How to Defend Your Dissertation (And Impress the Committee)

How to Defend Your Dissertation: 10 Tips to Crush It

Defense day = your Super Bowl. Prep like a pro and walk out Dr.

1. Know Your Weak Spots

Committee attacks methods or gaps. Prep 3 rebuttals.

2. Practice with Mock Defense

Friends = committee. Record → fix “umms”

3. Use SpeedyPaper for Slides

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4. 10-Min Rule

First 10 min: Summarize problem, gap, findings, impact.

5. Anticipate 5 Questions

• Why this method?
• Limitations?
• Future research?
• So what?
• Alternative explanation?

6. Dress + Body Language

Suit, smile, eye contact. Confidence = 50% win.

7. Bring Handouts

1-page summary + key table. They remember you.

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