctoral research. You have to cover broad points by focusing on the pain point first. You can take an example of how that pain point is leading to an issue that needs attention. The introduction has to enlist what objectives your research has tried to achieve to address these pain points. Here the key point is to show that you have tried to solve a problem with your research. You can give the scope of the research too. Starting off with an anecdote may also help get the committee members interested in your topic up front. Make sure you include these points in your introduction slide.

#3 Literature review

Often one of the common mistakes that scholars do while dissertation defense is getting too much into the literature review. If you have studied and included the findings of a particular research to support your thesis, you do not have to dwell on it. Simply create a crisp outline of the research literature that relates to your thesis. You can include how the literature is relevant or brings out any weak points that you may have addressed in your research.

#4 Methodology

You have covered the what of your thesis. On this slide, you will cover the how of it. On this slide, you need to explain what you did to address the pain points listed in the introduction. Did you conduct a survey of a considerable sample size to apply your research to? What were the subjects of the survey categorized into? How did you organize and process the data? This slide (or slides) can show the committee members the tools at your disposal and how you used them to support your claims.

#5 Findings

You used the collected data in every decipherable manner you could. But what you found through processing and extrapolating that data as per your thesis goes on this slide. You can use simple infographics to draw comparison or to highlight the specific results that you want the committee members to take note of. The trick here is to make the information as captivating yet concise as possible. Make sure you put the spotlight on the findings that address the pain points or at least enhance the committee’s discretion regarding your thesis.

#6 Deliberation

On this slide for discussion, you have to enlighten the committee on how the findings have a bearing on your research. What it means for the issues that you listed as worthy of being addressed? You can elaborate how using your findings you have come up with some innovative solution to a problem.

#7 Conclusion

You have started well. So end well too. On the conclusion slide, just keep it short and sweet on how your research addresses the scope of the subject. You can also impress the committee with giving how your processed data can serve as the foundation stone of many more research projects in your field (if there is any).

• Know your subject inside out. Take time to review what your thesis proposal tries to encompass. Enlist all the possible questions that you have found out to be of the committee’s interest.
• Also, enlist the questions that you fear the committee may ask. These are trick questions for which you should have an answer ready.
• You have to organize your thesis precisely. Take your time arranging your thoughts well.
• Take a closer look at the already published manuscripts to have an idea of what content to dabble with while preparing for your dissertation defense.
• Prepare handouts in accordance with your presentation. You can take printouts of the presentation slides and put them together so that the committee can follow along.
• A quick proofread of all the material you prepare or print won’t hurt either.
• Do not fret or be nervous about the presentation.
• Do not clutter the presentation slides with content. Just keep it crisp enough so that the committee stays engaged with you while taking cues from the slides or handouts.
• Do not forget to analyze the accuracy of the data sets and the projections. Your findings are your foundation. Accuracy and precision are key.

The dissertation defense

Had a good night sleep the day before the defense presentation? Good! Because a relaxed mind is paramount for an effective dissertation defense. The meeting is nothing short of a mental roller coaster. Before the presentation, hand out the printed slides to the committee so that they can follow along. During the dissertation defense, the committee will ask you questions on topics that pique their interest. So be ready to not lose focus no matter what.

Generally, the questions will mostly come at the discussion phase of the presentation so you must have a cohesive idea of how your research connects the dots. Mostly these questions will be based on why your dissertation matters, and how does it support future researches. The committee will also deliberate on the relevance of your findings to your career trajectory, besides any scope of future contributions. Here it is crucial that you have such information on your fingertips (although don’t fret if you do not know the answer at the ready).

• Know your material inside out.
• Check the meeting room arrangements an hour before the defense.
• Greet the committee members. Make eye contact with each of them.
• The committee is not there to torture you. They just want to examine the significance of your project for the university.
• Give handouts to the panel before starting the presentation so that any incoherence can be avoided.
• Pause before explaining each meticulous point of interest. Often the pressure gets the best of the most skilled orators too.
• Always, and always, take notes when the committee asks questions.
• Do not overburden your mind with data. Just know enough of important figures and you are good to go.
• Avoid getting distracted by the presentation. Just keep small notes to help the committee stay up to speed.
• Do not fall into the trap of “umm and uhhhh” during questioning. It is okay if you do not know the answer. Do not turn it into a fumbled description. You can try saying something encouraging like “I have not explored that asset to that extent, but would like to add that…” This shows your drive to learn and communicate well.
• Do not panic if there is a glitch in your presentation or a power outage. Conduct the dissertation defense with confidence. That is what handouts are for.
• Steer clear of speaking hurriedly to answer a question. Time slots can be a concern but the more you stay focused and calm, the easier you are able to handle the occasional bumps in the road.

For remote presentation

Incidentally, Covid-19 has changed the way academic presentations are conducted, though remote presentations were a thing in the past. In instances where you have to present your dissertation defense from a remote location, you must ensure proper testing of the video output that the committee members can see. Ask a friend to check it. Better yet, practice with an audience. Internet lapses can throw you off your track. So make sure you have checked each and every provision for the meeting. Last-minute obscurity of the slides may not be a good head start.

Now, for some people, employing the cyberspace to present their dissertation defense may not be ideal. Also, dissertation committee members may take part from different countries, so you have to be prepared. Make sure you email them the handouts or rather short notes so that it is easy for them to understand. Keep in touch with them digitally as and when feasible. The more you prepare in advance, the better.

After the presentation

If you have followed the steps given above, chances are that the committee has had a consensus on awarding you that YES based on your dissertation defense presentation. You have indeed earned that by being an expert in your field. But what to do after the presentation?

First and foremost, you have to officially thank all the committee members for their time and guidance. Take notes on whatever the members advise you regarding your research. Rather solicit feedback after you are done with the dissertation defense. You can also ask them to email their suggestions to you. It will help pave the way to your future courses of action. Be on the same page with your committee chairperson for what to do next. If the committee has deliberated on suggesting some revisions, you can incorporate them in your final manuscript.

Also since your research has been scrutinized well according to the university standards, you must get on with making copies of your manuscript once approved and signed by the committee members. Later on you can submit it to the university database in the library. You can also submit the final revised manuscript to your colleagues.

And then what? It is time to celebrate, of course. Circumstances and university guidelines permitting, you can have a nice celebratory function with the committee members and your family and friends to mark an important milestone in your career.

Ace that dissertation defense with these PPT templates

Since so much rests on your presentation before the committee, it is imperative that you make a mark with a well-designed presentation. You want to make a good impression with your dissertation defense. So, do it with bespoke professionally-designed dissertation defense PowerPoint presentation templates listed here. Read the highlights and choose the template that will speak for you.

As discussed above, your dissertation defense has to be your instrument of research during your master’s or PhD course. And good professional design in this template is the element you can harness. Plus the biggest beneficial factor is that you get to edit the slides in it as per your wish. In fact, when you prepare your key notes, you can just put them on the slides and present it with ease.

Download this template

We understand that every university may have a different requirement when it comes to presenting a well-researched thesis dissertation defense. So we have curated simple template designs that fulfill your needs. Take advantage of this completely editable deck to organize your thoughts and dissertation material to impress the thesis community from the get go. No matter what topic you have chosen to secure a master’s degree in, you will never go wrong with this template. Present with conviction. Present with confidence.

Meticulous is the mantra when presenting your dissertation defense with passion. It is your subject of expertise. So you must make a good impression when preparing your presentation. Take notes regarding the key points you have gotten in guidance from your adviser. Use this template with attractive infographic slides to put forward your points with credence.

When you need that zeal to support your dissertation defense, you have to present with well-represented facts and figures. This template offers fully editable design that you can mould as per your convenience. If you have fallen short of time, use this template to get bespoke design that amalgamates seamlessly with your dissertation defense content. This comes handy especially when you want the committee’s focus to be on your findings. That way, they will get straight to the point and ask questions that your research an answer.

Sure you have got some time on your hands to prepare a dissertation defense. But why spend hours and hours on figuring out the design and theme of your presentation? Do it quick with this uniform and comprehensive dissertation defense presentation template that will represent your thoughts in a much organized manner. The best part about this template is that it will come in handy in situations of time crunch when preparing for the defense has consumed much of your schedule. Smart work can make the dream work too.

Another template that will be a blessing for your readiness is this one. Herein you get a simple design that will structure your dissertation defense as per the university standards of professionalism. Usually, simplifying concepts for your audience takes a lot of studying and research, which may not leave you much time to prepare a cohesive presentation. The solution lies in this template. Just place your text onto the slides wherever applicable and remove the stuff you do not need. Present and win.

Some universities give preference to a more vibrant dissertation defense presentation. While the design requirement stays professional, a simple white theme with a smart color pattern can also magnetize the committee’s focus to your presentation. The more the retention of focus, the better are the chances of the committee understanding your subject and giving better feedback. You can leverage this recipe to success with the following template. Just edit in minutes and present with caliber.

If you want to project your ideas of research with an offbeat theme, try this template. The colors are easy on the eye and you can easily ace your dissertation defense. Plus the data charts for your findings can be used with easy to understand description. You must check with your university guidelines on drafting a presentation though. If it sticks by the rules, you have your perfect presentation at the ready.

Speaking of themes that appeal to the eye, this template has what it takes to get you that YES. No beating around the bush. Just cutting straight to the point, the template follows a procedural approach with design. Point after point, you can capture the essence of your PhD thesis in a structured manner. You can also rearrange the elements on the lucid slide to fit your requirements. Once you edit the slides, you can take printouts to give to your thesis committee for easy understanding.

Template 10

Explaining the pain points that your research is addressing takes a lot of well-structured analysis. Thereafter, aligning these points to a PowerPoint presentation that you have to make from scratch is not an easy task. Time is of the essence. And so is this thesis presentation ppt template. Edit the required text in 5 minutes with this efficient and user-friendly design. Believe in yourself and present an exquisite dissertation defense.

Template 11

The more you fidget about your presentation, the less confidence you will have. So you must concentrate on getting yourself better prepared instead of rummaging through old-school templates. Time management gets simplified when you use this template. With catchy design and highlights, this template will fit well with the professional dimensions of your dissertation defense. Get it now and get started with a bang.

Template 12

Talk of starting with a bang! To a layman, a dissertation defense may seem like an extremely scientific discussion full of jargon. But in reality it is a tool for a researcher to break down the most complex concepts and put a spotlight on their utility and admissibility through the lens of experts in the field. To tell your story the right way, use this professionally-designed template. This will be useful in those situations where you have a larger audience than just the committee.

Template 13

You know what can help you hit the bull’s eye? A good infographic. And this template has it, and much more. In fact, the infographics and icons follow a common theme to give your dissertation defense that professional edge. Just make sure you remove the dummy text wherever needed and input the text you have summarized in the abstract of your thesis. You can also use the data charts in the slides that follow to convince the committee members regarding your finding.

Template 14

Often students of master’s program ignore the importance of presenting a crisp methodology for their research in front of the thesis committee. With this template, you can use a timeline infographic to trace the projection of your research. Explain the methodology with crisp information for your audience. The template also has the bibliography slide to mention the sources of your data and project collateral. You can download the completely editable presentation and use it to sway the committee in your favor without a doubt.

Template 15

A key precaution that you ought to take while designing the perfect dissertation defense presentation is not to clutter the slides with too much text. Just keep everything crisp. In fact, to get the committee members more engaged with your slides and the corresponding handouts, use this template with minimal text. Just resize the font so that it is legible on the projection board. Clearer text with simple imagery can drive home the point that you came prepared with convincing figures.

Template 16

Icons sure are better than boring bullet points. They also add to the readability of your presentation. With this template, you can leverage an exceptional form of visual communication. You can keep as many icons as you like as per the cohesive theme that the template is designed on. Moreover, quicker presentation preparation will give you time to focus on organizing your thoughts for the dissertation defense. You can also tabulate your findings in the consecutive slides to give the committee more clarity.

Template 17

Definitive research warrants a well-structured dissertation defense. Elaborate your thoughts and ideas with this template. With this template you can offer in-depth analysis about your thesis while keeping the presentation well within the time frame as stipulated by the university guidelines. Make sure you are using the data charts and infographics the right way to represent the corresponding information. You can practice the presentation with ease through this template.

Template 18

It is all in what appeals to the eye; and in your case, the committee’s eyes. Each committee member can pose tricky questions about your study. Why is it relevant? What could be an alternative approach? Explain all that with simple points on this template that has visually appealing theme that grabs attention in an instant. You can make do without the extra slides at the back if you want to keep the presentation short. Just make sure you highlight each point of interest on every suitable slide.

Template 19

Since your thesis can catapult your prospects to successful heights, you might need a presentation that can make an impact even after you have gotten the approval of the committee and got your research published. For example, with the help of this template, you will have something that you can use for a business research proposal as well. Your dissertation proposal will be your USP for potential recruiters as well. So having this precisely designed and well-structured template will help you get the opportunity and projects you want.

Template 20

When it comes to a business setup, researchers are expected to come up with new ideas and proposals. Research is needed for sales expansion, marketing strategy and business growth. So when you get into that professional ecosystem, you must leverage your learning in the master’s program to devise well-structured research proposals as well. This template will help you put together every element of your research and project your vision for the company in an appealing manner. Present and convince the stakeholders within minutes.

Template 21

The best part about fully customizable slides in our collection is that we make it a point to elevate your presentation quotient with our designs. As far as a dissertation defense is concerned, you can easily achieve flexibility during the Q&A with the committee by keeping it short and sweet with this template. Mostly the committee is interested in how you handle the questions related to future implications of your research. You can include the points you are absolutely confident about in this template, so that the committee’s attention stays focused on these ideas. Edit this template as per your liking and let it speak for yourself.

Template 22

Every year, scholars after scholars submit their thesis and perform to their highest capacities in dissertation defense to get that coveted doctorate. Since universities expect them to adhere to the most significant levels of professionalism and structure, it is important for them to be outstanding. And outstanding comes from an outstanding template like this. It is the perfect blend of icons, visual appeal and flow. Use this template to present the most complex concepts in a simple manner.

So in conclusion, your dissertation defense has to go just perfectly for you to accomplish your academic and professional goals. And perfect comes from a perfect presentation. Follow this guide and choose from any of the listed templates to express your thoughts. If you need a little boost to that seat of success, let our design team handle the ride . Cheers to your bright future!

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How Do I Prepare for a Successful Defence?

Vivas and Presentations

• First Online: 19 October 2023

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• Sue Reeves   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3017-0559 3 &
• Bartek Buczkowski   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4146-3664 4  

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Once you have submitted your dissertation, you may be asked to do a defence of your dissertation. This could be in the form of an oral presentation, a poster presentation of your findings, or you could be invited to a viva voce. Vivas, as they are usually known, are particularly common for research degrees such as MPhils or PhDs and are essentially a verbal defence of your thesis that is conducted in an interview style format. At a minimum, the viva is a way of checking you authored the thesis yourself and understand the detail, but it is also an opportunity to discuss your research findings and interpretations in depth with experts. Preparation is key for defending your thesis in a viva or a presentation format. With a bit of groundwork, you could even enjoy the discussion, after all the thesis is the culmination of all your hard work, and no one knows it better than you.

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Ratcliffe R (2015) How to survive a PhD viva: 17 top tips. https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2015/jan/08/how-to-survive-a-phd-viva-17-top-tips. Accessed 3 Mar 2023

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Levin P, Topping G (2006) Perfect presentations. Open University Press

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Reeves, S., Buczkowski, B. (2023). How Do I Prepare for a Successful Defence?. In: Mastering Your Dissertation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41911-9_14

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Thesis Defense: 10 Tips That Are Proven to Work

The thesis defense is a significant event in a graduate student’s journey towards getting a higher degree. Many students find this occasion daunting. But this need not be an unpleasant experience as there are ways to get rid of that uneasy feeling on that momentous day.

What preparations do you need to make your thesis defense a success? This article describes 10 tips that will give you the confidence that you need and prepare for the thesis defense adequately.

Table of Contents

Know the members of the panel in the thesis defense, anticipate the questions.

Anticipate the possible questions related to your study’s objectives, methodology, highlight of results, and conclusions. Write them down the day before the presentation and try your best to answer those questions.

Example Questions

Dress in dark colors, get plenty of rest before your presentation.

It would help if you looked confident and energetic during the thesis defense. Get enough sleep before the day of the presentation to sustain your energy while facing the panel of examiners.

Highlight the important findings of your study

Use a few (3-5) bulleted short phrases in each slide during the thesis defense. Emphasize the point using a figure, statistics, or graphics that complement the idea [Additional tip: Show updated (with the last three to five years) statistics].

Talk at moderate speed

Directly answer the question then expound a little, be thoroughly familiar with the literature that you have cited.

Make sure that you are thoroughly familiar with the literature that you have cited during the thesis defense. Remember the highlights or findings of those studies as well as the limitations.

Be grateful

Don’t forget to thank the members of the panel for their inputs. Also, ensure that you have noted down those inputs.

Always remember the one-to-one correspondence

©2020 August 9 P. A. Regoniel

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In addition to the effective tips mentioned above, for those who are not used to presenting or talking in front a lot of people, practicing in front of a mirror helps a lot. Recording your voice or taking a video while practicing can also help determine the length of the presentation.

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13 Tips to Prepare for Your PhD Dissertation Defense

How well do you know your project? Years of experiments, analysis of results, and tons of literature study, leads you to how well you know your research study. And, PhD dissertation defense is a finale to your PhD years. Often, researchers question how to excel at their thesis defense and spend countless hours on it. Days, weeks, months, and probably years of practice to complete your doctorate, needs to surpass the dissertation defense hurdle.

In this article, we will discuss details of how to excel at PhD dissertation defense and list down some interesting tips to prepare for your thesis defense.

Table of Contents

What Is Dissertation Defense?

Dissertation defense or Thesis defense is an opportunity to defend your research study amidst the academic professionals who will evaluate of your academic work. While a thesis defense can sometimes be like a cross-examination session, but in reality you need not fear the thesis defense process and be well prepared.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamesHaytonPhDacademy

What are the expectations of committee members.

Choosing the dissertation committee is one of the most important decision for a research student. However, putting your dissertation committee becomes easier once you understand the expectations of committee members.

The basic function of your dissertation committee is to guide you through the process of proposing, writing, and revising your dissertation. Moreover, the committee members serve as mentors, giving constructive feedback on your writing and research, also guiding your revision efforts.

The dissertation committee is usually formed once the academic coursework is completed. Furthermore, by the time you begin your dissertation research, you get acquainted to the faculty members who will serve on your dissertation committee. Ultimately, who serves on your dissertation committee depends upon you.

Some universities allow an outside expert (a former professor or academic mentor) to serve on your committee. It is advisable to choose a faculty member who knows you and your research work.

How to Choose a Dissertation Committee Member?

• Avoid popular and eminent faculty member
• Choose the one you know very well and can approach whenever you need them
• A faculty member whom you can learn from is apt.
• Members of the committee can be your future mentors, co-authors, and research collaborators. Choose them keeping your future in mind.

How to Prepare for Dissertation Defense?

1. Start Your Preparations Early

Thesis defense is not a 3 or 6 months’ exercise. Don’t wait until you have completed all your research objectives. Start your preparation well in advance, and make sure you know all the intricacies of your thesis and reasons to all the research experiments you conducted.

2. Attend Presentations by Other Candidates

Look out for open dissertation presentations at your university. In fact, you can attend open dissertation presentations at other universities too. Firstly, this will help you realize how thesis defense is not a scary process. Secondly, you will get the tricks and hacks on how other researchers are defending their thesis. Finally, you will understand why dissertation defense is necessary for the university, as well as the scientific community.

3. Take Enough Time to Prepare the Slides

Dissertation defense process harder than submitting your thesis well before the deadline. Ideally, you could start preparing the slides after finalizing your thesis. Spend more time in preparing the slides. Make sure you got the right data on the slides and rephrase your inferences, to create a logical flow to your presentation.

4. Structure the Presentation

Do not be haphazard in designing your presentation. Take time to create a good structured presentation. Furthermore, create high-quality slides which impresses the committee members. Make slides that hold your audience’s attention. Keep the presentation thorough and accurate, and use smart art to create better slides.

5. Practice Breathing Techniques

Watch a few TED talk videos and you will notice that speakers and orators are very fluent at their speech. In fact, you will not notice them taking a breath or falling short of breath. The only reason behind such effortless oratory skill is practice — practice in breathing technique.

Moreover, every speaker knows how to control their breath. Long and steady breaths are crucial. Pay attention to your breathing and slow it down. All you need I some practice prior to this moment.

6. Create an Impactful Introduction

The audience expects a lot from you. So your opening statement should enthrall the audience. Furthermore, your thesis should create an impact on the members; they should be thrilled by your thesis and the way you expose it.

The introduction answers most important questions, and most important of all “Is this presentation worth the time?” Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression , because the first few minutes sets the tone for your entire presentation.

7. Maintain Your Own List of Questions

While preparing for the presentation, make a note of all the questions that you ask yourself. Try to approach all the questions from a reader’s point of view. You could pretend like you do not know the topic and think of questions that could help you know the topic much better.

The list of questions will prepare you for the questions the members may pose while trying to understand your research. Attending other candidates’ open discussion will also help you assume the dissertation defense questions.

8. Practice Speech and Body Language

After successfully preparing your slides and practicing, you could start focusing on how you look while presenting your thesis. This exercise is not for your appearance but to know your body language and relax if need be.

Pay attention to your body language. Stand with your back straight, but relax your shoulders. The correct posture will give you the feel of self-confidence. So, observe yourself in the mirror and pay attention to movements you make.

9. Give Mock Presentation

Giving a trial defense in advance is a good practice. The most important factor for the mock defense is its similarity to your real defense, so that you get the experience that prepares for the actual defense.

10. Learn How to Handle Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. However, it is important to carry on. Do not let the mistakes affect your thesis defense. Take a deep breath and move on to the next point.

11. Do Not Run Through the Presentation

If you are nervous, you would want to end the presentation as soon as possible. However, this situation will give rise to anxiety and you will speak too fast, skipping the essential details. Eventually, creating a fiasco of your dissertation defense .

12. Get Plenty of Rest

Out of the dissertation defense preparation points, this one is extremely important. Obviously, sleeping a day before your big event is hard, but you have to focus and go to bed early, with the clear intentions of getting the rest you deserve.

13. Visualize Yourself Defending Your Thesis

This simple exercise creates an immense impact on your self-confidence. All you have to do is visualize yourself giving a successful presentation each evening before going to sleep. Everyday till the day of your thesis defense, see yourself standing in front of the audience and going from one point to another.

This exercise takes a lot of commitment and persistence, but the results in the end are worth it. Visualization makes you see yourself doing the scary thing of defending your thesis.

If you have taken all these points into consideration, you are ready for your big day. You have worked relentlessly for your PhD degree , and you will definitely give your best in this final step.

Have you completed your thesis defense? How did you prepare for it and how was your experience throughout your dissertation defense ? Do write to us or comment below.

The tips are very useful.I will recomend it to our students.

Excellent. As a therapist trying to help a parent of a candidate, I am very impressed and thankful your concise, clear, action-oriented article. Thank you.

Thanks for your sharing. It is so good. I can learn a lot from your ideas. Hope that in my dissertation defense next time I can pass

The tips are effective. Will definitely apply them in my dissertation.

My dissertation defense is coming up in less than two weeks from now, I find this tips quite instructive, I’ll definitely apply them. Thank you so much.

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50 Congratulations Messages for Thesis Defense

The culmination of years of research, sleepless nights, and countless revisions, a thesis defense is a significant milestone in any scholar’s academic journey. It marks the transition from student to expert, from learner to contributor. 

As friends, family, and colleagues, it’s our privilege and joy to share in this momentous occasion. 

And what better way to express our admiration and pride than with the perfect congratulatory message? 

Whether you’re seeking heartfelt words or a touch of humor, this guide offers some congratulatory messages tailored for thesis defenses, ensuring that you convey just the right sentiment. 

Dive in and discover the ideal way to celebrate this monumental achievement!

Congratulations Messages for Thesis Defense

• Congratulations on your outstanding defense! The dedication and hard work you poured into your research truly shone through today. You’ve set the bar high for aspiring researchers.
• Every step of your academic journey has led to this monumental achievement. You’ve not only defended your thesis but also upheld the spirit of inquiry. Well done!
• Bravo! Your passion for your topic was evident in your defense. May this success open doors to even greater achievements in the future.
• It’s not just about defending a thesis, it’s about standing strong for your ideas and insights. You’ve made everyone proud today! Keep reaching for the stars.
• Your defense was nothing short of spectacular! Your depth of knowledge and eloquence truly impressed everyone. Celebrate this huge milestone!
• Watching you defend your thesis was a clear reminder of the power of dedication and perseverance. You’ve achieved something truly remarkable. Kudos to you!
• Your rigorous research, methodical approach, and confident defense have surely set you apart. You’re destined for greatness! Congratulations!
• Celebrating your phenomenal achievement today! Your defense was a testament to the countless hours of hard work and commitment. Well done!
• You’ve not only defended your thesis but also ignited inspiration in many. Your prowess and expertise were truly commendable. Hats off to you!
• Today, you’ve added another feather to your academic cap. Your defense was articulate and insightful, paving the way for many more successes.

• Your success story is an inspiration. With every challenge, you’ve risen above and proved your mettle. Heartiest congratulations on a brilliant defense!
• The way you handled the questions and presented your findings was truly commendable. You’ve defended more than a thesis; you’ve defended your dreams.
• A monumental day in your academic journey! Your defense showcased not just your findings, but also your deep passion for your subject. Congrats!
• The precision, dedication, and brilliance you displayed during your defense was unparalleled. May this success lead you to greater adventures!
• Congratulations on turning your thesis into a masterpiece and defending it with such flair! You are indeed a force to be reckoned with in your field.
• You came, you researched, and you conquered! Today’s defense was a shining moment in your academic journey. Take a bow!
• Your meticulous research and eloquent defense have surely set a benchmark. Heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
• From the proposal to the defense, your journey has been a testament to hard work and perseverance. Today, you reaped the rewards. Cheers to you!
• It’s one thing to write a thesis and another to defend it so proficiently. You’ve showcased true academic excellence. Congratulations!
• Your defense was a powerful demonstration of your commitment to your field. You’ve made a mark, and this is just the beginning. Well done!

• By successfully defending your thesis, you’ve proven that dreams coupled with hard work can lead to monumental achievements. Congrats!
• The diligence with which you approached your thesis and the confidence with which you defended it were exemplary. Your future is bright! Cheers to your success.
• A standing ovation for your impeccable defense! Your passion and dedication were palpable in every word you spoke. Congratulations!
• Your thesis defense was more than a presentation; it was a performance of your unwavering commitment to your research. You’ve truly outdone yourself. Bravo!
• Today, you’ve not only earned a degree but also the respect and admiration of many. Your defense was a masterclass. Here’s to many more accomplishments!
• Your resilience and determination have culminated in this grand moment. Every slide, every word, every answer was a testament to your dedication. Congratulations!
• The journey from hypothesis to conclusion is long and arduous. Yet, you navigated it with grace and brilliance. Your defense was simply extraordinary!
• Today, you didn’t just defend a thesis; you showcased your unwavering commitment to knowledge. Your confidence and expertise were in full display. Cheers!
• What a magnificent achievement! Your eloquent defense was a reflection of the hard work and sleepless nights you invested. Take a well-deserved bow!
• Behind this success is a saga of challenges, perseverance, and undying passion. You defended with vigor and pride. Heartiest congratulations!

• Today, you’ve shown everyone that with passion and determination, even the loftiest academic goals can be achieved. Your defense was impeccable!
• As you stood there, confidently presenting and defending, you personified academic excellence. Many congratulations on your momentous achievement!
• Thesis defense is more than an academic ritual; it’s a rite of passage. You’ve transitioned with such brilliance. Here’s to the journey ahead!
• Your defense today wasn’t just about your research; it was about your dedication, your passion, and your drive. You truly shined! Congratulations!
• In the realm of academia, moments like these define a scholar. Your remarkable defense has undoubtedly set you on a path of greatness. Kudos!
• Celebrating your incredible milestone! Every query you addressed showcased the depth of your understanding. Your defense was truly commendable.
• In your defense, we didn’t just see slides and hear words; we witnessed your journey, your struggles, and your victories. A job splendidly done!
• The brilliance with which you defended your thesis is indicative of the great things awaiting you in the future. Heartfelt congratulations!
• Your defense was a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and prowess. It’s evident how much of yourself you’ve poured into this work. Salutations on your achievement!
• To take a concept, research it thoroughly, and then defend it with such finesse is truly admirable. Your hard work has paid off! Cheers!

• This is not just a celebration of your defense but also a testament to your relentless pursuit of knowledge. You’ve made everyone immensely proud.
• Not everyone can stand their ground and defend their years of research with such confidence. You were phenomenal! Here’s to this and many more successes.
• The depth, the rigor, and the brilliance you showcased during your defense was a masterclass in itself. You’ve raised the bar! Congratulations.
• Today’s success story is a combination of your determination, hard work, and an undying spirit of inquiry. You truly deserve all the accolades!
• Thesis defense is a significant milestone, and the way you executed it was nothing short of perfection. You’ve etched a mark in everyone’s heart. Kudos!
• The journey you embarked on led to this commendable defense. Every challenge faced has turned into a stepping stone for your success. Hats off to you!
• Your defense was an exhibition of your depth of knowledge and commitment to your field. A triumphant moment truly worth celebrating!
• Successfully defending a thesis is a monumental achievement, and today, you’ve proven your mettle. Warmest congratulations on this feat!
• Your defense wasn’t just a presentation; it was a manifestation of your passion, hard work, and perseverance. Your success is truly well-deserved.
• In your defense, we saw the culmination of years of dedication, learning, and growth. You’ve made a remarkable achievement. Heartiest congratulations!

Founder @ ReadingsWithHope.com

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With a MOSA-enabled backbone, the ITEP engine, launched effects, and autonomy, the Black Hawk helicopter would be well-suited to both near-peer conflict and all-domain operations.

Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s modernization efforts for the Black Hawk are largely focused on the ITEP engine, MOSA with the digital backbone, and launched effects. (Lockheed Martin graphic)

The Army flew its first prototype helicopter in 1942 and soon after pressed the Sikorsky XR-4 into service during World War II. Impressed by the “eggbeater” with its single lifting rotor and anti-torque tail rotor, the U.S. Army Air Force ordered 100 enhanced models primarily for combat rescue and reconnaissance.

Some 82 years later, a seismic upheaval of technological advances in today’s rotary wing aircraft are catapulting the stalwart workhorse into new realms of attack and transport, and prompting a re-imagining of rotary wing flight capabilities. We discussed these developments with Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s Hamid Salim, vice president for Army & Air Force Systems.

Breaking Defense: What’s the role of Army vertical lift in the near-peer environment?

Hamid Salim is vice president for Army & Air Force Systems for Lockheed Martin Sikorsky.

Salim: I recently visited customers in Europe, and they’re clearly focused on Ukraine. Customers in the Pacific are focused on security and deterrence in that region, and commanders in the U.S. are telling me the next generation of helicopters need to be connected and have more range and payload. There’s a growing interest in solving for contested logistics, leveraging crewed and uncrewed capabilities, having the pilots focus more on missions than flying the helicopter.

But what I’m not hearing is that rotary aircraft are less relevant. I’m hearing that they’ll actually remain an essential part of military operations around the world for the next 50 years.

In lower-tier air domain, nothing performs better than a helicopter. It offers unmatched versatility, reach and access across varying terrain for a wide array of missions from air assault to frontline resupply and humanitarian relief. We continue to see strong demand from the U.S. and our international customers.

But we’ve got to evolve that capability for tomorrow’s missions, like installing new engines for improved turbine power to ultimately provide lift and fuel efficiency, giving commanders more flexibility. MOSA will make upgrading the enduring platform faster and easier. Crewed and uncrewed teaming will deliver critical network and intelligence in the contested environments while keeping the pilots and soldiers out of harm’s way.

Breaking Defense: How is Sikorsky responding to demand signals from the DoD and partners for helicopter capabilities?

Salim: We’ve got a robust backlog and pipeline with the Black Hawk , CH-53K King Stallion, the Air Force’s HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter, the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk, and the S-92. We see that the orders backlog will extend well beyond 2027, as there’s high global demand for our products. We’ve seen recent wins in Australia, Romania, Croatia, Greece, and other countries. We’re also looking at next-generation rotorcraft, like our Rotor Blown Wing prototype for DARPA, and the hybrid-electric, tilt-wing aircraft we call HEX.

The Black Hawk remains the world’s most versatile utility helicopter with strong international demand. With 4,000 flying worldwide in 35 countries and 15 million flight hours, including over 5 million combat hours, it’s a proven workhorse that the Army will be flying for another 50 years.

This is an opportunity to transform the role of the helicopter – and in particular the UH-60M Black Hawk – in a 21st century security environment to play a critical role in Joint All-Domain Operations. Obviously our focus today is on transforming our operations and strengthening our supply chain in order to quickly and efficiently deliver on the global demand that we’re seeing.

As part of our One Lockheed Martin transformation initiative that we call 1LMX, we’re revolutionizing our operations and moving to an all-digital engineering activity that’ll use tools like augmented and virtual reality to streamline design, manufacturing and sustainment. By digitizing our operations, we can leverage model-based systems engineering to deliver on our orders while keeping our platforms competitive for future opportunities. Sikorsky is at the forefront of this activity with these tools already integrated into our production line and for our engineers.

DARPA and Lockheed Martin Sikorsky fly the optionally piloted Black Hawk, which includes the MATRIX autonomy solution. (Lockheed Martin photo)

Breaking Defense: Black Hawk is a cornerstone aircraft for the military. What are you doing to keep the Black Hawk relevant as missions change and threats evolve?

Salim: I reflect on Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth’s recent testimony that the Army’s going to go through a profound transformation to keep pace with technology for evolving threats. And when the current 10th multi-year contract expires, it’s the Army’s plan to enter into an 11th multi-year production contract and modernize the existing Black Hawk.

The Black Hawk helicopter is the workhorse of the division, and we’ll continue to have meaningful discussions with the Army on the roadmap for Black Hawk modernization to ensure it remains relevant in large-scale combat operation. A modernized Black Hawk will give the Army a network assault utility capability into the 2070s.

Our modernization efforts are largely focused on the ITEP engine, MOSA with the digital backbone, and launched effects.

The installation of the improved turbine engine is a key component of the roadmap to a modernized Black Hawk. It’ll offer 50 percent more power than the T700 and a 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency so the aircraft has more range and payload. The new ITEP will give division commanders more options for planning and executing assault missions. This will be a game changer for the Army, and also for the National Guard units. The ITEP also enhances safety, reduces operating costs and provides growth for the future needs of the warfighter.

Regarding MOSA, we’re leveraging significant modular open system approach investments in FARA and applying that to the Black Hawk. We’ve been developing the MOSA infrastructure to show rapid integration of new capability, and demonstrating crewed and uncrewed teaming technologies that can be used by pilots, crew, and ground personnel.

We’re also demonstrating the benefit of digital infrastructures that allow our customer to make organic changes to aircraft while enabling distributed situational awareness. Black Hawk could carry and manage a squadron of launched effects drones to be the forward-deployed eyes and ears for the division commander. We’ve been doing this both in Future Vertical Lift and Black Hawk simulators and aircraft, showing how these assets can seamlessly work together to give our ground commanders a tactical edge.

By employing open systems and automation, we’ve been able to show how FVL technologies can translate to the enduring fleet and allow platforms like the Black Hawk to realize the benefits of the investments we’ve been making for Future Vertical Lift.

All of that is to make sure that the Black Hawk of tomorrow is better than the Black Hawk of today.

Breaking Defense: What’s the status of the autonomous Black Hawk program? How about autonomy in general regarding crewed-uncrewed capabilities at Sikorsky?

Salim: Our CEO Jim Taiclet has shared his vision of 21st century security, and it includes dramatic advancements in autonomy. Since 2013, Sikorsky Innovations has been developing and testing a suite of technologies called MATRIX that ultimately allow not only our helicopters but also fixed-wing aircraft to be flown with various levels of autonomy. Now having demonstrated the MATRIX autonomy suite on over 10 aircraft, including the S-76, the Black Hawk S-70/UH-60, as well as the Cessna 208 Caravan, we’re seeing strong interest from the military and commercial sectors for platforms that are both enabled by higher levels of automation and that offer added safety and efficiency.

In the past two years, Sikorsky has demonstrated how an autonomous Black Hawk can be quickly programmed and launched to drop water on a wildfire soon after it was detected, and how an uncrewed Black Hawk controlled by MATRIX can resupply troops in contested airspace. We have an example of the OPV (optionally piloted vehicle) Black Hawk that carried internal cargo in a sling load at just 200 feet of altitude at a high speed to simulate the battle environment.

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Gag order in classified docs case may lead to trump’s ‘arrest’ after debate with biden, lawyer says.

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Former President Donald Trump could be arrested immediately following Thursday’s debate with President Biden if a South Florida federal judge approves a gag order sought by federal prosecutors in the classified documents case against the ex-commander-in-chief, one of Trump’s defense attorneys has claimed.

Todd Blanche argued Monday in Fort Pierce, Fla., federal court that the speech restrictions sought by special counsel Jack Smith “would be extremely chilling to President Trump and what he’s allowed to say.”

If approved, Blanche added, Smith’s team could “get an arrest warrant” if Trump, 78, says anything during the CNN debate that is deemed to violate the order, Politico reported .

“If signed, they can arrest him,” the attorney added.

US District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, rejected a request last month for a gag order that would bar threatening statements made about law enforcement — and chastised one of the prosecutors arguing for it in her courtroom on Monday.

Cannon lashed out at one of Smith’s top deputies, David Harbach, at one point for complaining that her constant questioning about any imminent threats to federal agents had prevented him from finishing his arguments.

“I don’t appreciate your tone,” Cannon responded, according to the New York Times. “I think we have been here before. I expect decorum in this courtroom. If you’re not able to do that, I’m sure one of your colleagues could take your place.”

Smith’s team claimed that Trump had mischaracterized a routine “deadly force” authorization during the August 2022 FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago estate, describing it “as an attempt to kill him, his family, and Secret Service agents,” according to court filings .

Prosecutors said the former president’s remarks had “endangered law enforcement officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case and threatened the integrity of these proceedings.”

“A restriction prohibiting future similar statements does not restrict legitimate speech,” Smith’s team wrote in a May 31 motion to modify the conditions of Trump’s release.

Earlier that month, the former president had blasted out fundraising emails that alleged the FBI agents were “locked & loaded,” “ready to take me out” and “just itching to do the unthinkable,” prosecutors noted in their filing.

On Truth Social, Trump had also claimed that “Crooked Joe Biden’s DOJ, in their Illegal and UnConstitutional [sic] Raid of Mar-a-Lago, AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland called the allegation “false” and “extremely dangerous,” echoing an FBI statement about the “deadly force” authorization being “standard protocol.”

“As the FBI advises, it is part of a standard operations plan for searches and, in fact, it was even used in the consensual search of President Biden’s home ,” Garland told reporters on May 23.

Blanche, meanwhile, has said prosecutors have yet to prove any direct threat against a law enforcement officer based on Trump’s speech.

Cannon did not tell prosecutors or defense attorneys when she plans to issue a ruling on the gag order, a limitation imposed on Trump during his recent “hush money” case in Manhattan as well as his 2020 election interference case in Washington, DC.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 40 counts stemming from the classified documents indictment.

The trial date has since been indefinitely postponed by Cannon , as Trump’s defense team has argued Smith was an improperly appointed special counsel.

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DeSantis signs law allowing Floridians to shoot and kill bears in self-defense

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a controversial bill allowing people to shoot and kill bears in self-defense. The measure sailed through the Republican-led Senate in a 24-12 vote in February.

The law, which takes effect July 1, allows killing bears if a person “reasonably believed” it was necessary to avoid death or serious injury to themselves, other people or family pets, as well as substantial damage to homes, according to the bill language .

Black bears were once a threatened species in Florida, but they recently saw stiffened protections under DeSantis. In 2020, the governor signed a bill that increased penalties for illegal bear hunting to protect them from poachers.

Bear hunting has been illegal in Florida since 1994, except for a limited season in October 2015.

Elizabeth Fleming, the senior Florida representative for Defenders of Wildlife, said the governor’s latest move may be well intentioned, but it’s unnecessary.

“I’m just afraid there are going to be some terrible, unintended consequences where people are going to say we made a mistake here,” she said.

The law’s passage comes just weeks after a more than 400-pound black bear was found shot dead in an Apopka man’s yard June 6. The animal had a bullet hole in its left lung, and the official cause of death was an “illegal kill,” according to records obtained by the Tampa Bay Times. Florida wildlife officials closed their investigation after they couldn’t determine who killed the bear.

Fleming said the law undercuts hard work being done by bear biologists for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Politicians are not well placed and do not have the proper knowledge to manage our wildlife,” Fleming said. “There are already agencies for that.”

Of the 87,000 recorded bear-related reports since 1980, just over 1,000 callers said they were threatened, attacked or injured by a bear. The wildlife agency categorizes bear reports as threatening to a human if the caller says the animal clacked its teeth together, huffed, charged or chased them.

There is no record of human fatalities caused directly by black bears in Florida, according to wildlife officials.

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Under the new law, people who shoot bears are required to notify the wildlife commission within 24 hours.

Jack Prator is a reporter covering breaking news and environment. Reach him at [email protected].

Max Chesnes is an environment and climate reporter, covering water quality, environmental justice and wildlife. Reach him at [email protected].

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