What’s It About?

If you want to describe your research to someone – and do it well – you have to consider who your audience is.

The general audience for your PhD thesis probably has a different knowledge and understanding than a family member who is curious about what you do. If you want to respond well to either audience you have to consider what they might know, what terms you might use and where they might find interesting parallels with their own knowledge.

The general audience for your PhD thesis might overlap with your examiners but the latter will probably have some interesting distinctions. While your research is for a wider audience it makes sense to consider your examiners particularly when you’re preparing for your viva.

You didn’t write your thesis for them but you’re preparing to meet them and talk about it. It makes sense to consider what they might know, what they probably understand and to explore what they have been working on recently to look for connections and mutual understanding.

Perfection isn’t the goal with preparing for your examiners. You’re working towards being ready to explore your research and present yourself as a capable researcher.

That’s what it’s all about.