Doctoral support
Organize a mock defense
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- You have received the news of the date of your defense and you are counting the days under stress?
- You have applied for a grant and will soon have to defend your project in front of the jury?
- You have applied for a position at another university and you are summoned for a trial lesson in a few days or weeks?
We offer you a realistic scenario to help you prepare for this important event, complete with a mock jury or small public. But how does it work?
A realistic setting
To help you prepare yourself in the most efficient and relevant way, we ensure a simulation as close as possible to the conditions of the real event.
The room
Whenever possible, the simulation is organized in the same room (for the defense), at an identical time. It is not available? Then we provide our own meeting room.
The deadline
The simulation should ideally take place within 10 to 15 days before the actual defense, to allow time to make sufficient progress in the preparations but also to integrate possible modifications if necessary. Remember to contact us at least one month before the date of the event, in order to fix one or two dates for the simulation or the meeting.
The process
You present your presentation, as if you were there, with a presentation as close as possible to what you would like to present on the D-day. Afterwards, there is a time for questions from the mock jury, followed by some feedback. Please allow 1 hour (for a minimum simulation) to 2 hours (for a simulation with a mock jury).
The audience and the jury
For the simulation, you can ask a few colleagues to join you to get their feedback on your content.
If you wish, you can also ask them to ask you questions, or you can provide them with some key questions that you would like them to ask you. This way, the setting becomes even more realistic with this mock jury.
The feedback
Immediately after your lecture, you will receive detailed feedback on the content of your lecture and its form, as well as the materials you use. If questions were asked by your mock jury, feedback on your question‑and‑answer management will also be provided.
What's in it for you?
- Greater preparation, ensuring greater ease and confidence on the D-day
- A better understanding of the stakes of the event
- Performance improvement to maximize your chances
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Opinions, feedback, advice and good mood to boost you before the D-day
Contact us at least one month before the date of the event, in order to set up one or two dates for the simulation or the appointment.
Please note that our services are free of charge only for doctoral students registered at the UNIGE.