The Perfect Defense: The Oral Defense of a Dissertation

Dr. Valerie Balester of Texas A&M University talks about how to prepare and what to expect when defending your dissertation.
#tamu #Dissertation #Defense
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[@RobbinJane]

I'm defending this upcoming Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 at 12pm. I am feeling very anxious, but this video helped me to have a fresh new perspective on what to expect in the next days. UPDATE: I succesfully defended my dissertation yesterday! I'm oficially a Dr!

[@lupinthe4th400]

Way to go! Congratulations. How was it?

[@matthewlo55]

BEHAVIOUR CHANGE TIME MATE

[@RobbinJane]

@@lupinthe4th400 it went sooo well! I presented for an hour, then the audience had to go outside and the committee asked questions for a full hour. They were all mostly discussion questions, what are you doing with this, what you feel was your biggest impact, how you wouldve changed some of the experiments, if you look bag what you wouldve done differently etc.

[@c.1210]

Congrats on your great achievement! @@RobbinJane

[@stevenoevans]

This has to be THE greatest video to watch before you defend your dissertation. No joke, I probably watched it 50 times before mine. My committee told me it was one of the best defenses they have ever seen. She is dead on what to do and say. Three cheers for posting it!

[@linoshkurdi]

Hello i need your experinces about research

[@alphonsekagenzi5900]

Steven Evans can you share your defense with me if possible? Thank you

[@pilot_yogi9785]

So are you Dr. Evans now? It's been 5 years, what are you up to now? Teaching? University? Do you feel that getting a doctorate helped you in your career?

[@jeanclaude3285]

please send me some videos; I'm in preparation of defence

[@jeanclaude3285]

please send me some videos; I'm in preparation of defence

[@sourojeet]

I passed my Ph.D. defense today in chemical engineering, at the University of Toronto. I used several of the concepts mentioned in this video. Huge thanks to Dr. Balester for these extremely practical tips. 😊❤

[@djmartian7171]

congratz Dr!

[@sourojeet]

@@djmartian7171 thank you 😊 your comment made my day!

[@nwakaego]

Congrats Dr.

[@sourojeet]

@@nwakaego thank you 😊

[@lajustice32]

On Monday, April 3, 2023, I praise God that I successfully defended my dissertation. I want to say thank you to Dr. Balester for this video. This was one of the greatest videos to prepare me for my defense. I would say look view it several times as part of your preparation. Again, thank you Dr. Balester.

[@leveragees]

Amen!!!

[@madraun]

the date’s passed, how’d it go?

[@bishopcorlettajvaughn352]

My defense is in six hours, and I am reviewing your video for the 20th time Thank you for clarity and building my confidence all the more.

[@amandaussene6938]

Defended my paper yesterday (27/06/2022), I passed and this video helped me so much. Thank you Dr. Valerie Balester.

[@Monamie44]

My defense is in 48 hours. This video is 12 years old and still extremely helpful. How come things haven't changed since then?!

[@jarrodhumphrey9350]

Did you pass my friend?

[@Monamie44]

@@jarrodhumphrey9350 I passeddddd :) Thank you for asking :))

[@aphrojitex8972]

How did it go?

[@Monamie44]

@@aphrojitex8972 it went well thank you :)

[@AicimounLight]

Shut she is a busy professor now, she doesn't have time for KZbin. Congrats 🎉👏😊

[@nwakaego]

I have my defense tomorrow 14th March 2024 at noon... I woke up today a bag of nerves , however watching this video has calmed my nerves and changed my perspective. Thank you Dr. Valeria Balester.... @RobbinJane and others, congratulations

[@vorieandvories2875]

Ace it!

[@HanaElghoul]

Having watched this, I believe I am ready to defend my thesis just 18 hours ahead!

[@exorcist1701]

how was your defense?

[@TheTerryd5150]

Did you make it?

[@LT-zi4pz]

How did it go?

[@donl3500]

you won?

[@Vesemir668]

4 years since and we have no answer :(

[@shadhenderson6000]

I would honestly pay for this advice. What a great speaker as well. Bravo Dr. Valerie!

[@williamsoo8500]

This video is underrated. I watched this video and it built my confidence. I slayed my thesis defense.

[@warmedhorizons]

who else is here in 2019 trying to figure their sh*t out

[@Draveance]

Actually Me...I'm Scared, I Wasted 1 Year Figure Out My Thesis so Stressful ,Now Not Many Time Left, So Scared Face Out Defense and Talk

[@diladila8192]

me am going to defend my thesis next week i hope it will be great

[@Draveance]

Good Luck Dyla, Hope All Went Well!

[@o.biertrinker9649]

Good luck, I'm also on this, with great expectations.

[@Draveance]

You Too Biertrinker!

[@Zuvie77]

I can not thank You enough for this video. I went to my defense presentation and was so excited to present my research. My nervousness turned to enthusiasm and I had a easy breezy presentation for my masters defense. Thank you. Alhumdulilah⭐️ 10/10/2019 9a.m. 😁🙏💖

[@DrHeatherBody]

As I prepare to defend my dissertation next week, I found this video to be helpful, encouraging, and succinct. In my process of earning my Ph.D., I have had little guidance on how to defend my work (let alone how to write the chapters of the dissertation). As you know if you're going through this process, it is a unique and steep learning curve. Without educators like Dr. Valerie Balester who help make transparent the idiosyncrasies of this arduous process on the web, I would not be defending next week. Thank you Dr. Balester for your kindness!

[@kyleistheguru]

how’d it go dude!!

[@bojosigamontle2030]

Awesome presentation! It's been four years since I had my defense. My advice is, practice your slides to a point where you can go through the entire presentation without having to look at them.

[@ButterFlyWingsFly131]

I'm less than a week away from my defense.. I have to say that the most important thing I got out of this video is that this isn't a "grilling" but a conversation. Doing a scientific defense on something that hasn't been done before is terrifying but I feel more at peace with that fact. Thank you for this video! I wish everyone luck and strength for their defenses! You got this!!!!!

[@tutor-joe-click-here]

Hello. Need help with your assignments? I can do your essays, research papers, discussion boards, and more. I can even take your online class for you. Email me if you're interested.

[@jesusretto5005]

Thank you Professor Valerie. The jury's demand was very strong, to the point of disconcerting me. But I got over the crisis. And in the end what you said happened: "Congratulations, you have passed, but it is recommended that you make adjustments to this" After a few hours of my dissertation, I remembered you and had the pleasure of seeing your video again. I am already from this day Doctor in Psychology. 😊

[@zacharyw1558]

This video was posted 12 years ago but wil still help countless candiates for their big defences. You are truly a hero.

[@karinaproano1856]

OMG!! I wasn't nervous until I heard this woman.... theres so much more that I need to check, and rehearse... My defense is next week, and my native language is spanish.... I'm freaking out... !!!

[@pilot_yogi9785]

Hey Karina! How did everything go? I see you posted this 5 years ago. Where are you now?

[@shichen3019]

same here...

[@brandonhamilton5040]

I experienced two (2) opportunities to defend doctoral degrees. I was not very well prepared for the first. As I listen to Dr. Balester, I was successful the second time around because I did many of the things she talks about in this video. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

[@ChristianCaurla]

This woman is the ultimate rockstar. Career-saving advices. Thank you so much!!

[@SujoyChakravarthi93]

Will come back to this in about a year or so - all the very best to everyone here preparing for their defense. You've done the hard work now go get that degree, Doctors of the Future! 👍🏼

[@nazerkebizhanova6649]

Love this. Just the first minute of the video and she already gave me reassurence. No one knows my PhD research better than me. All we need is preparation and enough confidence! Good luck everyone who wants to make through it!

[@TrishulRaj]

This is gold for Masters and PhD students. Thank you for this video.

[@apphero6560]

Watched this just one day before my PhD viva. Highly recommended, great tips and worth watching 22 min. Salute, Dr. Valerie Balester ! (You are a doctor and I'm a doctor too)

[@alphamercury]

This video is so spot on. I defended my PhD two months ago and it went really well. Practicing and confidence are indeed so important. Thanks Valerie for the helpful tips!

[@steevensonrosema8125]

Millions of thanks Dr. Balester. As an international student who must defend a dissertation, I have learned a lot. Thank you one more time.

[@nuckythompson991]

Thank you! I found this a week before my defense and this saved me. Everything happened exactly as laid out - even down to having hard copies of my power point - we had a last minute room change and I used them! I was prepared. Thank you, Dr. Ballister. BTW, I passed (insert happy dance here)

[@hibiscusboy]

This video was informative and succinct. I especially appreciated Dr. Balester's reassuring message from start to finish! Thank you for posting this for the rest of the world to benefit. I'll be sure to review this video again before my actual defense.

[@Phsymphonic06]

Dr. Balester, THANK YOU, this video helped me pass my Ph.D. first defense today. It was direct, on point and my professors were extremely happy my information was concise and thorough. I will continue to use these methods again for my Final Defense. Thank you again.

[@Asciel]

I am basically dying of anxiety here and I am so thankful for this video because it has so far calmed me down the most.

[@vaishnaviv3049]

I express my deepest gratitude for uploading this video. I've been tired searching for an authentic source that can help me prepare for my defense and hopefully nail it. Thank you again! Bless your heart.

[@diarimachan]

Thankyou Valerie, I'm going to have my defense next week. And just by re and re watching your video I feel confident adds up everytime.

[@jeffbarnett6158]

My defense is in less than 48 hours. Thank you Dr. Balester for easing my anxiety!

[@tutor-joe-click-here]

Hello. Need help with your assignments? I can do your essays, research papers, discussion boards, and more. I can even take your online class for you. Email me if you're interested.

[@cbaxter197]

Thank you so much for this video! It has taken the "mystery" out of the process and has given me tools for my defense.

[@stephanieteran4013]

Thanks for boosting confidence in all of us who are currently working on our defenses. This video is gold!

[@1paapagaisie]

Thank you for posting this! I found it really helpful. Very reassuring and has helped me calm my self down and place my focus on delivering good defence and hopefully everything will go well.

[@backstermakungwa5252]

Thank you so much Dr Balester, I had my thesis defence last week and I used your format...I got good results . You gave me confidence, and most importantly the right approach to my presentation.

[@mgabrielaestrada]

Thank you Dr. Valerie Balester! I appreciate so much your guidance, suggestions, and encouragement!

[@lakrafihanane3661]

Hi every body :) my name is Hanane , I am a linguistics stream student, I have done my research about the use of ICT in English language teaching and learning. tomorrow I have my defense , I think I can do it for sure because Dr. Valerie makes me happy and motivates me so much. thanks soooo much I find this video very useful . thanks I will keep in my mind your advice and I will try to breath whenever I didn't find an answer. May Allah help me and all students. Regards.

[@shamsuddeen2004]

lakrafi hanane Ameeen

[@usynnstradler]

+lakrafi hanane did you pass then?

[@riverstiger1123]

Hi, +lakrafi hanane , may I know how was ur defense? I hope it was Ok. Is this video was really good and useful for u? thank u.

[@usynnstradler]

***** true, you need to put effort in the real world give your best effort then leave everything onto Allah and he will always do what's best for you - pass or fail

[@Honeyshak]

how did it go?

[@doneleos2544]

I'm so glad I watched this video Dr. Valerie. It really helped me a lot. Thank you

[@jomsbernardo3027]

This has indeed tickled my brain and helped me to create the content for my presentation. from being anxious im getting excited.. thanks you

[@stephensesaiah4567]

Thank you so much for making this video Dr Valerie. Love the way you have explained everything. In between giving people like me the confidence that we can do it.

[@virmacreations]

Absolutely appreciative of the tone, the information and the simplicity of the message. Truly reassuring!!! I am really glad is being posted here!!!

[@karinalopezhuitron6003]

Lots of thanks! I am preparing my dissertation to achieve my bachelor degree for chemical engineering . I am actually sweating and wasting energy thinking about what will be the questions from the jury. I feel really nervous when I am speaking in public, but you transmit me confidence and strength.

[@croitoruanca1234]

Valerie, this presentation helped me so much. I had a low confidence about my defense, but honestly you saved my life. your presentation is so empowering and strong, yet kind and honest. I am not looking forward to defend my thesis, but I am more confident and I just want tot thank you for that. :) Have a good day. Kind regards form Denmark

[@stacyfun2947]

I can't say enough how precious this video is. Thank you so much, Dr. Valerie Balester!!! You rock.

[@divinediva_]

I'm in my first year of doctoral study and I am so thrilled to have found this wonderful resource!

[@udochukwuchris56]

highly informative. got my defense coming up soon and more confident than ever. Than you Prof

[@tiaashtyn7560]

THANK YOU!!! I really needed a good review of this. I lost so much confidence during the process after running into problems securing my data & other obstacles. It’s been 5.5 years since my proposal was approved & I am finally about to defend. I really wanted more guidance, asked my chair about what I needed to put together for my slides & he only just yesterday asked about it. I’ve spent the last two weeks focusing on the wrong stuff because of my anxiety & zero guidance & basically just started from scratch & only have 2 days left to prepare. My colleagues were kind enough to give me some feedback on my presentation. My confidence is my biggest concern. I know my topic, but I draw blanks if my anxiety gets triggered.

[@yunnan9109]

one of the best videos out there for defense preparation. I just defended my thesis today, it went really well.

[@shahidbiochemist]

Thank you Dr. Valerie Balester, It is extremely important tips for getting through the final defense. Love to listen the video multiple times.

[@DY8272]

An outstanding presentation on how to prepare and present the dissertation. It is a MUST-see for all Ph.D. students in the defense process.

[@CassandraDuncanDr]

Dr. Valerie: The video is quite informative. I plan to defend sometime early 2016, and with the points noted in the video, I know my defense will be much better than I first anticipated. Thank you so much

[@kwanny55]

Thank you. I'm going to be defending my thesis in these two weeks and this video really help me and boost my confident.

[@nicolenickinikki]

Wow, what wonderful pointers and tips on poise and how to handle different scenarios that may come up. I recommend everyone who is preparing for their defense (or any presentation!) to watch this. My defense is in 2 weeks. THANK YOU Valerie for the confidence boost! As another commentor said: "the vibe that you transmitted is literally like a hug.." So true!

[@rahulchakraborty4770]

I just gave my Defense and it went very well and smooth. I sincerely want to thank Dr. Valerie for helping me and all of us through this video.

[@Historyforum7]

Congrats. Please, Which field?

[@robertoaylmer7593]

Dear Dr Balester, your video was of great help. Thanks for sharing and supporting stressed PhD students around the world. Receive my gratitude from Brazil. Best regards, Aylmer

[@taufigi]

Thanks Valerie for helping us summarise our work, through your presentation. I liked the bit when you shared about the comments your examiners had about your thesis conclusion.

[@pravinrane3156]

A great confidence booster. So many candid responses and practical suggestions.

[@poocholoverboy]

Thank you for this! I will be defending my thesis in one month and I am already quite terrified. I will be working on my presentation very thoroughly in the upcoming days/weeks to make sure I am a confident speaker. This helped extremely however. Thank you :)

[@RamPrasadGhimire]

Thank you very much Dr. Valerie; its really helpful.

[@DerekLMcAllister]

Thank you, Dr. Balester! I defend my dissertation prospectus tomorrow morning (right up the road from you at Baylor). I already defended my M.A. thesis at another university, but this feels very different for various reasons. Your advice is very encouraging!

[@wandaspalteholz4659]

This video has been so helpful in helping me prepare for my dissertation. I have watched it several times and taken notes. I feel more confident because I have a good idea of what is involved with a defense and how to prepare.

[@ceciliatheule1226]

Thank you very much! It was incredibly useful when defending my Master degree dissertation...and I got full marks! Obviously, not only because it was a nice speech, but this video helped me...a lot.

[@DrDMG2024]

Oh wow! My defense is ten days away. I’ll watch this in the morning to prepare.

[@sheenagangadharan4659]

Valerie is the best! There isn't a single line that should be omitted.I hope to put to practice these for my defense as well.Thank u, to those who uploaded this. Phenomenal!

[@erekclacks773]

So timely, about to defend my dissertation in a month, Dr. Balester has me pumped. Much thanks!!

[@sellis2838]

Thank you so much. I'm recommending this video to many classmates!

[@valraeboe7421]

Approved!!! Only minor changes needed before the committee signs off on it. So happy to have it behind me. You definitely need to prepare. I spent at least 3 full days just preparing for my defense.

[@hannahnombrefia7089]

Thank you so much! I really have no idea what will I do on my defense. This is such a huge help.

[@kosmik.thoughts]

I have my defense in a few days and I am thankful to Dr. Balester as she has discussed the intricacies of a defense so well that it would help each one of us preparing for that.... D-day.

[@ibtissamrez7142]

Video downloaded in 2010, I'm watching it 10 years later and it still works. Thank you very much, I'm defending my dissertation tomorrow and I have watched it twice, noting every single piece of advice this doctor has provided. I assume she's a professor now. ❤️

[@sarasmith3772]

Hey how did it turn out? I’m defending next week ... I know I will do well , how were your nerves going that day?

[@OnenessDebate]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you

[@jhokaniadelossantos928]

Phenomenal video that captures the in and outs of a defense, from the perspective of a committee member. Clear and to the point. Thank you for the break down and the solid dose of confidence. You are absolutely right, we ARE the experts!

[@aprilallen8578]

It's Mar 2020 and this video is still on point! I will be watching it over and over until the big day.

[@saad83]

Perfect... It really helped me.. I have a defense is next month... thank you very much for your help.....

[@aliyabekisheva3657]

A very inspiring and helpful video! thank you Mss.Balester! your presentation made me more confident in the preparation my own defense, you are such a inspiring and professional speaker!, I hope my defense will be good (20/09/14), and I'll try to do my best with your recommendations. p.s good luck for everyone who is also going to defense master dissertation, wish u big sucsess in your study!

[@mariakc21]

I can definitely recommend watching this video! Valerie is extremely good to dissiminate her points, and she has so many good tips, I will definetely use myself. Thanks for putting this up!

[@Zippy-dj8ev]

This id excellent! Thank you so much. I'm prepping for my oral exam soon and have had little guidance, watching this video has calmed me significantly. The fact and logical progression approach makes a huge difference.

[@TheDivastiva]

I almost cried when she said, "congratulations"…. 3/28/14!!!!

[@ammzlyedrousz1109]

Debbie Stevens congrates

[@user-pi4ik7si8c]

OMG.. As I did but no tears.. My viva voce examination will be soon.. I am preparing for it. it was greatest feeling when she smile and said Congrats 👏 wow

[@dagnetefera4115]

Confidence +++

[@JONYHANNAN]

congratulations

[@anjalyb6935]

I have witnessed several viva voce in my life.. most of them cried while awarding the PHD.

[@johnmaramot1533]

It really helps! Praise God. I will defend next week (March 17). Thank you for posting this. God bless!

[@jjheslen]

Very helpful, Dr. Balester! I'm defending 1 week from today and this made me feel much better!

[@lisabagnall815]

Thank you Dr. Balester. I am preparing for my defense. Your video took the mystery and a lot of the fear out of the process.

[@shivanibothra7639]

My defense is two weeks later, and I am extremely nervous. I found this presentation greatly helpful and overcoming my anxiety. Thank you!

[@joyceannlanuevo733]

This video was very helpful. I hope I will pass my defense tomorrow.

[@erikpaolo22]

Thank you so much! Man, this is really helpful, especially on the small details.

[@oneprincesslea]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! I feel so much better about what to expect and how to behave during the defense. Thank you again!

[@gerardoperfors2645]

What a nice lady, thank you! In France, where I live, many of the defenses I have been to are done by terrified candidates, even though, as she said, they always pass. Of course one has to take it seriously but there's no need for all that fear. That being said, it's my turn next week and I'm super stressed too!

[@alhajiconteh8639]

Virtually very good hit: God willing, i'll be defending my thesis in June, 2014

[@kayfyth]

may God grant you success!

[@bryan1996dongo]

How did it go?

[@trikkk64]

It is always a characteristic of a good teacher when they offer real-world examples and guide you over the process, in a practical way.

[@mohammedmuaafa2037]

I am having my defense next week, always come watch this video to boost up my confidence. Thanks a lot

[@DrLakeciaReddrick]

You did awesome! I am conducting my research with another university, prepping for my oral defense. Thank you so very much, Dr. Balester!

[@tutor-joe-click-here]

Hello. Need help with your assignments? I can do your essays, research papers, discussion boards, and more. I can even take your online class for you. Email me if you're interested.

[@brianclarke8335]

Great value, Valerie. For my PhD defence (London University, England), I chose the two assessors. My research had built on and extended the work of one assessor and the other assessor had attended all the conferences where I had presented my findings as they emerged. After the greetings, they said they had never seen a thesis that had no errors and that answered all the questions they could ask. So, their only question to me was, "What are you going to do now?" I told them I had a job offer from one of the world's top-5 consultancy firms to head up their Health Care consultancy group.

[@baraka256]

I am on next week for defense and this has been helpful. It came in handy for my proposal defense too. Thank you Dr. Balester.

[@sabrinafox7464]

First, I want to say thank you for your help and advice Dr. Valerie Balester. I am grateful for one piece of advice in particular. You suggest that a student jot down notes and pay attention as a examiner framed his/her questions. When some questions came after a 5 minute commentary, this was particularly useful. I have successfully defended for my PhD and am thankful for your words.

[@inleusabasengkham8914]

This is so useful for me at this moment, I am actually having my PhD defense in a week from the day that I posted this comment. Thanks so much.

[@annoooosa]

+Inleusa Basengkham So how did it go? :)

[@tracyc2408]

I'm gonna defense my dissertation in 3 days! Very helpful! Thx! And wish me good luck!

[@PedeCasing]

Thank you so much!

[@moradofielmatamoros2797]

Dr Valerie, your video is excellent you got right to the point and explained what I was looking for to prepare myself, very appreciated.

[@dungnguyenminh9900]

the greatest video about thesis preparation that I've ever watched!. Thank you very much, sensei!