You completed your dissertation or thesis. It is approved and your advisor thinks you are ready for the next important step – your dissertation or thesis defense.
 
The date of this event is appointed, and now you have to start preparing for the dissertation defense. By the way, how much time do you have? A week or two? Do not spend this precious time on panicking and ruminating about such silly things as “What if thesis committee members will ask questions that I do not have answers to” or “I am sure they will ask for revision”.
 
The most important thing you have to do to prepare for the dissertation defense is to calm down.
 
Now, let us give you some tips on how to prepare for the dissertation defense.
 
Preparing for the dissertation defense: tip #1
 
Visit several defenses of other graduates. It is the most effective way to find out what is waiting for you and how you should act. Pay attention to the smallest details, even to clothes that a graduate wears.
 
Preparing for the dissertation defense: tip # 2
 
Know yourself. What we mean is that you should always remember about your strong and weak points as a dissertation writer, things that might distract you, and some unique methods to cope with stress that work personally for you.
 
Preparing for the dissertation defense: tip # 3
 
Definitely, preparing for the dissertation defense does not mean mental preparation only. It also means that you need to make a detailed plan of what you are going to talk about.
 
Preparing for the dissertation defense: tip # 4
 
Practice your performance several times. First, you can prepare this dissertation defense for your family. Then, perform in front of your peers. Consider all critical comments and think how to eliminate these flaws.