Where to find an example of dissertation defense in PowerPoint presentation?

For any PhD student, dissertation defense is one of the most important rites of passage there is. Months, sometimes years of research comes down to one point where all of one’s hard work is condensed into one presentation that will make or break one’s career. Thus, it is normal for a PhD student to treat his dissertation defense as he would a long lost treasure. However, as important as it is to have subject matter that makes sense along with a sound, foolproof thesis, it is equally necessary to present one’s point of view in a strong and trained manner. The inspection committee can be ruthless, and even the best of them can fail in the face of being picked apart. Therefore, here are some examples on how to present and defend your dissertation in front of a committee:

Take Inspiration:

• Attend lectures by students who are currently presenting or about to present their papers. Observe their body language and treatment of stage, and you will get more pointers than you ever will from simply listening to people.
• Additionally, watching someone in action will also give you an idea of how the committee will treat you. Take into account the points that the committee highlights and the type of questions that they tend to raise. This should give you an idea of how thorough the inspection will be.

Keep your slides crisp and short:

• One of the major mistakes that people make while designing Powerpoint presentations is covering their slides with text. A dissertation defense is not your actual paper, but a condensed form of your research that presents your idea and approach briefly and concisely. Thus, there is no need to have line after line of text. Keep your points crisp and to the point.
• However, practice so you are able to elaborate on each point sufficiently. You do not want to forget what you wanted to say in the middle of your presentation. Use these short bullets as keywords and remember the points they are associated with.

Time Yourself:

• Always time yourself while practicing your presentation, and give yourself a minute or two here and there in case you speak slower or faster in public.
• You do not want to drone in public, for it would quickly make them lose their attention. Instead, elaborate on the points, explain and finish well within the allotted time, thus gaining brownie marks for adhering to the timeline and not boring people.