Your Viva Voce or Doctoral Defence: Tips, Strategies and Best Practices

A one-and a half hour Webinar

3rd May 2023

Presented by:  Dr Dan Remenyi

This webinar is designed to prepare doctoral candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful defence of their doctoral dissertation. It will also increase doctoral candidates’ confidence in coping with this all-important examination.

It covers various aspects of the viva voce or defence process, including issues relating to selecting a committee, preparing for the viva voce examination, the role of presentation skills, and successfully answering questions from the committee. Participants will learn how to present their research, respond to critiques, and demonstrate their expertise in their field of study confidently and effectively. The doctoral defence is a significant milestone in the academic journey of any doctoral candidate. It is a rigorous process that tests the candidate's knowledge and expertise in their chosen field of study.

Participants will learn about the importance of reviewing and organizing their research, developing an effective presentation, and anticipating and preparing for potential questions from the committee. They will also learn about the common mistakes to avoid during the defence and strategies for overcoming nervousness and anxiety.

Participants will learn about the different types of questions they may encounter and strategies for answering them effectively. They will also learn about the importance of active listening and responding to critiques in a professional and respectful manner.

Webinar Outline

The date of examination and the examiners?
What to expect:

  • Two or more examiners
  • A few months to prepare
  • Examiner etiquette.

Opening statement

  • The importance of the opening statement
  • What to include and what not to include

The dialogue
Uniqueness of this examination:

  • Understanding the nature of the dialogue between the degree candidate and the examiners
  • What questions will be asked?
  • How to answer the questions.
  • What questions might be asked which the candidate can’t answer and how to handle them
  • A checklist will be supplied.

The outcome of the viva voce or defence

  • Pass with or without honours
  • Revisions, major or minor changes

Coping with revisions

  • Establishing the post examination work required

What to do if you fail.

  • The options are available to the student.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday 3 May 2023 from 2:00pm-3:30pm (GMT+1) via Zoom. The Zoom Room will open at 1:45 pm (GMT)+1.

The cost of attending this webinar is £40 per participant. To book a place, visit https://shop.academic-conferences.org/?ec_store=webinars

Fees include a PDF copy of Writing up your Research by Dan Remenyi which may be viewed at: https://www.academic-bookshop.com/ourshop/prod_1778325-Writing-up-your-Research-The-Quick-Guide-2nd-Edition.html

For questions about the webinar contact dan.remenyi@academic-publishing.org

A certificate of attendance can be supplied on request.

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