Präsenz-Workshop: Thesis Defense Training

In their thesis defense, doctoral students have to present their research to the board of examiners and then answer critical questions. This course is designed to prepare doctoral students 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, what language to use, etc.
The second part of the course deals with typical problems that occur during the discussion: How to respond to criticism and "killerquestions", how to deal with stage fright and black-outs, etc.
In the third part, participants get the chance to give their presentation and to receive feedback from the group and from the trainer.

Objectives

The participants...

• give a convincing and well-structured presentation
• deal confidently with counter arguments and critical questions
• are well prepared and feel confident about their thesis defense

Methods

All contents will be developed interactively, and they will be applied directly to the participants' topics. After the course participants can schedule an individual appointment with the trainer where they can discuss aspects of their thesis defense presentation (introduction, structure etc.).

Materials

• script including recommended further reading
• exercise sheets

Fees

*This fee also applies to postdocs from the other universities in the Postdoc Network Brandenburg (PNB) – BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder).

Further information on the workshop program and ourpartner institutions