What is a thesis defence?
For most study programmes, the thesis defence consists of a 10-20 minute presentation in which you briefly explain your research. The graduation committee then has around 15-30 minutes to ask critical questions. Usually, each member asks at least one question, after which the audience is also given the opportunity to ask questions. The committee then briefly leaves the room to decide on your grade. After about 10 minutes, they come back in, and you hopefully hear the words you have been waiting for: you’ve graduated!
The exact format and duration of your defence may vary, so be sure to check the guidelines for your specific study programme. And, if you get the chance to attend a friend's or classmate's thesis defence, definitely do so. Seeing how a defence actually works makes your own defence feel far less intimidating!
Re-read your thesis
That one chapter you wrote six months ago? Chances are you no longer know all the ins and outs. So, before your defence, critically read through your entire thesis once or twice again. Think about why you made certain choices, why you used that particular method, and what the key conclusions and limitations are. Don’t overdo it, though. You really don’t need to know exact percentages off the top of your head, or re-read your thesis on the morning of your defence. As long as you know the main points and can justify what you’ve done, you’re good to go!
Think about possible questions
While preparing, it also helps to consider the types of questions you might be asked and how you might answer them. Of course, you can expect questions about the specifics of your thesis subject, but also questions such as:
- How does your work contribute to the field?
- What are the limitations of your research?
- How would you explain x or y?
- What would you investigate in a follow-up study?
Practise answering these kinds of questions concisely and with good reasoning, so that you’ll feel more confident during your actual defence.
Answering challenging questions
During your defence, you may be asked a difficult question to which you do not know the answer straight away. Don’t panic, though! First, take a moment to think about the question. If necessary, ask for clarification. Don’t immediately say that you don’t know, but also avoid making random guesses. Instead, try to explain your reasoning behind your thoughts on the matter. Remember that the graduation committee isn’t there to bring you down or ask trick questions. Usually, the committee members are actually curious to hear your views on a subject and how you can justify them; they may not even know the answer themselves. So, don’t let a difficult question throw you off balance!
Practise, practise, practise
Practise your presentation a few times so that you can deliver a smooth, structured story. But once again: don’t overdo it! Avoid writing out your entire text and memorising it word for word, but focus on feeling comfortable with your story instead. That way, your presentation will come across as much more natural, and there will still be room for spontaneity and improvisation.
Usually, the target audience of your presentation includes people from your field of research. So, be sure to practise in front of your fellow students and check whether they can follow along easily. But friends, roommates or family also make great practice audiences. Ask them to challenge you with a few questions as well, so you can practise answering them on the spot.
Bring friends and family
A row of serious-looking committee members at the front of the room can feel quite intimidating. I would therefore really recommend bringing friends and family along. That way, your defence will feel more like talking about something you’ve worked hard on, rather than a serious assessment. And don’t forget: your thesis is also something to be proud of. Sharing that moment with friends and family and celebrating afterwards makes it even more special.
Presentation: less is more
Your thesis is the result of months of hard work. “There’s no way that can fit into a 20-minute presentation,” I hear you thinking. Spoiler: you’re right, it can’t. Fortunately, though, you don’t have to include everything. During your presentation, the main points of your research must be clear, but you shouldn’t mention every single result or limitation.
Try to convey one clear message on each slide and ensure a logical story, structured like your thesis. That is, some background and the problem statement, your methods and key results, a brief discussion, and finally your main conclusion and take-home message. Tables, graphs, images and other details you don’t cover in your presentation can be included in a few extra slides. If you’re asked a question about any of these, you can refer to them and use them to support your answer. This way, you’ll immediately come across as well-prepared.
Nerves…
Let’s be honest; no matter how well prepared you are, everyone is a bit (or very) nervous on the day of their defence. Fortunately, though, you can get your nerves under control with a few smart tips. In any case, make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat well in the days leading up to your defence. Don’t spend the day before practising endlessly or re-reading your thesis. Instead, try to relax. Go shopping, work out, watch a film, or whatever works for you. It also helps to decide what you are going to wear in advance, so you don’t have to stress about your outfit on the morning itself.
During your presentation, it often helps to speak a little more slowly than you’re used to. This helps you stay calm and makes your presentation easier for others to follow. Taking an occasional short pause is great, too.
Finally, don’t forget that you’re the expert! Ultimately, you know your research better than anyone else in the room. So, try to stand in front of that audience with confidence and enthusiasm.
Final practical tips
For your defence, wear something neat but, above all, something you feel comfortable in. And no, that does not include a tracksuit 😉, but you also don’t have to wear a full three-piece suit if that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Make sure to bring your laptop and charger with the presentation loaded, but always have a backup ready. Save your presentation on a USB stick and email it to yourself just in case something goes wrong. Arrive well in advance to set everything up and, if possible, ask a friend or family member to help you. That way, you don’t have to worry about the technical things. And finally: bringing a bottle of water, deodorant and a hairbrush is never a bad idea!
Let’s celebrate!
You did it! After years of hard work, you finally got your degree. And that deserves to be celebrated. Time for cake, drinks and, of course, the iconic graduation photos at the UT letters!
