Tips for your thesis defense and graduation presentation

Thesis approved? Thesis defense a piece of cake?

Don’t assume that defending your thesis is a cakewalk just because it has been approved. Sometimes, uncertainties can arise during the defense. However, a strong presentation and a good defense can dispel any doubts and improve your overall grade. It’s also possible that your thesis may be solid, but if your defense falls short, it can result in a lower or even failing grade. That is why it’s crucial to give equal attention to both your graduation presentation and your defense.

When are you allowed to defend your thesis?

In general, you can only defend your thesis if it has been adequately assessed. The defense can have a significant impact on your final result, determining whether you pass or fail. However, it is important to note that there are exceptions where programs allow all students to defend their thesis, regardless of the initial assessment outcome. In certain cases, if the thesis has not been assessed thoroughly, the defense may be transformed into a feedback conversation.

What does your thesis defense entail?

The purpose of a thesis defense is to demonstrate that you have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills during your research and that you are capable of presenting and defending your research results in a clear and persuasive manner. During the defense, you have the opportunity to provide insights into the well-considered choices you made throughout your thesis. The assessors evaluate your ability to critically reflect on your research and determine whether you possess a broad perspective on your work. Typically, two assessors are present at the defense, often the same individuals who assessed your thesis. Occasionally, it may be permissible to invite parents or friends to attend. The duration of the defense usually ranges from half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the specific requirements of your course. It is crucial to carefully review these requirements.

Your thesis defense usually consists of three parts:

A graduation presentation, also called a final presentation.
Answering questions, where your knowledge is tested and you can expect critical questions.
The assessment, where you will be told immediately after your defense whether you have passed and you will receive feedback.
A graduation presentation, also known as a final presentation.

Answering questions to test your knowledge and may include critical questions.

The assessment is conducted immediately after your defense, where you will be informed whether you have passed and receive feedback.

Graduation presentation

You present your research through a graduation presentation. Typically, you can use a computer or projector for this purpose. It is advisable to print the slides a few times as a precaution in case of technological glitches.

Please note that your supervisor and second reader may not specialize in your topic. Put yourself in the shoes of your audience and ensure that the graduation presentation is comprehensible to them.

Prepare your presentation diligently and ensure it has a logical flow. Take a look at our tips for the PowerPoint presentation below.

Some programs may prefer a shorter defense that excludes the presentation. In such cases, you can provide a brief explanation of your thesis. However, the structure of your narrative can remain the same as it was before the presentation.

Critical questions

After the presentation comes the most crucial part: the question period. During this time, you will be asked questions to assess both your understanding of the subject and your research. It’s important to note that these questions are not meant to catch you off guard but rather to demonstrate genuine interest. So, don’t feel attacked by them and respond calmly and clearly to the questions you receive. If you are asked a question to which you don’t know the answer, indicate that you need a moment to think and ask if you can address the question later.

Judgement

After the questioning, both you (and the audience) will be asked to leave for a few minutes. This allows your supervisor and second reader to discuss the quality of your thesis and defense, and determine your final grade. The two-eye principle is followed in this process, and the assessment form is usually accompanied by an explanation, which you will receive following your oral exam. Following the consultation, you will be summoned back, and hopefully, you will hear the encouraging words that you have successfully passed!

How do you structure your graduation presentation for your thesis defense?

Introducing the problem: Start by introducing the problem you investigated in your thesis. Discuss the reason and why it is relevant.

Formulating your main question and/or hypotheses: Provide a clear explanation of the main question(s) or hypotheses that you have formulated for your research. This helps listeners understand the focus of your research.
Discussing the research design: Explain how you designed the research. This includes the methods and techniques you used to conduct your research.
Presenting the research results: Provide a brief overview of the most important research results. Focus on the most relevant findings and use only 1-2 slides to present them.
Conclusions: Discuss the conclusions you have drawn based on your research. What are the most important insights you have gained?
Discussion and advice: Give your advice based on your conclusions. Discuss any implications and possible actions that could be taken based on your research.
Highlighting limitations and future research: Discuss the limitations of your study and any suggestions for future research in this area.
Reflection on your learning process: Conclude with a reflection on what you learned while writing your thesis and conducting the research. What are the key learning points you would like to share?

By following this structure, you will ensure that your final presentation offers a clear and well-structured explanation of your research and findings, making it easier for listeners to comprehend and appreciate your work.

Tips to prepare for your thesis defense

To prepare effectively for the thesis defense, it is important to follow these steps:

Know your thesis: Ensure that you have a solid understanding of your thesis. Take the time to review each section and comprehend the arguments, methods, and conclusions that you have presented.
Anticipate potential questions: Consider what questions your assessors might ask based on your thesis. The sample questions you have compiled serve as a good starting point.
Practice your responses: Practice answering these questions, ideally with a fellow student or someone knowledgeable about your topic. This will assist you in organizing your thoughts and delivering clear and concise answers.
Be prepared for criticism: Embrace criticism and be ready to defend your choices. It is normal to have weaknesses in your research; however, demonstrate that you have addressed them and learned from them.
Stay calm and confident: It is crucial to maintain a calm demeanor and exude confidence during the defense. Take deep breaths and take your time to consider your answers before responding to questions.
Show enthusiasm: Display your passion for the subject and convey pride in your work. This can leave a positive impression on your reviewers.
Listen attentively to feedback: Take the feedback from your evaluators seriously and view it as an opportunity for growth. If something is unclear, ask questions, and be prepared to make any necessary changes.

By following these steps and adequately preparing, you can enter your thesis defense with confidence and make a lasting impression on your reviewers.

Black out? Help!

Do you suffer from nerves, or are you afraid of having a blackout during your defense? It’s normal to feel nervous about your defense, so try to get plenty of rest in the days leading up to it. Remember that you have already come a long way and are well-prepared. Another helpful strategy is to practice with classmates or friends by reading each other’s theses and asking challenging questions. This will help you become more comfortable answering questions and improve your defense skills.

Failed, what now?

If you hear that you did not pass your oral exam, it can be understandably disappointing. Ask your supervisor or examiners for specific feedback on areas that need improvement. This will provide valuable insights into your mistakes and help you improve for future attempts. You will usually receive an assessment form with targeted feedback as well.

Don’t lose heart. Try to stay calm and use the tips below to identify how you can improve your defense and/or presentation.
Take time to reflect on your performance during the oral exam and note both your strengths and areas for improvement.
If anything is unclear about why you did not pass, do not hesitate to ask questions. It is important to fully understand the expectations for a successful retake.
Utilize the feedback you received and your own analysis to create a plan for improvement.
Identify specific actions you can take to prepare for a retake.
Discuss your situation with your thesis supervisor, fellow students, or other relevant individuals who may provide valuable advice or support during your preparation for the resit. Alternatively, seek external assistance as needed.
It is important to not become discouraged by this setback. Stay motivated and remain focused on your goal of successfully completing your thesis.

With the right effort and dedication, you can truly achieve your objective. By approaching the situation with the right mindset and a positive attitude, you can make the necessary improvements and still succeed in your oral defense.

Nerves, blackout, failed?

If you need additional support in preparing your defense or delivering a strong presentation, consider seeking the assistance of an external thesis coach. Jouw Scriptiecoach will help you refine your presentation and prepare adequately, enabling you to approach your exam with confidence. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you with your thesis defense and graduation presentation.