Workshop: Thesis Defense Training

In their thesis defense, doctoral students 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 get 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.
To participate in the course, doctoral students don't need to have their
thesis defense presentation prepared yet, and they don't need to be in the
final weeks before the defense. The goal of the course is mainly to help
them prepare central elements for the summary of their research that they
have to present in the thesis defense, so the course can also be helpful for
participants who are still in the writing-phase.