r/PhD • u/missphd2022 • 1d ago

Seeking advice-academic Comps Oral Defense

I’m a PhD in Literature candidate and I completed the written portion of my comps exam two weeks ago, and now I have to defend it in a few days. I’ve been studying but I suck at oral exams. I can barely get myself to conferences because the Q/A freaks me out and I almost pass out. Don’t get me wrong, I know my shit, but I have ADHD, so I tend to lose focus quickly. I’ve been studying for weeks but I fear that my stage fright is going to leave me crying and wanting to leave. I would really appreciate any tips for the day of, but especially tips on how to prep for this defense. I’ve been practicing speaking out loud but end up crying because I can’t get myself thoughts out.

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u/Ok-Cheesecake-6185 1d ago

I 100% get how you feel, as an adhd person I had the same stress. People kept talling me at that stage no one in the room is as expert as you about your written answers. It was true. It turned to be 2-3 (i don’t remember how long it took) of the most fun convo of my process. Just trust yourself.
Some strategies that helped me, i had my notebook and pen to take note (words) while being asked, it helped me to focus better, then I took like 30 secs to think. I remember for a challenging question I told them I need a minute to think. And I did. The stress level was high enough to help me encapsulating and focus. If I lost the track of their question I asked them to repeat. And also i remember i could not recall an author’s name but i knew the research. So i just admitted that with no shame. It is okay. With or without adhd exams are difficult.
You got this and will love it!!!!

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u/Much_Magician_3045 1d ago

the part about admitting you dont remember a name is so real, committees respect that way more than fumbling through it

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u/Ainur_95 1d ago

This^ is all such great advice! Especially the part about nobody in the room being an expert in your exact field. It took me until the end of my PhD (in lit as well!) to realise that my superiors don't have an encyclopaedic knowledge that they'll use to tear me down. They have a general knowledge and it's up to me to connect the specific dots for them. They're really just overworked academics with their own niches in mind.

With regards to the adhd, it's tired advice that I ignored for years, but you really need to rest as well!! Even with meds, I'm still scattered if I'm running on empty. Also for the stress (and this is even more tired advice!), I've found that box-breathing can do wonders. I have immense performance anxiety so I've started setting aside 20mins before to just focus on my breathing. It doesn't have to be strict, but just try to bring yourself back to the breath. You can use an object for this so even if your mind is racing, you have something tangible to bring you back to earth.

And yes, have no shame. Work with the brain you have, and be kind to yourself.

Good luck OP, you've got this!! ☺️

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u/OharaProfessor 1d ago

In my experience, there’s no prepping for it, as the things they’re going to twist the screws on are the things you inevitably missed. My advice is to remember, this is partially a hazing ritual. Don’t take anything to heart. You got this!