I’ve been where you are, and I understand your anxiety. First off, relax (yeah, I know “easy for me to say”, right?). Still try and find something to help you get your nerves under control. I mean something like meditation, or music.

Next, you’ll feel better if you’re fairly confident about your material. So, read your thesis (again!) and prove to yourself that you KNOW that stuff. Part of my mind went “bye-bye” during my MS defense, and I was horribly embarrassed, but it all worked out – my advisers knew that i knew the stuff, and that I was nervous. Yours will know this, too. Remember, they’re not “out to get you”–just test your knowledge about your subject and research.

I walked around with my thesis literally in-hand for days before my defense trying to come up with questions I thought they might ask. This is not a bad idea either. Turned out, my questions were harder than the ones they asked! Whew!

I guess the short answer is: Review yourself thoroughly and you should have no reason to worry. Stay active during your review–plan activity breaks from studying; go outside-look at the birds, breath some fresh air–and relax. Then go back and study a little more, then take another break. Be sure to be well-rested before the big day!

We’ve all been there…and survived. I’m sure you will, too! Very best of luck!

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I would start by eliminating all caffeinated beverages the day before your defense and get a good workout at the gym. Also, have a group of friends ask you questions about your thesis. Talk about it with them in a casual setting where there are no great expectations. This way you can answer questions without feeling stressed. Try to remember questions that were asked by the panel in your pre-thesis defense and write them down. This way you’ll be able to address those first. Also before going in write your self a list of topics you want to make sure you cover. The list will help you remember all the information you want to convey to the audience. Keep in mind too that the people judging you have been in your position at one time or another and can really understand what your going through. Show them your confident, a little nervousness is okay, they’ll expect it. Also remember to take a deep breath and let all of the tension go before you give your presentation. Hope your defense goes well I’ll be rooting for you.

Do the opposite. Get lots of sleep & tell yourself, as you relax all week, “I know this material, inside & out. I can easily answer any question I’m asked about it.” Eat healthy foods, exercise gently, get plenty of sleep, spend time in nature, & relax, overall. It’ll help your mind, when the time comes.

Good luck!