Tips for graduate students when preparing for your dissertation proposal defense meeting. 

1. Your prospectus defense meeting should include a 5–8 minute presentation of your proposed study.  This presentation should highlight your introduction, literature review and method.  This presentation should also include why this study is relevant to you and how you came to present this study.  Much of this can be embedded within the introduction and literature review.
2. Your prospectus defense meeting is called a defense, but it should not be defensive.
3. Your prospectus defense meeting should be scheduled at the convenience of your committee members.  Give the committee members a number of date and time options to determine their availability.  Consider using a service like Meeting Wizard (http://www.meetingwizard.com).
4. Your prospectus defense meeting should be viewed as an opportunity to improve your study.  Take copious notes.
5. Your prospectus defense meeting should be an opportunity for you to answer questions from committee members other than your chair.  Should be an opportunity to explain the decisions you made within your proposal, primarily within your method section.  Ask questions of your committee members for clarification.  Ask questions of your committee members concerning alternative methods.
6. Your prospectus defense meeting should include a handout, if appropriate.  But the handout should not duplicate what is within your document.
7. Your prospectus defense meeting must occur prior to your data collection.
8. An email reminder should be sent the day before to remind committee members “you’re looking forward to hearing their feedback on your proposal tomorrow at ___ in room ____.”
9. During the meeting, listen.  Answer questions asked.  Don’t ramble.
10. Food (e.g., breakfast, lunch) and snacks are appropriate and appreciated but not required.  If you will be supplying a meal or snacks, be sure to inform your committee during one of your communications.