Potsdam Graduate School: Thesis Defense Training

In their thesis defense, doctoral students have to present their research to a board of examiners and then answer critical questions. This course is designed to prepare them optimally for this situation. In the first part of the course the participants get practical tips for their introductory presentation: how to structure the presentation, how to build up the central argument, how to make a good introduction 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.