- Slidesgo School
- Presentation Tips
How to Start a Thesis Defense Presentation
After months and years of hard work, the moment to wrap things all up is finally here—your thesis defense presentation.
Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate, it’s the final step to that much-deserved achievement.
A thesis defense requires a lot of prior research and preparation. And as important as its content is, so is how you present it because a stunning design with clear data and text hierarchy plays an immense role in comprehension.
In this article, we’ll explore how you make your thesis defense .
The organization is the key to success. Establishing some previous steps before any project or work is essential for the result to be very positive. And the defense of a thesis could not be less.
Below, we will develop all the necessary steps to make a thesis defense presentation and we will give you some tips on how to carry them out.
How to Make an Amazing Presentation
Defining the concept of your thesis presentation, structuring your thesis defense presentation, how do you welcome the audience, tell them why you did this thesis, go into the content by explaining your thesis part by part, how to end the defense of the thesis.
After a long time of research and study, the content of your thesis is ready. Now, you have to find the best way to reflect all that effort behind your work. The information comes across more clearly if you use a visual format, as it attracts the attention of the audience. To present your thesis information in a clear, concise, and ultimately amazing way, you can use one of our unique thesis defense templates , available at Slidesgo.
As an example, in this article, we are going to use the Ecology Thesis template . With it, we will show you what to include in your presentation and how to make an attractive design.
After choosing the Google Slides and PowerPoint template that best suits the needs and subject matter of your thesis, it is time to define an overarching concept.
This is the main theme on which your designs are based. It must be relevant to your thesis as its purpose is to guide your selection of colors, typography, images, style, etc.
These must be portrayed in a way that supports the main message of your slides and should be aligned with your concept both visually and sociologically.
Once you have defined the concept, you will have to move on to the next step: structuring the content of your thesis. A good structure will show that there is a good organization behind the work, but most importantly: it will highlight your content.
In this article, we are going to show you a structure that could be a good example of how to structure a thesis, but you can adapt it to what your specific content requires.
Before you begin your thesis defense, you should welcome your audience. A good presentation will make you connect with your audience, which will result in more general interest in your work.
Use an appropriate language register (avoid informal language), but be approachable and natural.
"Welcome to the thesis defense on [the title of your thesis]". Next, introduce yourself with your name and give a short description of your background and occupation.
Don't forget to say “thank you for attending!”
To continue establishing that connection with your audience, explain the reasons that led you to do this thesis. Tell the professional reasons, and you can even say some personal ones, which will denote closeness, and your audience will appreciate it.
Now it's time to go into the content of the thesis ! After these preliminary steps, which are just as important as the thesis itself, it is time to explain part by part the structure (which you had previously established). We are going to propose a structure for your project, but the final decision is always yours!
First impressions are very important. Because your title page is the very first thing viewers see, it must be striking and impactful. It also sets the stage for the rest of your slides.
In one glance, the following should be established:
- Thesis defense topic
- Design style
For instance, the ecology thesis’s title page uses illustrations of a natural landscape to represent the topic of nature and a striking shade of blue to set the tone.
The sans serif font used depicts clean-cut typography and style and the thesis topic is written in large and bold typography, which draws attention to it immediately.
Right after your title page, include an introduction slide to provide more details about your topic.
This means explaining what you hope to answer with your research, its importance to your field, and why you chose it.
Continue to incorporate design elements relevant to your concept. This example has done just that by using a different natural landscape and including animals. For coherence, stick to the same typography and style throughout your presentation.
The aim of the literature review slide is to illustrate your knowledge of your thesis topic and any relevant theories.
Walls of text kill a design. For clarity, we recommend presenting this with bullet points. Each one should be short and sweet and only touch on the basics; you can elaborate on them in your speech.
Don’t forget to be consistent with your design. In our example, we’ve maintained the tone of blue chosen and added illustrations of leaves in the far corners of the slide.
Also, address similar research that has been done. This is to showcase your topic’s originality and, if relevant, how it’s different and/or an improvement from previously done research.
This is one of the most important parts of a thesis defense presentation.
It allows your viewers to assess the rationality and validity of your approach and consequently, the accuracy of your results.
A great methodology slide explains the what , how, and why :
- What method did you use for your research
- Why did you choose it
- How did you conduct it
Because this part of your thesis will be rather technical, the most effective way to aid understanding is by using graphics like charts and tables.
Keep text to a minimum to avoid drawing attention away from the graphics. If there is a text that must absolutely be included, consider using bullet points and keep them short.
Don’t forget to maintain color, style, and typography coherence.
The results slides are easily the most quantitative part of a thesis defense.
Here, your aim is to simply introduce your findings. Select the most impactful data and highlight them here.
Just as with methodology, use graphics like charts, tables, and graphs to portray the data in a clear way. And, once again, try not to write too much text. Let the visual content do the talking .
After you’ve introduced your data, the next step would be to help your audience make sense of it. That means understanding what it means in the context of your thesis research topic and your discipline.
Simply put, you should answer the question: What do the numbers mean?
The best way to approach this would be to do it as if you were creating an infographic .
Illustrations like icons are a quick and simple way to represent your message. It also reduces the amount of text on your slide, which makes the information much more digestible.
For a balanced thesis presentation, you should also address any outliers and anomalies.
To quote bestselling author Robin Sharma, “Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic.”
That’s exactly what to aim for in your conclusion.
Provide an overview of your thesis topic and remind your audience what you set out to answer with your research. In our example, we’ve used three icons accompanied by a short title and text.
Following that, reiterate the important points of your research results you want your audience to take away from your thesis defense presentation.
You can do so by expanding the next slide to have more icons and points, for example.
Don’t forget to address any shortcomings and limitations in your approach and extra points for suggesting possible improvements for future research.
We are going to give you a little tip to make your thesis defense a success. You can combine your defense with good public speaking techniques. Take a look at our article "How to become a great speaker" .
We hope this article has been of great help, have you already seen our templates to make the presentation of your thesis ? Choose the one that best suits your needs, we are sure that one of them will go perfectly with your thesis presentation!
Good luck from Slidesgo.
Do you find this article useful?
Related tutorials.
Top 8 About me presentation templates for going back to school
With the new school year just around the corner, we are all gearing up for those first few days of class. As teachers, one of the most enjoyable ways to break the ice and create a welcoming atmosphere is through an engaging about me presentation. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to your students or help them share their own stories. A well-crafted template can make this process meaningful… and fun, too!In this post, you will find the top 8 about me presentation templates for free that are simply perfect for the back-to-school season. These templates are available to help...
Make school fun from day one with Disney and Pixar templates
The shine of new books, the smell of fresh notes, the clink of the pens in your pencil case, the sound of the bell, and the feel of desks… Back-to-school is here, tingling all your senses! But even if this isn’t your first rodeo in the educational arena, there’s an extra flutter in your stomach this time around. Can you feel it? Because back to school is back to fun, and our +100 templates featuring Disney and Pixar characters are just what you need to make it a blast.This school year, get ready to renew and empower your teaching with Slidesgo’s Disney and...
Free printable coloring pages in PDF for back to school
As the new school term approaches, excitement, and anticipation fill the air. One fantastic way to channel this energy is through free back to school coloring pages! These aren’t just for fun—printable coloring pages in PDF format can help kids develop fine motor skills, enhance their creativity, and provide a calming activity amidst the bustle of back-to-school preparations. These engaging materials offer a wonderful opportunity for children to express themselves and ease into kindergarten or preschool with joy and confidence. Whether it's during a break from homework or a rainy day activity, printable coloring pages are a perfect blend of entertainment and education.
SmartStart educational webinar: Smart moves for smarter teaching
Feeling those post-holiday blues sneaking up is a common tale. According to experts, nearly a third of us mourn the end of summer’s leisure. But you’re not on that page—you’re part of the enthusiastic majority, eager to make this academic year the most exciting one yet thanks to some fresh, energized tools at your disposal from Slidesgo.If you’re on the hunt for groundbreaking ideas to get the best out of our resources, SmartStart is the jolt of energy you need. This vibrant online event is where passion for education meets cutting-edge technology. Packed with insightful talks and real-world solutions from seasoned educators, SmartStart is all about empowering...
Want to Get your Dissertation Accepted?
Discover how we've helped doctoral students complete their dissertations and advance their academic careers!
Join 200+ Graduated Students
Get Your Dissertation Accepted On Your Next Submission
Get customized coaching for:.
- Crafting your proposal,
- Collecting and analyzing your data, or
- Preparing your defense.
Trapped in dissertation revisions?
How to create a dissertation proposal defense powerpoint (+example), published by steve tippins on june 21, 2022 june 21, 2022.
Last Updated on: 22nd May 2024, 04:14 am
As part of the dissertation process, you will need to create a dissertation proposal defense PowerPoint to present a summary of the plan for your study. You will need to show how important your study is and how it is useful.
When creating the PowerPoint, keep in mind that you need to make sure all of your audience can understand all aspects of your study. The exact content for the defense PowerPoint varies by college, discipline and department, so it is important that you discuss with your committee chair about the requirements. However, we will give some general guidelines that apply to most institutions.
The defense typically takes 20‐30 minutes. You should keep the timeframe in mind as you consider the information you will have in your presentation.
Except for aspects of your presentation, such as the research question(s) or hypothesis(es), do not just read the slides. Instead, explain or expand on what is on the slides. To ensure you keep within the timeframe, practice narrating your PowerPoint presentation.
Although the APA manual does not provide guidelines for creating a PowerPoint presentation, you will need to follow some of the APA style guidelines within your PowerPoint.
For example, provide in-text citations for quotes, paraphrases, images, graphs, and other information that should be cited. Also, you will need to provide a list of pertinent references.
The following are other format requirements for the slides :
- Create 17-20 slides.
- Do not provide a lot of information. Be concise and write a few sentences (approximately 1-7 on each slide).
- Because your slides will contain only a small amount of information, any extra information that you want to touch on should be put in the notes section of the PowerPoint.
- Write the information in your slides for visual appeal and optimum communication, using a legible font size.
- You can use graphics and images to enhance and reinforce the information. However, ensure that they do not distract from your information.
- You can use bullet points but keep them to a minimum of 3-4 for each listing.
Example Dissertation Proposal Defense PowerPoint Template
The dissertation proposal will consist of three chapters, which you will be providing information on in the presentation. Although the contents and order of the contents may vary, there are some basic parts of the proposal that are usually required.
The following is a breakdown of the usual contents that are included in the presentation. Each of these headings below represents the titles of each slide. The information below the headings is the type of content you will need to provide.
Title (1 slide) :
- Dissertation’s Title
- Department of Program of Study/Name of University
- Chair and Committee Members
Statement of the Problem (1 slide):
- Provide the problem that your dissertation will address.
Purpose of the Study (1 slide):
- Provide what the study will do relative to the issue(s) defined in the statement of the problem.
Significance of the Study (1 slide):
- Provide the main argument of why the solution to the problem that you propose is important.
Research Question(s)/Hypothesis(es ) (1 slide):
- Provide the research question(s) or hypothesis(es) relevant to your field of study, written exactly as it is in your dissertation proposal.
The Literature Review (2 slides):
- These slides should consist of a coherent, organized overview of the main literature that frames your study’s problem, and the gap in literature that your study will address. Make sure that you include the sources.
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework (1 slide):
- This slide should consist of the theoretical/conceptual framework that will help you make sense of the phenomenon that you will investigate.
Research Design (1 slide):
- Provide the framework for the methods of data collection and data analysis. Indicate whether the study will be quantitative or qualitative.
Sample and Population (1 slide):
- Provide the population that refers to the entire group that you will draw conclusions about, and the sample that refers to the specific group that you will collect data from.
Data Collection (1 slide):
- Provide the methods by which you will obtain the data. If the research design is quantitative, provide methods such as correlation and regression, mean, mode and median or others. If the design is qualitative, provide methods such as, interviews, questionnaires with open-ended questions, focus groups, observation, game or role-playing, case studies, or others.
Data Analysis (1-2 slides):
- This slide should contain the process you will use to understand, gather, compile, and process the data you will obtain.
Limitations (1 slide):
- In this slide, explain the nature of the limitations and how they will be overcome during your research.
Delimitations (1slide):
- Provide the characteristics that describe the boundaries of your study and limit the scope, such as sample size, geographical location, population traits, or others.
References (1-2 slides):
- Only provide those sources that you referred to in the presentation. Do not provide all the sources that you have in your dissertation proposal.
Thank You/Questions (1 slide):
- Use this final slide to thank your committee and to request questions from them.
Note : For information about citing your references, refer to Chapters 9 and 10 of the APA Manual 7 th edition.
For instructions on how to create a PowerPoint, see How to Create a Powerpoint Presentation .
View this video for “ Tips and Tricks for your Proposal Defense Day Presentation ”
You can find several templates of students’ Dissertation Proposal Defense presentations online by searching for “Dissertation Proposal Defense PowerPoint.” You can also find one at this webpage .
Steve Tippins
Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins
Related Posts
Dissertation
Dissertation memes.
Sometimes you can’t dissertate anymore and you just need to meme. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here are some of my favorite dissertation memes that I’ve seen lately. My Favorite Dissertation Memes For when you Read more…
Surviving Post Dissertation Stress Disorder
The process of earning a doctorate can be long and stressful – and for some people, it can even be traumatic. This may be hard for those who haven’t been through a doctoral program to Read more…
PhD by Publication
PhD by publication, also known as “PhD by portfolio” or “PhD by published works,” is a relatively new route to completing your dissertation requirements for your doctoral degree. In the traditional dissertation route, you have Read more…
Home Blog Presentation Ideas How To Do a Proper Thesis Defense Using the Right PowerPoint Presentation
How To Do a Proper Thesis Defense Using the Right PowerPoint Presentation
Writing a thesis is stressful, but preparing an oral defense can be even more painful. But it doesn’t have to be; with proper preparation and a good presentation, you will be able to better equip yourself comes time to present your thesis defense.
But what makes a good thesis defense?
A proper presentation helps you with your thesis defense because it helps you capture the panels’ attention and gives you cues and reminders on what to say as well.
It also helps keep your data organized while visually looking good and provides a flow structure for the rest of your presentation.
In today’s article, we will be giving you The Right PowerPoint Templates for Your Thesis Defense and a powerful outline composed of best practices and layouts specifically designed to help you defend your thesis in both written and oral presentations.
In the next segments of this article, we’ll walk you through the most feasible process on how to ace this kind of presentation.
Let’s dive into the outline of what makes a great thesis defense.
Thesis Defense Overview
Similarities.
- Type of Degree
Thesis and Dissertation Distinction Varies on Location
Three most common thesis defense myths, how to use chatgpt to structure your thesis.
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Methodology
- Acknowledgements
- Questions and Answers
- Contact Information
- Tips During Your Oral Defense
- More Quick Tips on How to Present
A thesis defense is composed of two parts – a thesis and a defense.
The thesis, according to Grad School Hub , represents a student’s collective understanding of his or her program and major.
Universities often include a thesis in every course as one of the final requirements to earn a particular graduate or postgraduate degree.
The thesis, however, isn’t just a mere requirement.
It helps the students to grow out of their shell from their respective discipline and give them the opportunity to present all the findings of their study.
Moreover, some people think a thesis is just a long essay, but it’s not. Unlike an essay, a thesis needs to assert something.
This can be considered one of the most crucial research documents that a student makes during their academic schooling.
On the other hand, defense is the presentation of the pieces of evidence to support and prove your research.
It’s the most essential part of the thesis process.
Your presentation has to be prepared to answer questions from members of the committee and any other panel present, and it’s your job to convince them and defend your thesis with ample proof.
Prior to presenting, you have to carefully determine what appropriate evidence should be presented before the panel, depending on what thesis you have to defend.
Thesis and Dissertation Distinguished
A thesis or dissertation is usually required to complete a particular graduate degree. These two words are often used interchangeably by most students when referring to research studies.
But while being almost similar in format or structure, it’s worth noting that they have significant differences that set them apart from each other.
The very reason why thesis and dissertation are treated the same is that these two are both extensive papers. Not just merely long essays like what others are claiming.
Both of these papers are extensive. This is why students are given ample time, usually the entire last semester of the last year of study, to complete all the requirements and finally acquire their degree.
With regards to structure, both papers are very similar with few differences.
Differences Between Thesis and Dissertation
One of the significant differences between the two is to whom the paper is assigned. A thesis is usually required for those students earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. While a dissertation is for those, who want to obtain a doctorate degree.
However, not all students taking a master’s degree are required to make a thesis. Prior to their enrollment, they have been given a choice of whether they’ll go for a non-thesis program or with a thesis.
Those who have a plan to escalate their degree to a doctorate eventually should take the path of a thesis. This is to prepare themselves for a more extensive dissertation requirement as doctorate students. Otherwise, they will be only limited to earning a master’s degree.
But above all, the most significant difference between the two papers is the purpose for which it is written.
A thesis, like what has been mentioned above, is being done by students obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree and has the purpose of testing their understanding of the discipline they’re engaged with.
A thesis is focused on obtaining technical expertise.
On the other hand, a dissertation is made for students to come up with an original study that other researchers haven’t already studied.
USA: In the United States of America, they consider a thesis shorter than a dissertation. In fact, aside from being a requirement to graduate in college, a thesis is now also inculcated in master’s degree programs. And since the dissertation is more extensive, the thesis is treated as preliminary in gaining a doctorate degree.
Europe: The distinction between the two papers is almost opposite to that of the USA. In Europe, a dissertation is only a broader research study from a post-graduate program and not the making of original research. Instead, educational systems in the said continent treat the doctoral thesis as a more elaborate paper writing.
The difference between a thesis and a dissertation might not seem that big, but it’s important that we know what makes them different.
If your upcoming defense gives you pressure and uneasiness, it could be cause you are not sure what to expect. Today we will dispel three common thesis defense myths that will help you be more confident in your presentation.
“Answer all the questions correctly. Otherwise, your thesis won’t get approved.”
You are expected to have a focus on your research.
That being said, you have to study each part of your thesis, every detail, and even your sources.
You have to study and practice how to effectively deliver your presentation.
But don’t overthink to the extent that you’re stressing yourself to know everything perfectly.
Don’t overstress if you can’t answer one of the questions, this doesn’t necessarily mean the committee won’t approve your thesis.
You should know that research is a continuous study.
So you should expect that your committee will always be able to find a gap in your study to fill in future related research .
So in times you don’t exactly know the answer, admit it, and you’ll learn as they give their sides or suggestions.
Making up an answer will only displease your committee, so it’s to be upfront, honest, and transparent.
“The committee is just there to find holes in your study. They don’t care about you.”
One of the typical descriptions students have of the committee is that they are just there to poke holes in your thesis.
Going in with this perspective makes standing before them a nerve-wracking experience.
They’re not your enemy.
In fact, they are there to help you polish your study.
They might challenge you with difficult suggestions and tricky questions.
In the end, they will walk you through the process to come up with better results that won’t only benefit you but also your research.
They care about you and your study, and they’re ultimately there to make your thesis and the research better. Separate yourself from your work look at it objectively, and don’t take their comments personally .
“If your thesis defense isn’t successful, you have to start your thesis all over again”
An unsuccessful defense is one of the worst-case fears most students have.
One thing that you should be aware of is when you aren’t able to please your committee, you don’t need to start a new thesis again or go back to square one with your existing paper.
It’s unusual that your committee will ask you to change your topic and start from scratch again.
The fact that you’ve been permitted to defend your study means your research is almost complete.
They might suggest further details or ask you for minor revisions, and that’s normal.
But overall, you need to go into this defense thinking that your presentation will be successful. Otherwise, you are already setting yourself up for failure with the wrong mindset.
Remember that positive thoughts attract positive results.
Thesis Defense Presentation Structure and Slides Content
We can use language learning models like ChatGPT to help us curate the structure of our thesis presentation. Let’s see a step-by-step solution on how to apply this.
Step 1: Define the thesis topic and research questions
You can set the environment for ChatGPT to work by explaining what your thesis is going to cover and which specific questions you aim to address through the course of that document. This gives ChatGPT the context from which it shall formulate the structure. A prompt can be written like this:
“Take the role of an academic professional who shall help me to write my thesis. This thesis is going to cover the topic of (insert topic), and through its course, I want to answer these questions: Question 1 – Question 2 – Question 3 – Consider this information as the starting point for this chat.”
Step 2: Ask for an outline
With the previously provided information, ask ChatGPT to generate an outline for your presentation. If some of the points listed in the output don’t convince you, then chat with the interface until you reach a final outline. Then, ask to elaborate on each specific point for information or cues you may have overlooked.
Step 3: Ask ChatGPT which content should you place per slide
Instead of debating how are you going to trim your thesis into a presentation format, ask ChatGPT to do the decision process for you. You can be as specific as asking how many words per slide, how many slides should the presentation have, if you need any visual element, etc.
N.B.: We don’t recommend using ChatGPT to retrieve academic references as, in some cases, it can provide faulty results. You can ask if any facts on this presentation need to be checked or similar questions. ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but it shouldn’t be considered a bible, so be extra cautious about grabbing content directly from its outputs.
1. Title Page
This slide should contain the information that is provided on the title page of your hard copy . Here is an example of title page or cover slide for your title defense or thesis presentation.
- The title of your research paper
- Where you are studying
- Name and details of your course
- Name of Adviser
2. Introduction Slide
Your introduction slide should provide the committee with an idea of the following:
- What is the topic area that you are investigating ?
- What are the specific research questions that you set out to answer?
- Why is this question important to answer?
- What were the objectives of your research?
3. Literature Review Slide
It’s not necessary to cover everything that’s currently understood in the available literature. You may want to present the following content under a Literature Review slide:
- Relevant current research that is close to your topic
- Different theories that may apply to your specific area of research
- Areas of weakness that are currently highlighted
4. Methodology Slide
Make sure to touch the factors below within your process, and include the following in the Methodology slide:
- The type of study you have conducted: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
- The methods that you chose and why
- Details of the population, sampling methods, and other information
- Provide information regarding how you have analyzed the data that you have collected
5. Results Slide
This part should give the committee/audience a good understanding of what you’ve discovered during your research. The statistics & results slide could include the final results of your analysis, here is an example:
- An overall description of the data that you collected during your research
- The results of the analysis that you have done on that data
- What were the most significant findings from your data
6. Discussion Slide
Highlight here the meaning of the findings in relation to your discipline program and the research that you have done:
- What are the major findings, and what do they mean with regard to your research
- How do these findings relate to what others have found in the past
- How can you explain any unusual or surprising result
7. Conclusions Slide
You have to end your presentation with a conclusion summarizing all that you have found within your research. Here is an example of a Conclusion slide in a Thesis presentation:
- Restate your research questions
- Show how your results answer these questions
- Show what contribution you have made
- State any limitations to the work you have done
- Suggest future research
- Make any recommendations
See Also: How to Create a Great Investors Pitch Deck and Close the Deal
8. Acknowledgements Slide
Express gratitude to your advisor, committee members, peers, and others who supported your research journey. This slide provides a moment to acknowledge the collaborative nature of academic work.
9. Questions and Answers Slide
Dedicate a slide for audience questions at the end of your presentation.
Encourage engagement by inviting questions from the audience.
Be prepared to provide clear and concise responses to inquiries.
10. References Slide
Include a slide listing your cited sources throughout your presentation.
Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
The References slide demonstrates your thorough engagement with existing literature.
11. Contact Information Slide
If you’re open to further inquiries or collaborations, consider adding your contact information.
Include your email address or relevant professional social media handles.
How to use SlideModel AI Presentation Maker for your Thesis Presentation
If you want to save hours of manual time, you can leverage AI tools to make your thesis presentation. The best part of integrating AI tools into our workflow is that we can pair them to get even better results than we expected. With SlideModel’s AI presentation maker , users can create an entire slide deck by introducing these variables:
- Topic of your thesis
- Number of slides to include in your thesis presentation
- Outline checkup
And that’s it! Download the AI-generated presentation in PPTX format or for Google Slides, and edit it if you require adding some extra content. The core elements are already done, and you can save countless hours of hard work.
Tips During Your Oral Defense!
Review your materials.
Even if you already feel confident with your upcoming presentation, you still need to review your materials.
You can bring the hard copy of your thesis with you during the defense, but you don’t want to get lost in your presentation when you forget some specific details and have to scan your papers.
You should know your paper in and out.
Rehearse Your Presentation
It’s not wrong if it sounds like a script when you speak in your oral defense. It’s expected and understandable.
You need to practice your presentation, especially when there’s a time restriction given to every presenter.
You only need to prepare enough slides that would fit your time limit. A hundred slides aren’t suitable for a 15 to 20-minute presentation, nor 10 slides for an hour of defense.
Your rehearsal will be more effective if you practice it in front of an audience.
Note: You will experience complete silence in the defense room. You might feel awkward because, most of the time, you’re the only one speaking out loud. This is completely fine, and it’s something you should practice in rehearsal should you be afraid.
Narrow the Presentation of Ideas
Regarding your slides, you don’t have to include everything that’s in your paper. You should narrow down your ideas to the main points and the most important details, such as the statistics and findings.
If the members of your committee think you lack details or they want to hear a further explanation, they won’t hesitate to ask you.
Prepare for the Unexpected Questions
The panel tends to challenge the presenters, usually through some hard questions.
Its aim is how well do you you have done your research and how prepared you are.
But as long as you know the ins and outs of your paper, you shouldn’t lose your confidence regardless of which questions they ask.
Just keep in mind that what you’re saying in your oral defense is not in conflict with what is written on the hard copy you provided them.
What To Do When You Don’t Know the Answer
If the committee asks you a question and you don’t know the answer, don’t make up a baseless answer.
Baseless means out-of-context answers or something without proof or backup.
How To Deal With The Nervousness
The committee expects you to be nervous. Of course, it’s normal.
However, one effect of being nervous is the changes in your behavior.
There’s a tendency for you’ll talk fast, which will make it hard for the committee to understand you.
It might also cause you to have a mental block.
So try to slow down. Take a deep breath.
Inhale, exhale. Remember to breathe!
It’s OK to pause, and it’s OK to take your time; it’s more important that the committee clearly understands what you are trying to articulate.
More Quick Tips on How to Present!
- Introduce yourself at the beginning
- Introduce the title of the presentation
- Don’t read your notes if possible
- Don’t speak too fast
- Put an emphasis on what you’re saying so you don’t sound monotonous
- Look at your adviser once in a while for possible signs
- Stand on the right of the white screen if you are right-handed so you can easily refer to the slide without giving your back to the committee
- Face the audience when you talk
- Keep an eye contact
- Make sure to keep attention to the reactions of the committee and don’t forget to react in turn
We hope you enjoyed this article on how to do a proper thesis defense and how to best prepare for one using proven tips and techniques to help you get through this. Hopefully, after your defense, you will be set as the one in your class to deliver an inspiring graduation speech for your peers. If you have value, please remember to share this article. We also recommend you read these Thesis Statement Examples for inspiration to create your own professionally.
1. MasterDoc PowerPoint Template
Creating a Thesis presentation should be a straight forward task; based on your thesis document and following the tips described above you have a high level structure already outlined. The MasterDoc PowerPoint template provides professional layouts with texts and image placeholders; so you can create document like slides using your thesis defense as your content. This template is ideal for a highly detailed documents, where visuals and words unite to illustrate one concept per page. The result is an asset that can be read and digested more quickly than either your thesis document or a presentation created for assisting a speech. A document created with the MasterDoc PowerPoint templates is meant to be printed or distributed, read on screen without the accompaniment of a presenter or used in an e-learning platform as pure learning content.
Use This Template
2. Thesis Presentation PowerPoint Template
You had invested a considerable time researching, testing hypothesis and confirming your thesis. Craft your thesis presentation with the same level of detail you applied in your work. Using the Thesis Presentation PowerPoint Template you will focus only in your content and your message. The layouts, images,design and structure will be taken care by the template.
3. Master Thesis PowerPoint Template
The Master Thesis PowerPoint Template is a professional document designed for postgraduate degrees presentations. It provides simple sections that follow the structure and best practices of traditional research thesis presentations. Starting with the introduction to the theory and state of the art scenario; following with hypothesis research and its findings and concluding with the confirmation or negation of the initial thesis statement.
4. Essay Outline PowerPoint Template
Your thesis defense can be accompanied by an essay, that states your thesis and argues about it using several supporting paragraphs. This kind of document is ideal to be an intermediate step between reading assisting to the thesis presentation and reading the complete thesis documentation. It has more information that your thesis defense abstract, but does summarizes the supporting evidence and examples that allows the argument of each idea behind the thesis. You can use the Essay Outline Template to present your Essay outline and create an essay linked to your thesis defense documentation.
Like this article? Please share
Academics, Degree, Dissertation, Doctorate, Education, Faculty, Master, PhD, Student, Thesis Filed under Presentation Ideas
Related Articles
Filed under Education • June 19th, 2024
A Quick Guide to Presenting an Online Master’s Thesis
A Master thesis is one of the most important career times, and can be the make it or break it of years of study. Learn more in this article on how to make it amazing.
Filed under Education • June 4th, 2024
A Quick Guide to Dissertation Writing
This articles provides a summarized guide answering the main questions professionals have when writing their dissertation. You will learn the basic structure and its content. You can download assets for your dissertation presentation.
Filed under PowerPoint Tutorials • May 22nd, 2024
How to Cite a PowerPoint in APA
Learn how to correctly apply the APA style in your presentations by learning how to cite slides, books and images in APA in PowerPoint.
36 Responses to “How To Do a Proper Thesis Defense Using the Right PowerPoint Presentation”
Great job! This has made my thesis presentation a whole lot easier.
Excellent !!!!!
Now I feel I’m quite confident on how to do my dissertation presentation properly and how to defend it. I will share that with other friends and colleagues.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Best regards, Awad
Thank you for such a valuable guide.
it was very helpful
Thanks a bunch for the general summary for thesis defense with all related information that we might have to know. Great job!
Great tips.
i have proposal defense in two days and im so nervous right now! reading this is helpful in some ways thankyou!
It’s very helpful and understandable. Easy steps to follow.
I found it very helpful to refresh and make my self ready for my defense!
Thank you a lot this article. It’s really helpful!
Naveen Kumar S: Thank you its very Helpful. I appreciate all your effort this is very useful.
Very important and interesting so go on thank you
I really like it. In the near future I am going to present for the MA thesis. Therefore, it will guide me a lot. If you can please attach with this email the detail.
I do like the article as it proves to be valuable and worthy. I enjoyed reading every single note. It helped me feel at ease and have confidence when my viva day takes place. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Appreciate your Assistance
Thanks a lot for the gist
Thank you so much, I got full information and knowledge.
This has made me look forward to my thesis defense. Thanks a lot
Very useful
thank you very much for your best information
Thank you very much the article is full of knowledge on Thesis as well as dissertation defense. Big Up!
I am appreciative. Well informative and educative.
Thanks immensely for these wonderful tips on presentation during defense. I personally found more useful to me as I prepare to defend my Master Dissertation.
Thank you very much! I now feel more confident.
Thanks for your good self overall usability of the Participations motivated points and contribute significantly in thesis defense practices. Best wishes to one and All
Happy To Help.
Thank you very much. As I am pursuing for my PhD in Leadership, I got it so meaningful and worth having.
Your tips on What a Thesis and Dissertation are, are on point. I have fully understood their differences and similarities. I have also noted the killer way of summaring a Power Point Presentation. Slidemodel.com…you are just a force to reckon with. I need more information…in case you have models you can share with me and those interested in this subject covered.
Thanks a million times for your timely guidance. Just preparing to do my PhD Thesis defense.
this was very, very helpful…Thank you!
Highly appreciate your effort to deliver what a student is looking for. I find your article really helpful and to the point. Thanks !
Regarding to my P.P, I’ve understood so many issues from this. Thankyou!
i got it as it is so important for my deffence presentation, thanky you very much
This Material was very hopeful and encourage any student who prepare any presentation relation with thesis. It also combined more encauragable and it enhance presentation!
Thought provoking content Thank you.
Great comments. very helpful
Leave a Reply
Like what you're reading?
How to create a great thesis defense presentation: everything you need to know
Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.
Anete Ezera April 13, 2024
Ready to take on your thesis defense presentation? It’s not just about wrapping up years of study; it’s your moment to share your insights and the impact of your work. A standout presentation can make all the difference. It’s your chance to highlight the essentials and really connect with your audience.
This is where Prezi comes into play. Forget about flipping through slide after slide. With Prezi, you craft a narrative that pulls your audience in. It simplifies the complex, ensuring your key points hit home. Let’s explore how Prezi can help transform your thesis defense into a successful presentation.
What is a thesis defense presentation and why are they needed?
Whether you’re preparing for a master’s thesis defense or a Ph.D. thesis defense, this final step in your academic journey is the one with the most significance, as it dramatically influences your final grade. It’s also your chance to display the dedication and effort you’ve put into your research, a way to demonstrate how significant your work is.
So, why is this such a big deal? A good presentation helps convince your teachers that your research is solid and makes a difference in your field. It’s your time to answer questions, show that your research methods were sound, and point out what’s new and interesting about your work. In the end, a great thesis defense presentation helps you finish strong and makes sure you leave a lasting impression as you wrap up this chapter of your academic life.
Best practices for making a successful thesis defense presentation
In order to craft a standout thesis defense presentation, you need to do more than just deliver research findings. Here are some key strategies to ensure success, and how Prezi can play a crucial role in elevating your presentation.
Start with a strong introduction
Kick-off with an engaging introduction that lays out your research question, its significance, and your objectives. This initial segment grabs attention and sets the tone. Using Prezi’s zoom feature can make your introduction pop by visually underscoring key points, helping your audience grasp the importance of your work right from the start.
Organize your presentation clearly
A coherent structure is essential for guiding your audience through your thesis defense presentation. Prezi can help by offering a map view of your content’s layout upfront, providing a clear path through your introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion. This clarity keeps your audience engaged and makes your arguments easier to follow.
Incorporate multimedia elements
Adding multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and animations can greatly improve the appeal of your thesis defense presentation. Prezi supports the seamless integration of these elements, allowing you to bring your research to life in a more vibrant and engaging way. Videos can serve as powerful testimonials or demonstrations, while animations can help illustrate complex processes or changes over time. This variety keeps your audience engaged and helps convey your message in a more exciting way.
Simplify complex data
Your findings need to be presented in a way that’s easy for your audience to understand. Prezi shines here, with tools that transform intricate data into clear, engaging visuals. By implementing charts and graphs into your presentation, you can make your data stand out and support your narrative effectively.
Engage your audience
Make your thesis defense a two-way conversation by interacting with your audience. Whether it’s through questions, feedback, or direct participation, engagement is key. Prezi allows for a flexible presentation style, letting you navigate sections in response to audience input, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
Highlight key takeaways
Emphasize the key takeaways of your research throughout your presentation to ensure your audience grasps the most critical aspects of your work. With Prezi, you can use spotlighting and strategic zooming to draw attention to these takeaways, making them stand out. This method helps reinforce your main points, ensuring they stick with your audience long after your presentation concludes. By clearly defining what your audience should remember, you guide their understanding and appreciation of your research’s value and implications.
Practice makes perfect
Confidence in delivery comes from thorough practice. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your thesis defense presentation, including timing, voice control, and gestures. Prezi Video is a great tool for rehearsing, as it allows you to blend your presentation materials with your on-camera performance, mirroring the live defense setting and helping you polish your delivery.
End with a lasting impression
Conclude your presentation powerfully by summarizing your main findings, their implications, and future research directions. Prezi’s ability to zoom out and show the big picture at your conclusion helps reinforce how each section of your presentation contributes to your overall thesis, ensuring your research leaves a memorable impact on your audience.
By using these tips and taking advantage of what Prezi offers, you can make your thesis defense presentation really stand out. It’ll not only hit the mark with your audience but also clearly show why your research matters.
Meeting tight deadlines with Prezi
Facing a looming deadline for your thesis defense presentation? Prezi offers smart solutions to help you create a polished and engaging presentation quickly, even if it feels like you’re down to the wire.
A closer look at Prezi AI features
Prezi AI is a standout feature for those pressed for time. It assists in structuring your presentation efficiently, suggesting design elements and layouts that elevate your content. This AI-driven approach means you can develop a presentation that looks meticulously planned and executed in a fraction of the time it would normally take. The result? A presentation that communicates the depth and value of your research clearly and effectively, without the last-minute rush being evident. Here’s what Prezi AI can do:
- Streamlined creation process: At the core of Prezi’s efficiency is the AI presentation creator . Perfect for those last-minute crunch times, it’s designed to tackle tight deadlines with ease.
- Easy start: Kick off your presentation creation with just a click on the “Create with AI” button. Prezi AI guides you through a smooth process, transforming your initial ideas or keywords into a structured and visually appealing narrative.
- Visual impact: There’s no need to dive deep into design details. Simply provide some basic input, and Prezi AI will craft it into a presentation that grabs and holds your audience’s attention, making your thesis defense visually compelling.
- AI text editing: Spending too much time fine-tuning your message? Prezi AI text editing features can help. Whether you need to expand on a concept, clarify complex terms, or condense your content without losing impact, Prezi AI streamlines these tasks.
- Content refinement: Adjust text length for deeper explanation, simplify language for better understanding, and ensure your presentation’s content is precise and to the point. Prezi AI editing tools help you refine your message quickly, so you can focus on the essence of your research.
Using Prezi Video for remote thesis defense presentations
For remote thesis defenses, Prezi Video steps up to ensure your presentation stands out. It integrates your on-screen presence alongside your presentation content, creating a more personal and engaging experience for your audience. This is crucial in maintaining attention and interest, particularly in a virtual format where keeping your audience engaged presents additional challenges. Prezi Video makes it seem as though you’re presenting live alongside your slides, helping to simulate the in-person defense experience and keep your audience focused on what you’re saying.
Using these advanced Prezi features, you can overcome tight deadlines with confidence, ensuring your thesis defense presentation is both impactful and memorable, no matter the time constraints.
The Prezi experience: what users have to say
Prezi users have shared compelling insights on how the platform’s unique features have revolutionized their presentations. Here’s how their experiences can inspire your thesis defense presentation:
Storytelling with Prezi
Javier Schwersensky highlights the narrative power of Prezi: “This is a tool that is going to put you ahead of other people and make you look professional and make your ideas stand out,” he remarks. For your thesis defense, this means Prezi can help you craft a narrative that not only presents your research but tells a story that captures and retains the committee’s interest.
Flexibility and creativity
Tamara Montag-Smit appreciates Prezi for its “functionality of the presentation that allows you to present in a nonlinear manner.” This flexibility is key in a thesis defense, allowing you to adapt your presentation flow in real time based on your audience’s engagement or questions, ensuring a more dynamic and interactive defense.
The open canvas
Vitek Dočekal values Prezi’s open canvas , which offers “creative freedom” and the ability to “create a mind map and determine how to best present my ideas.” For your thesis defense, this means Prezi lets you lay out and show off your work in a way that makes sense and grabs your audience’s attention, turning complicated details into something easy and interesting to follow.
Engagement and retention
Adam Rose points out the engagement benefits of Prezi: “Being able to integrate videos is extremely effective in capturing their attention.” When you need to defend a thesis, using Prezi to include videos or interactive content can help keep your committee engaged, making your presentation much more memorable.
These real insights show just how effective Prezi is for crafting truly influential presentations. By incorporating Prezi into your thesis defense presentation, you can create a defense that not only shows how strong your research is but also leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Thesis defense presentations for inspiration
Prezi is much more than a platform for making presentations; it’s a place where you can find inspiration by browsing presentations that other Prezi users have made. Not only that, but Prezi offers numerous templates that would be useful for thesis defense presentations, making the design process much easier. Here are a few examples that you may find helpful:
Research project template by Prezi
This Prezi research project template stands out as an ideal choice for thesis defense presentations due to its well-structured format that facilitates storytelling from start to finish. It begins with a clear introduction and problem statement, setting a solid foundation for the narrative. The inclusion of sections for user research, interviews, demographics, and statistics allows for a detailed presentation of the research process and findings, which are crucial when defending a thesis.
Visual elements like user mapping and journey maps help make complex information understandable and engaging, which is crucial for maintaining the committee’s attention. Additionally, addressing pain points and presenting prototypes showcases problem-solving efforts and practical applications of the research. The template culminates in a conclusion that ties everything together, emphasizing the research’s impact and future possibilities. Its comprehensive yet concise structure makes it an excellent tool for communicating the depth and significance of your work in a thesis defense.
Civil rights movement Prezi
This Prezi on the Civil Rights Movement exemplifies an effective thesis defense presentation by seamlessly blending structured content, multimedia enhancements, and dynamic navigation. It organizes information into coherent sections like “About,” “Key Events,” and “Key People,” offering a comprehensive view ideal for a thesis presentation. The strategic use of videos adds depth, providing historical context in a dynamic way that text alone cannot, enhancing the audience’s engagement and understanding.
Furthermore, Prezi’s open canvas feature brings the narrative to life, allowing for a fluid journey through the Civil Rights Movement. This method of presentation, with its zooming and panning across a virtual canvas, not only captivates but also helps to clarify the connections between various elements of the research, showcasing how to effectively communicate complex ideas in a thesis defense.
AI-assisted history template
This AI-assisted presentation template stands out as a great choice for thesis defense presentations, especially for those rooted in historical research. By merging striking visuals with rich, informative content, you can use this template to craft a narrative that breathes life into past events, guiding the audience on an engaging journey through time. Its sequential storytelling approach, empowered by Prezi AI , ensures a smooth transition from one historical point to the next, demonstrating the depth and continuity of your research. This template showcases Prezi AI’s capability to enhance narrative flow. By integrating advanced visuals and text, it captivates audiences and makes it an invaluable tool for presenting complex historical theses in a clear, compelling way.
Master your final grade with a Prezi thesis defense presentation
Preparing for a thesis defense, whether for a master’s or Ph.D., is a pivotal moment that significantly influences your final grade. It’s your platform to demonstrate the dedication behind your research and its importance in your field. A well-executed presentation convinces your educators of your research’s validity and your ability to bring fresh perspectives to light.
To craft a successful thesis defense presentation, Prezi’s innovative features can be a game-changer. Prezi can empower you to transform presentations into captivating stories and provide you with the flexibility and creative freedom needed to make your presentation an outstanding success. Incorporating videos or utilizing Prezi’s non-linear presentation style can keep your committee engaged and emphasize your research’s significance.
Prezi also serves as a hub of inspiration, offering templates perfect for thesis defenses. From structured research project templates to dynamic historical narratives, Prezi provides tools that communicate your thesis’s depth and significance effectively, ensuring you leave a memorable impact on your audience. So, it’s time to revamp your thesis defense presentation and change it from dull to inspirational with Prezi.
Give your team the tools they need to engage
Like what you’re reading join the mailing list..
- Prezi for Teams
- Top Presentations
PhD Dissertation Defense Slides Design: Tips for designing the slides
- Tips for designing the slides
- Presentation checklist
- Example slides
- Additional Resources
Example Slides Repository
- Defense slides examples Link to examples dissertation defense slides.
Email me for questions and schedule an appointment
General tips for slide design
Use a plain background, for engineering, a plain, white background is generally ideal for dissertation proposals and defenses. don't pick a template that is too busy and distracting., , remember to add p age numbers, having page numbers in your slides will allow your advisors and peers to give comments. during your presentation, the committee members can use page numbers to reference specific slides for their questions. .
Less is more
Don't put too many words on one slide (no more than 20 words per slide, in general)., when words are inevitable, highlight the keywords in each sentence (see examples from i. daniel posen's and l. cook's slides).
Take advantage of animations
Use animations to explain complicated ideas in figures, tables, etc. you can use different slides instead of the animation functions in ms powerpoint; it will avoid overlapping text boxes or pictures when converted to pdf. , below is an example from c. kolb's defense slides. by a step-by-step revealing process, kolb was able to explain each detail without the distraction of other results. .
Write down your notes
Write down your notes with either bullet points or full sentences as a script. this can help you to remember what you want to say during your defense. when you are practicing, you won't have to come up with new things to say every time and won't forget what you planned to talk about. .
Example 1: slide with notes - exact words to say (C. Mailings 2017) Example 2: slide with notes - bullet points (I. D. Posen 2016)
Be smart about the title of each slide
Use descriptive language to summarize the key point of the slide, and avoid using vague terms or the same title for several slides that have different contents..
- << Previous: Start
- Next: Presentation checklist >>
- Last Updated: Jan 9, 2024 11:18 AM
- URL: https://guides.library.cmu.edu/c.php?g=883178
COMMENTS
The tips on designing effective slides are not restricted to dissertation defense presentations; they can be used in designing other types of presentations such as conference talks, qualification and proposal exams, and technical seminars. The tips and examples are used to help students to design effective presentation.
The organization is the key to success. Establishing some previous steps before any project or work is essential for the result to be very positive. And the defense of a thesis could not be less. Below, we will develop all the necessary steps to make a thesis defense presentation and we will give you some tips on how to carry them out.
Are you a graduate student preparing for your thesis defense? Your thesis defense is a crucial moment in your academic career, and it's essential to be well-...
The defense typically takes 20‐30 minutes. You should keep the timeframe in mind as you consider the information you will have in your presentation. Except for aspects of your presentation, such as the research question(s) or hypothesis(es), do not just read the slides. Instead, explain or expand on what is on the slides.
Thesis defense presentations can vary in length. They can be 20 minutes long or two hours long. It depends on how much time is allowed for your presentation and questions. Talk to your professor to find out how much time is set aside for your presentation. Your thesis defense presentation will be unique to your thesis.
A thesis defense is composed of two parts - a thesis and a defense. The thesis, according to Grad School Hub , represents a student's collective understanding of his or her program and major. Universities often include a thesis in every course as one of the final requirements to earn a particular graduate or postgraduate degree.
In the end, a great thesis defense presentation helps you finish strong and makes sure you leave a lasting impression as you wrap up this chapter of your academic life. Best practices for making a successful thesis defense presentation In order to craft a standout thesis defense presentation, you need to do more than just deliver research findings.
Preparinga)Presentation)for)Your)Dissertation)Defense:Guidelines)) BuildthePresentation:&&! Use&the&presentation&fromyour&proposal&defense&as&a&start&
PhD Dissertation Defense Slides Design: Presentation checklist. Start; Tips for designing the slides; Presentation checklist; Example slides; Additional Resources; Technical checklist. 1. Did you add page numbers? 2. Did you test animation and videos? 3. Did you check if the font sizes are too small, especially in tables and figures?
During your presentation, the committee members can use page numbers to reference specific slides for their questions. Less is more Don't put too many words on one slide (no more than 20 words per slide, in general).