✅ Here’s a Standard Dissertation Defense Structure (Presentation Outline):
Slide 1: Title Slide
- Dissertation title
- Your name
- Degree program
- Date
- University & advisor(s)
Slide 2: Introduction / Background
- Brief context: Why is this topic important?
- Real-world or theoretical problem you’re addressing
- Research gap
Slide 3: Research Problem / Questions
- Clear statement of the research problem
- Research questions or hypotheses
Slide 4: Objectives / Aims
- General aim of the research
- Specific objectives
Slide 5: Literature Review Summary
- Key theories and concepts
- Major findings from past studies
- The gap your work addresses
Slide 6: Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
- The model or framework guiding your study
- Justify why you chose it
Slide 7: Methodology
- Research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
- Population/sample
- Data collection tools
- Data analysis techniques
Slide 8: Results / Findings
- Present key findings clearly (tables, charts, themes)
- Align them with your research questions
Slide 9: Discussion
- Interpret your findings
- Compare with existing literature
- Highlight surprising or important insights
Slide 10: Conclusion
- Recap main findings
- Whether research objectives were achieved
Slide 11: Recommendations / Implications
- Practical, policy, or academic suggestions
- How your findings contribute to knowledge
Slide 12: Limitations & Future Research
- Be honest but strategic
- Suggest areas for further study
Slide 13: Acknowledgements (optional)
- Thank advisors, participants, funders
Slide 14: Q&A / “Thank You” Slide
- Invite questions
- Simple background with contact info (optional)
🔑 Tips for Success:
- Keep it concise – aim for ~10–14 slides, ~15–20 minutes
- Use visuals – graphs, charts, frameworks help understanding
- Practice your timing
- Anticipate questions – especially around methodology and limitations
- Don’t clutter every slide with citations — use small parenthetical citations (APA style, e.g., Ghosh, 2021) in the corner or under graphs/tables. You can include a “References” slide at the end with your full list in APA format.