How to: Survive Your Thesis Defense

So I recently defended my Thesis and I promise to give you full details of it soon. But first I thought maybe some tips to surviving a defense might be in order.

1st- take it seriously. Even though 99% of the time if your committee lets you defend you are going pass, doesn't mean you won't be the 1% that will blow it.

2nd- don't eat before hand, because you will feel like you are going to throw up beforehand. It's just better for you to have not eaten in the last 2 hours when that feeling occurs

3rd- Dress like its a job interview. Dress to impress. I am a jean and a tank top kind of girl. I don't like dresses or anything really fancy. But you need to look like you are taking your defense seriously, so you have to look the part.

Besides that, Anyone who reads this blog or my other blog has heard of my best friend, G-Fab. We'll G-Fab's Fiance, Mr. Frodo, is a Professor of Clinical Psychology and  was nice enough to write me a very nice letter with tips for my defense (I love him). And i thought i should post it here:

First off, know that because you were approved for defense, the battle is almost over. Approving the thesis for defense means that the work meets the requirements for a master’s as it is. If there were serious problems, or doubts that you would not pass, they would not have approved it. So take heart. This is good news. This means you should reframe this event from a “defense” to a conversation with people who have expertise in an area that you have spent the last several months writing about. But nonetheless, the thesis defense is important. You need to be able to articulate your thoughts, clarify your ideas and consider things they raise that you may not have thought of. Here are some tips to help you.
1) Always, always remember. This entire thing is not about you. It is not about you sounding smart, impressing them, or looking good. This is about the work. Your work. Any and all questions or comments that are raised should strengthen the quality of the thesis and clarify the ideas you have written. If you committee has done their job, they will push your thinking beyond where you went with the thesis. They have years more expertise than you do. With this, they will ask you questions or raise comments that should challenge you to weigh, deduce and consider in terms of the knowledge you have gained. But again, the goal of this is to improve the knowledge that you have generated with your thesis.

This perspective was tremendously helpful to me during my defenses. It enabled me to get out of my own way and wrestle with the ideas my committee was raising, and in the end, my work was stronger. It lessened my anxiety. It made the defense invigorating and dare I say, fun.

2) Listen carefully to questions and comprehend before you respond. Dirty secret. Academics tend to think out loud, and as a result, often present poorly articulated questions. If this happens in a defense you may think “shit! I have no idea what he is talking about! I must be stupid.” Incorrect. More often than not, the question or comment is not clear. So first…before you attempt an answer, repeat the question back to them to make sure you understand. Here are some phrases to use.

“Right. So the question is blah blah etc” is that right?” If they say yes, great. If no, ask them to rephrase the question.

Or if you are clueless…try “I think I am missing something. Are you asking…….? “

3) Once you understand the question you are halfway there. Another academic secret: IT IS OK TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO THINK! Often times the questions are layered. Often times they ask 5 -6 different things. Avoid the temptation to jump right in with an answer. Try these phrases:

“great. You just raised several issues. Let me begin with the first one.” Take a moment. Then respond. Then go through each other issue.

“that is an important question/distinction/issue. Let me think for a moment.” Take the time you need and then respond. You have every right to take the time to organize your thoughts.

4) When they send you out in hallway to “talk” relax. Try to have a friend with you. They are talking about what revisions are needed to make the thesis the best it can be. Remember point #1. When you go back in, listen carefully to what they require for revisions. Thank them for their time and expertise.

Breathe.

Isn't he sweet? Anyways, now you may be able to pass your defense.