The Dissertation/ Thesis Defense
It is always a terrible time to have your dissertation/thesis paper defense. It looks to put forward some kind of war that you are trying to win. In order to overcome this horrible period in your life, here are some advises on this problem.
The most evident suggestion in overcoming the dissertation/thesis paper defense is attempting to visit several defenses before your own one. Discover which students are defending their own research and be present at their defense. In some departments, it is expected of graduate students. When it is not the solution for you, get to know with your adviser whether it is possible to obtain an invitation for visiting some defenses. At these defenses try to hold your concentration on the interactions. So, you can learn many useful things from attending such meetings.
Look for the chance to discuss your dissertation/thesis paper with your colleagues or friends. Listen attentively to their questions. See if you can present your work in a coherent and clear manner.
Do not try circulating the chapters of your work to your committee staff as you are creating them. This practice is the most annoying and causes considerable difficulties for a student. You should work directly with your dissertation director, because he is the person who you need to please. You must develop a strategy with your dissertation director concerning when and how your work should be shared. Only after the director approving, you may share your work with the rest of the committee staff.