The document provides tips for successfully defending a thesis proposal. It recommends that students plan their presentation as a team, thoroughly prepare the content and delivery, and anticipate questions from the panel. On the day of the defense, it advises dressing professionally, being on time, praying for confidence but not arrogance, engaging the audience, and avoiding verbal tics or defensiveness. It also notes students should record feedback and thank the panelists after the successful defense.

1. How to defend your thesis proposal like a professional Rachel C. Reyes, PhD and Maria Lourdes Quisumbing-Baybay, PhD

2. . Support your teammates, DO NOT put them down, try to show you are better than they are or compete with them http://makeadiff.in/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/friendsCartoon.jpg

3. BEFORE THE DEFENSE…

4. Plan out your presentation as a team. Thoroughly discuss the sequence of the presentation so that it will run smoothly.

5. Prepare your presentation Use bullet points Make sure that you emphasize the important parts Check that there are no grammatical mistakes Make sure that the pictures and images enhance your presentation.

6. Do your homework. Master the part you will be presenting. http://s3.images.com/huge.60.304160.JPG

7. Try to come up with possible questions from the audience. Then answer those questions.

8. ON THE DAY OF THE DEFENSE…

9. Make sure you brought everything with you. It is stressful to find out that you left something behind when you are already about to present. Make sure all the parts of the thesis proposal are in place (i.e., Appendices, References)

10. ON YOUR PERSON Dress well! It can make you feel more confident It gives your audience a good impression of you

11. Put on a name tag. ANNIE

12. Be on time! Be sure you are ready to start on time. Do not let your panel wait for you.

13. Remember to pray. Prepare well but don’t forget that there are many things that are beyond your control.

14. Be confident but not arrogant. http://www.mellowmonk.com/uploaded_images/confidence-784626.jpg

15. Be animated! Try to move and not stay rooted to one spot. Project your voice well or else use a microphone.

16. Don’t make the audience feel they are “stuck” Don’t lull them to dream away

17. Avoid verbal tics. Ah, umm, I mean… So… Actually… Basically… Okay! Right Medyo Siguro Parang

18. Defense does not mean to be defensive. You don’t have to defend your thesis proposal “to the death.” To “defend” your proposal means to justify the decisions you have made in choosing the variables and methods of your study. No one can make a perfect study; there is always room for improvement. Don’t be defensive.

19. Don’t go beyond 30 minutes in your presentation. Remember, your panel has already read your thesis proposal. The most essential parts of your presentation are your conceptual framework and method of your study.

20. Record the comments and suggestions of the panelists. Ask a classmate to video tape the presentation for you. Ask another one to take down notes for you. http://dir.coolclips.com/Entertainment/Drama/Home_Video/Video_Cameras/taking_a_video_-_cartoon_peop2497.html

21. Show your appreciation for the help of your panelists by thanking them after the defense and giving them a simple snack.

22. AFTER THE DEFENSE…

23. Transcribe the comments and suggestions and give a printed summary to your thesis coordinator. Revise your proposal accordingly.

24. Submit final copy of the revised and approved thesis proposal to your thesis coordinator on the set deadline.

25. Once the final revised proposal has been approved by your adviser and thesis coordinator, you can start gathering data!