For most students, defending a dissertation is the most humiliating process. If you ask them, they will rather write five more dissertations than defend one. It is no wonder.
 
Defending a dissertation presupposes being good at public speaking, and not all of us are good in mesmerizing the crowd. But you can work out a strategy. By knowing what the committee wants from the process of defending a dissertation, you can get ready. So….
 
What They Expect:

1. A brief and concise defense. No one will listen to you for even twenty minutes. You are most likely to get a 10-minute limit for defending your dissertation. If you are way over the time limit, you are most likely to be interrupted.
2. A self-assured speech. Can you imagine someone mumbling for about 10 minutes? How would you feel about this person? Now try to excuse those who will try to get through your whisper while you try to survive the process of defending your dissertation.
3. A well-prepared background. The more interested they get in your dissertation, the more questions you will be asked. And it is good. But they will expect you to answer these questions. Be ready for this.

How You Can Make It:

• Write a draft. Before defending your dissertation, select the most important out of your writing – your statement, best arguments and best facts, and put together a draft of your future speech. Make sure it does not exceed the time limit.
• Practice talking. How to defend a dissertation without speaking? It is impossible. If you are having troubles with presentations, practice in front of the mirror, out loud, with gestures, pauses, voice, and intonation. Several times. This will help, we assure you.
• Know the question. To be able to answer the questions while defending your dissertation, you should know not only the facts you included into your speech, but also those left behind. Therefore, go over the entire writing before the defense.