Some Tips for Thesis Presentation for Undergrads

The "season" for the thesis defense has started. I was planning to give some tips on how to make a good presentation but I was not able to organize it well. Anyway, I promised a few students that I will write about it instead so here goes....

Let me just simplify it into four points:

1. First impression starts before the presentation.

• Dress smart. Don't dress funny. Correct code is business attire. The thesis presentation is like a project presentation to a group of decision makers.
• A presentation early and ready. Be at the venue even before your scheduled presentation. There are rare cases that the presenter before you ended up not presenting (for whatever reasons) so the schedules are moved up. You wouldn't want to be penalized for not being there for the new schedule.
• Don't be seen rushing. Have some people do the dirty work of putting up the boards or bringing in the model. The panelists should see you calm and collected.
• Everything functioning. Make sure your laptop is charged or plugged, your files can be opened and will work, especially video and audio. It is not good to let people watch you struggle making things work.
• Set the ambiance. Smile, Talk casually to the panel while waiting. Make sure you are in control.

2, Stick to the rules.

• Keep to twenty minutes. This includes the video! You have to learn to reduce your presentation to fit the time frame. Going beyond bores the panel, ending very early will make them wonder if you are seriously prepared.
• Do not read from the slides. This is an advise given by all teachers starting first year. The moment you break this rule, don't be surprised when the panel doesn't treat you like a good student.
• Use original materias. Do not use music, images or videos that are not yours. If it is necessary to use them, make sure  you acknowledge sources.
• Talk naturally and legibly. Do not change the way you talk when presenting, you will sound funny and artificial. Do not bother to use fancy words, use simple words instead. Try to speak straight English, but if you get stalled by it you can use Cebuano or Tagalog once in a while.
• Explain only the essentials. I have a previous blog about this enitled "Presenting...!"

3. Answer respectfully. 

• Beware of familiarities. Even if the panelist is a family friend, treat everyone formally. Your friend might not mind, but the other panelists will surely take issue.
• If you don't know the answer, say so. Don't try to invent something if you're not sure, Everyone prefers to move on than to keep roaming around the bush.
• If opinion differs, embrace it. State why you came up with your position but also make the panel know that you understand their position also.

4. End with dignity.

• No matter how hard the beating, try not to break down, But if you can not hold it, try to contain it as much as possible. Do not create a scene. Show the panel how mature you are.
• Always give everyone the impression that you are open to suggestions and improvements, and that you are happy for the opportunity to know more.

Finally, one has to understand that the panel are human beings and as such there are technical factors that they have to overlook if they find some potential in the student. I wrote another blog on how I analyze the way they evaluate the students. I called it "The Subjective Rules for Approval."

I hope this helps somehow. I made a lecture once about this topic and the slides I used were circulated among the students. I think they are still being circulated until now, but probably modified by some people. In any case, I do not also discount the fact that some people are simply lucky.

Good luck to all presenters!