How to Prepare for Your Dissertation Defense (Like a Pro)

How to Prepare for Your Dissertation Defense (And Walk Out Dr.)

Defense = job interview for “Dr.” title. Prep in 4 weeks.

Week 1: Know Your Weaknesses

Methods, sample size, gaps — prep 3 rebuttals.

Week 2: Mock Defense

Friends = committee. Record → fix “umms”

Week 3: Use EssayPro for Slides

Need visuals? Order pro slides at EssayPro — clean, impactful.

“EssayPro made my 25 slides. Committee said ‘best presentation.’” – Zoe, PhD 2025

Week 4: Practice 10-Min Opener

Problem → gap → method → findings → impact.

Top 5 Questions

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

Defense Day

  1. Suit + smile
  2. Handouts (1-pager)
  3. Thank committee

Defense in 1 month? Get slides at EssayPro

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