|
Replies: 58
| visibility 5385
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
22
2
22
Dec 11, 2024, 4:13 PM
|
|
Does anyone who's defended have any last-minute advice? I can't believe the journey is almost over.
|
|
|
|
 |
Orange Phenom [14521]
TigerPulse: 100%
49
Posts: 10018
Joined: 2024
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
11
11
Dec 11, 2024, 4:17 PM
|
|
Yeah I have been a defendant. What's up?
|
|
|
|
|
|
1st Rounder [661]
TigerPulse: 91%
21
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
4
Dec 11, 2024, 4:18 PM
|
|
"Smoke 2 joints".
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-Conference [432]
TigerPulse: 100%
17
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
Dec 11, 2024, 4:24 PM
|
|
Cheech or Chong ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley Legend [12786]
TigerPulse: 100%
47
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 4:55 PM
|
|
“It’s Maui Labrador Man”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rival Killer [2665]
TigerPulse: 99%
33
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1568]
TigerPulse: 87%
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hall of Famer [8138]
TigerPulse: 100%
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game Changer [1685]
TigerPulse: 100%
31
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
4
Dec 11, 2024, 4:18 PM
|
|
Get a good night’s sleep. You got it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Thanks Shirley!***
1
Dec 11, 2024, 4:33 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley Legend [12138]
TigerPulse: 100%
47
|
couple of thoughts...
6
6
Dec 11, 2024, 4:25 PM
|
|
If its via zoom you have a great advantage. You can put placards all around you.
Think putting an actual step ladder just behind your computer with stuff taped to it.
Also, its easier to look at one word or a few words to jog your memory rather than trying to say some long sentences verbatim. So have cards with bulleted items that you don't want to forget.
If you are doing it in person have the cards in you pocket with just the bulleted items and not the whole thing. That way you can look at the key words right before you begin.
The biggest thing is you wouldn't have done this if it wasn't something you are passionate about. When you feel strongly about something it's much easier to talk about than some random topic. Recite your core beliefs of your dissertation and remember why you are doing it right before you go in to stoke they passion you have for your project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
AWF...THANK YOU!
2
Dec 11, 2024, 4:35 PM
|
|
It is over Zoom, and I thought about doing that. I have the worst memory. I am going to put cards on the wall behind me with key references. I think I know my subject well but still nervous as heck!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game Changer [2017]
TigerPulse: 100%
31
|
Would they ask you to turn your computer/
Dec 12, 2024, 7:38 AM
|
|
camera around to scan the room?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gridiron Giant [16059]
TigerPulse: 100%
50
|
Whats to be nervous about??
8
8
Dec 11, 2024, 4:41 PM
|
|
You know this stuff.
Take a deep breath, speak from your heart.. you have all the info in there.
Find you flow and just it roll..
The work is done friend, just go tell em what’s up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Thank you so much. Nervous because I have a poor memory and after a while...
5
5
Dec 11, 2024, 4:52 PM
|
|
I am nervous because all the research I read seems so jumbled now since there were about 100 sources. I reread a lot of stuff this morning; I think I'll be ok.
Thank you for the kind words!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Spirit [9215]
TigerPulse: 100%
44
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 4:48 PM
|
|
If you need inspiration, just rely on all your positive thoughts about Dabo! Just don't overuse "at the end of the day."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
I do have a lot of positive thoughts about Dabo even though you jest.***
1
Dec 11, 2024, 4:52 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Tiger [35499]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
|
Congratulations in Advance, PBT!!
5
5
Dec 11, 2024, 4:49 PM
|
|
You will absolutely do great tomorrow, my friend!!
I defended many years ago. I practiced it and practiced it and practiced it until I could say the entire presentation smoothly without needing my notes. Knowing the presentation so well was a comfort for me.
My committee members knew the literature, but I knew MY material better than the committee members. Knowing that was also a comfort.
At one point in my presentation, my committee members began discussing a point between themselves. I absolutely shut up and let them talk. That turned out to be a good strategy. They took so much time discussing their own points with each other, that when they were done they were sort of ready for me to finish up and move on.
All in all, know that you are prepared. Then go out and have fun with it!! After tomorrow you will never have to do it again!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Hey man, you've always been such a cool poster.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 4:54 PM
|
|
What you've said inspires me. I really appreciate the thoughtful post. I have went over my ppt about 100 times today. I will do another 100 tomorrow =).
Thanks again!
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top TigerNet [28774]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
|
Cant give you first hand information.
3
Dec 11, 2024, 4:53 PM
|
|
But, here is some advise I've heard from others through the years.
Listen to the question and answer the question. Don't go off on tangents answering questions not asked.
Listen to the question carefully. Take a deep breath and think for at least two or three seconds before answering.
Make sure you understand the question. Don't be afraid to repeat the question back to them. "If I understand you correctly you are asking me __________ . Is that correct?"
Remember, you know more about your dissertation than they know. Don't try to dazzle them with your brilliance, just humbly and confidently convince them you know what your dissertation says.
*********
Those are the things I recall from people in your situation, or very similar, through the years. (The closest I ever got to that was an oral exam for my Masters degree where there were no restrictions on the questions, and oral interviews when I was being recruited to be a Naval Nuclear Power School Instructor and was interviewed 1-on-1 by engineers on Admiral Rickover's staff before having a 1-on-12 interview with him.)
What field is your dissertation in?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Re: Cant give you first hand information.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 4:57 PM
|
|
Thank you, Brett! Also, good advice for job interviews, which I am going through currently, too.
My dissertation is on factors that impact teacher retention at international schools: leadership, profession development, and teacher satisfaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2468]
TigerPulse: 100%
32
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
4
Dec 11, 2024, 4:58 PM
|
|
Not a dissertation, but I defended a masters thesis at Clemson 32 years ago. I don't remember enough about it to give advice. However... do you know what it fells like after you leave a really loud rock concert? Everything seems quiet, as if you are under water. In fact, you almost feel sort of sensory deprived. That is EXACTLY how I felt as I sat there on my couch after my defense. Almost stunned - a calm, quiet satisfaction at the end of a long odyssey. "Wow. It's over" - not in bolt type, not in caps, not with an explanation point. Just "over." I was finally at a point in my life when I was finished with school. I will never forget that moment.
Enjoy your moment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 5:15 PM
|
|
Thank you so much for sharing. I can't wait for that feeling. I am really ready for this to be over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Spirit [9973]
TigerPulse: 71%
44
Posts: 10106
Joined: 2017
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 5:32 PM
|
|
Just remember you’re probably talking to a bunch of liberals who have never done anything, and they’ll believe whatever you tell them.
That should take the pressure off.
Enjoy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paw Master [16462]
TigerPulse: 100%
51
Posts: 17063
Joined: 2015
|
Is there not a my time of the month board for this?***
1
Dec 11, 2024, 5:56 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Associate AD [1083]
TigerPulse: 100%
25
|
my advice
2
Dec 11, 2024, 6:13 PM
|
|
1. You know more about your work than they do.
2. When I had mine, I set aside 10 minutes before it started and imagined all of the faculty being naked -- I was the only one dressed. Caveat: I got a giggling fit when I started and had to ask for a 5 minute break to compose myself.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Hahahahahah***
1
Dec 11, 2024, 6:22 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1568]
TigerPulse: 87%
30
|
Tell them something came up...
Dec 12, 2024, 7:33 AM
|
|
and if it's all right with them, you would just assume do it next week←(in a text message or fax machine)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Solid Orange [1375]
TigerPulse: 100%
28
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 6:15 PM
|
|
I had a friend who was giving a presentation of his graduate research work at a symposium who was very nervous. His advisor told him to relax, that he new more about his research subject than anyone in the room. It worked.
I would speculate that you know more about your work/dissertation than anyone on the review board. Just relax and go get it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rival Killer [∞]
TigerPulse: 100%
∞
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 6:16 PM
|
|
Best of luck!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Champion [7849]
TigerPulse: 100%
42
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
4
Dec 11, 2024, 6:20 PM
|
|
Defended mine 3 years ago.
You’ll do fine. At this point no one is a bigger SME than you on your subject matter.
Don’t get bogged down too much in the quantitative and qualitative data and lose sight of the big picture. That almost happened to me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Good advice. I am trying not too. It's hard.***
1
Dec 11, 2024, 6:41 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game Day Hero [4380]
TigerPulse: 100%
36
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
3
Dec 11, 2024, 6:52 PM
|
|
I had a PhD student defend this week. What a special moment.
Enjoy it! You know the material better than anyone. You put in the work, now it is time to tell your story.
Best wishes!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heisman Winner [82519]
TigerPulse: 100%
62
Posts: 38017
Joined: 2003
|
Don't have any advice, but I was the 10th TU, to get you a coveted TNET
2
Dec 11, 2024, 6:54 PM
|
|
Quality Content Award to send you on your way. That's GOT to be a good Oh Man.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Thank you doctor!***
2
Dec 11, 2024, 7:57 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Immortal [61832]
TigerPulse: 100%
60
Posts: 12200
Joined: 2019
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 7:03 PM
|
|
Speed...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rival Killer [3087]
TigerPulse: 100%
33
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 7:09 PM
|
|
Just remember that you know more about your specific subject than anyone on your committee. Be the ball, Danny
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Nice! Loved Danny!***
1
Dec 11, 2024, 7:30 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fan [30]
TigerPulse: 100%
4
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
3
Dec 11, 2024, 7:31 PM
|
|
First, let me say congratulations. Just to be in the position you're in is a huge personal and professional accomplishment. Tomorrow should be nothing more than a day of acknowledging and celebrating all of your hard work.
A few things to remember:
- You've already been scrutinized by your own advisor as to whether you've done enough, and you wouldn't be defending tomorrow if he weren't confident of your success. He doesn't want to invite his fellow faculty members to see his student not succeed. On top of that,...
- Your committee wants you to succeed, also. Unless you've gotten in a fight with some of them, which I doubt you have, your committee members should have at least looked over your dissertation and be aware of all the hard work you've done. They're not out to get you, and should give you the benefit of the doubt, which also means...
- You don't have to be perfect tomorrow. Nothing you say live tomorrow can change the text and figures already in your dissertation, which is the actual published document in the end. At my defense in wireless communications, I misspoke and gave the wrong value for the speed of light (one of the most fundamental things I shouldn't have gotten wrong) and the committee let it slide and just asked me about it in the end in a fairly relaxed manner. Anyone can make mistakes in the moment and that's ok. And, most likely, if you do make a mistake, it'll go unnoticed because...
- No one knows your work anywhere near as well as you do. But just in case someone does question something, ...
- Stay humble and don't argue. Sure, there may be a flaw here or there in how you approached certain things and that's ok. I once sat through a masters defense where the defendant argued with the committee about something where the committee was clearly correct. He could have just acknowledged that they have made a good point and moved on. Instead, it was really awkward for everyone...yet, even so he still passed. Of course, if the committee misunderstood something you said, there's nothing wrong with correcting their understanding.
I hope that's encouraging. Looking forward to hearing about how it went tomorrow!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
This was absolutely awesome! Thank you so much!!!***
Dec 11, 2024, 9:43 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-Conference [432]
TigerPulse: 100%
17
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 7:33 PM
|
|
I wouldn’t be on Tigernet soliciting advice in advance for something so important to me. I would focus on the task ahead, prepare, avoid alcohol or drugs to sharpen my focus, rest well the night before, and say a small prayer asking for my best self to come forward the day of it.
I hate that it’s Zoom. It’s more personal when it’s direct. Good luck to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Just a diversion. Been at it 2 days preparing, but thanks. Don't do drugs.***
Dec 11, 2024, 9:44 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2481]
TigerPulse: 100%
32
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 7:33 PM
|
|
Brett,
I have not defended. That said my older sister and younger brother have. My sister failed miserably on her first attempt. The pain was real. Our fathers advise to her going forward was to “tell them what they want to hear not what you want them to know “ keep in mind you know your material better than they do. However, they know more than you, just ask them.
As for my younger brother, he like you was concerned about defending his paper. I share our fathers advise with him and he sailed through.
Best of luck, thoughts and prayers with you.
Hope this helps!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
Thanks for the prayers!!***
Dec 11, 2024, 9:45 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-Conference [432]
TigerPulse: 100%
17
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 7:36 PM
|
|
I wouldn’t be on Tigernet soliciting advice in advance for something so important to me. I would focus on the task ahead, prepare, avoid alcohol or drugs to sharpen my focus, rest well the night before, and say a small prayer asking for my best self to come forward the day of it.
I hate that it’s Zoom. It’s more personal when it’s direct. Good luck to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Elite [5165]
TigerPulse: 100%
38
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 7:59 PM
|
|
Be the expert…you will be fine
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asst Coach [809]
TigerPulse: 100%
23
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
2
Dec 11, 2024, 8:07 PM
|
|
At this point you should know the material better than anyone in the room. So relax and tell the story of your work…you got this.
I see comments from CBProf….i agree 100%. Let them talk. Listen VERY carefully to what is said to determine IF there was a question asked, and only answer that question. Don’t offer anything more, and be succinct
That last bit applies to everything, not just a PhD defense.
But it really applies to a PhD defense!
Best of luck!
And GO TIGERS!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
True. Being succinct is something I really need to work on.***
Dec 11, 2024, 9:46 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walk-On [117]
TigerPulse: 86%
11
|
Re: True. Being succinct is something I really need to work on.***
Dec 11, 2024, 10:00 PM
|
|
In words of the great philosopher Ric Flair:
I can't help it! That I'm custom/Clemson made. I can't help it I look good, smell good, wooooooh, can dance all night long!!! I can't help it!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
1st Rounder [647]
TigerPulse: 98%
21
|
You will rock it! All In give 110%
1
Dec 11, 2024, 10:16 PM
|
|
You know your content and research more than anyone in the room. You know it inside/out. Now it’s time just to show it but know you have more in your brain about all your study then anyone there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley Protector [1413]
TigerPulse: 100%
29
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 10:40 PM
|
|
Well good luck! You got this! Hope you can defend your thesis better than our beloved tigers defend the run this year!🤓🤓. Good luck fellow tiger
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paw Warrior [4735]
TigerPulse: 100%
37
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
1
Dec 11, 2024, 10:44 PM
|
|
Good luck. Hope it ends well for you
|
|
|
|
|
|
1st Rounder [647]
TigerPulse: 98%
21
|
Just call me
2
Dec 11, 2024, 11:00 PM
|
|
Dr. Pacific Beach Tiger!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22657]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 14515
Joined: 1995
|
LOL. let's hope!***
Dec 12, 2024, 6:14 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top TigerNet [29917]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
Dec 12, 2024, 7:22 AM
|
|
Best wishes for today! Dr. PBT.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Clemson Legend [100858]
TigerPulse: 100%
64
Posts: 98563
Joined: 2009
|
As a previous poster said, 'You know more about your topic than they...
Dec 12, 2024, 7:30 AM
|
|
so look for curve balls. They will probably change the subject. Be smooth and be calm and most of all be honest. If they change the subject, don't stress, they are resolved to accept your research without admitting it.
When that happens you must understand they want to to know that you don't know everything so the humility you express will be their delight.
Don't imagine failure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game Changer [2042]
TigerPulse: 100%
31
|
no sage advice, just confidence....you got this!***
Dec 12, 2024, 8:16 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asst Coach [819]
TigerPulse: 100%
23
|
Re: Set to defend my dissertation tomorrow morning. Nervous and excited.
Dec 12, 2024, 8:27 AM
|
|
Congratulations!
Yes, see if you can get started off with an easy question from a friend or maybe your advisor. Once you get started, things will flow pretty easily.
Pause before you answer, it gives you a chance to think and gives more weight to your answer.
If you're going for a PhD, you should know that subject better than anyone else in the room, but don't get arrogant. If there is a faculty member looking to trip you up, you should probably already know who that is, so pay attention to those questions for any kind of gotcha, or trap.
Don't try to BS your way through anything. You shouldn't have to, and they will know if you do.
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replies: 58
| visibility 5385
|
|
|
50
