Summary

The PhD defense is the moment when you present and discuss the research you carried out during your doctoral work. It also marks the end of a long period of study and your entry into the academic community. Because it is an important and emotional, it can boost your energy – but it can also create stress.

This training helps you approach the defense with confidence by giving you: first, a clear understanding of what the jury expects; and second, a simple and effective method to prepare your oral examination.

Technesthesia (from tekhné, craft; and aesthesis, sensation) is a speaking technique based on the physical and rhythmic expression of speech. Through practical exercises, you will learn to use your breath, posture, rhythm, and voice to speak with more clarity and confidence — skills that are valuable well beyond the defense.

This course focuses specifically on preparing for the PhD defense. You will learn: how to structure your talk clearly; how to prepare your slides; how to handle questions from the jury.

The workshop ends with a simulation of the opening minutes of the defense, so you can apply everything you’ve learned in realistic conditions.

Learning objectives et targeted skills

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand what jury members expect during a defense
• Structure ideas clearly for oral communication
• Prepare and rehearse efficiently
• Speak more clearly and concisely (Technesthesia method)
• Manage emotions and stress (breathing, diaphragm, voice, physical mobilization)
• Respond more effectively during the Q&A
• Improve listening and adapt their speech to the audience (eye contact, presence, silence)
• Strengthen presence and charisma (strong openings, rhythm, embodiment of the message, clear closing)

Pedagogical methods

The training method is based on three pillars:

• Oral-communication method: learning how to structure your presentation, and highlight the essential points of your message.
• Speaker’s exercise: using Technesthesia to word on breath, voice, and physical expression.
• Peer learning: giving and receiving feedback to develop observation and analysis skills.

Program

• Duration of the practical part (exercises, games, training): about 70%
• Duration of the theory part (experience feedbacks, analysis): about 30%

The following themes will be covered, both on a practical level (exercises, games, training) and on a theoretical level (experience feedbacks, analysis):

DAY 1 – 5 hours

The Rules of the Thesis Defense

– Sharing expectations and experience

– The official rules of the defense and differences between disciplines

The Four Basic Mechanisms of Speaking

– Identifying meaningful blocks of ideas

– How to control your speed (faster/slower)

– Articulatory techniques: breathing, diction, and physical engagement

– Structuring sequences: how to start strong and conclude effectively

JOUR 2 – 4 hours

Technesthesia Applied to a Read Text  

– Motricity: using vocal rhythm and pacing to express and enhance meaning

– Rehearsing your text: body in motion, voice projection, spatial awareness

– Pair or trio work on a major speech text, followed by presentations to the group 

Developing the Content of the Defense

– Methodology for structuring an oral presentation

– How to prepare your slides

Beween Day 2 and Day 3: Preparation of the content, slides, and rehearsals. The trainer is available by email to answer participants’ questions.

JOUR 3 – 5 hours

Technesthesia Applied to Your Own Speech     

– Technical rehearsal with your slides: opening, rhythm, posture

– Full practice session: handling the unexpected, Q&A with the audience

– Personalized feedback from peers and the trainer

Note

Attendance on the first two days of the training is mandatory.

Before the course

Prior to each training session, we send out a questionnaire to future trainees to find out about their profile, needs and objectives, so that we can adapt the program as closely as possible to their expectations and situation.

After the course

At the end of each course, trainees receive a guide to help them practice the exercises they have learned during the course, to help them prepare for their speech, and to help them build on what they have learned during the course.

Trainer

Emmanuelle PAQUET : trainer within the En AcT association, actress, and lecturer in the higher education (PhD in Economics)

Informations

Expected date : 
On thursday 21, friday 22 and thursday 28 of may 2026
• Duration: 3 days(14h) – day 1 (13h30-18h30) – day 2 (14h-18h) – day 3 (13h30-18h30) 

Place : Université Paris Cité – Halle aux Farines – salle 580F – Esplanade Vidal Naquet 75013 PARIS

Résumé de la formation

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Programme

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Formateurs et formatrices

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Informations pratiques

La formation se tiendra du 02/09/2021 au 09/09/2021 sur le campus des Grands Moulins.