ABSTRACT
Preparation for the PhD defence is not all about intellectual preparation, it also includes eating well, resting and getting oneself into the right state of mind. The committee members want to demonstrate their expert knowledge and at the same time show their humanity and professionalism. Committee members want student to remember that there are countries where failing a PhD defence is very uncommon. Doctorateness means scholarship, being a sound researcher; emotional and scholarly resilience means being emotionally strong under pressure, and the social dynamics are related to being able to read the social situation of the defence. Golding et al. conclude that most committee members have already made their judgement before the oral presentation on the basis of reading the thesis, and the defence will merely confirm their assessment.
