Tips for Thesis Proposal Defense

The notes contained in this document are based on personal experience. They are suggestions or
guidelines that may be helpful for students preparing for their thesis proposal defense.
The thesis proposal defense comes after weeks and late nights of reading journal articles,
listening to the theses seminars of graduates, learning the language of scholars and finding that
knowledge gap in the literature which you discover as the area where you shall make your
personal contribution to the body of knowledge.
This is the moment to present to a panel of experts your creative thought and analytical skill in
navigating the complex theories, ideas and definitions of scholars in the field you have chosen so
that on your own efforts and merits you can present a new path, a fresh direction, and perhaps
even an original contribution to what is not yet known or still considered tentative.
The main issues which the panel is most likely going to tackle are:
(a) The significance of your research. Why is it important to pursue your research objectives?
(b) The depth of your exploration of the field you chose to do your research. The quality of
your RRL and your understanding of it is critical in your presentation. It is indispensable to
summarize in a concise way what you have read, compare and contrast the various positions of
the key scholars in the field and then bring out your own creative position in the discussion.
That position would be an integration and synthesis of the best results that research has made so
far and where there is still room to improve or develop further. You have to prove that you have
mastery over concepts, constructs and relationships of your research.
(c) The theoretical or conceptual framework and methodology of your research design is the
second most important area to expound on in the presentation. From the RRL you will now
present your capability in describing what you shall do to contribute to new knowledge. The
conceptual framework you use has to be constructed from theory but at the same time already
include your own ideas and conceptual perspectives about the issues of your study in that field.
It is important to show that the theoretical framework has its foundation in past work of scholars
while at the same time it is being presented now by you with a new and fresh perspective; there
is something personal, that is yours, which is included there. In addition, you must describe
clearly the analytical tools you will use to process the data and information you gather and your
ability to interpret the results with depth and sincerity.
Read the syllabus once more in relation to how you will be judged for your defense. Focus on
addressing those issues squarely.
During the defense, the more important questions they will ask would have to do with “Why?”
For instance:
Why did you choose that topic? Why is it important or relevant?
Why did you follow that scholar’s opinion and not that other one?
How extensively did you read about your topic?
Why are you using that methodology and not this other one?
Why are you gathering only that sample?
You only have 30 minutes for the defense. You should manage that time well. You need to
deliver the most important aspects of your proposal in the brief time given. So focus on what
you must deliver. Below is just a suggestion of how to structure the presentation:
 1. The title, introduction and significance of the Research – 5 mins
2. Explain the objectives of the research and the RRL – 15 mins
3. Methodology of the Research – 10 mins
For a 30 min presentation, usually 10 - 12 power point slides are enough (about 2 mins per slide).
I suggest you time yourself and force yourself to present within the time given.
Other tips:
Never argue with the panel. You can clarify their doubts, answer their queries, give your opinion
but do not argue. Instead take note of what they say and process how you can comply with their
requests or points of view.
Always bear in mind that you may have errors that you might have overlooked and therefore be
open to correction and do not be stubborn about your position. A different perspective can
change the conclusions of your research or add to it. Do not be afraid of recognizing your error
in front of the panel. It is part of the research process: that others who look at your work may
discover something wrong. Admitting that one is wrong is the beginning of true knowledge.
It’s important to be well rested on the day of defense. This point cannot be over emphasized.
On the night before the presentation, try to relax and have a good night’s sleep. The main enemy
of your defense is panic or nervousness because these reactions tend to block the smooth flow of
your thoughts and your ability to communicate properly. Take deep breaths and calm yourself.
Remember: Do not fret about failing the defense before it even happens. Cross that bridge when
you get there. If you’re prepared it does not make sense to fear failure when it hasn’t happened
yet.
Hope this helps. Good luck!