Thesis Defence Training

Description

In their thesis defense, doctoral candidates have to present a summary of their research to a board of examiners and then answer critical questions. This course is designed to prepare the participants optimally for this situation. 
In the first part of the course the participants receive practical tips for their thesis defense presentation: how to structure the presentation, how to build a sound argument, what language to use, etc. The second part of the course addresses problems that can occur during the discussion. We look at various types of difficult questions and discuss strategies that the participants can use to respond to them. In the third part, participants get the chance to practice their presentation and to receive feedback from the group and from the trainer. This can be done either in German or English, depending on individual needs and the group’s composition.

To participate in the course, doctoral candidates don't need to have their thesis defense presentation prepared yet, and they don't need to be in the final weeks leading up to the defense. Because general structures and forms of argumentation are addressed, the course can also be helpful for participants who are still in the writing phase. 

Main topics

• the opening of the thesis defense presentation
• how to structure the thesis defense presentation
• arguing well
• handling difficult questions
• presentations from participants and mock defense