crass

Hi Tokyorabbit,

Of course you can join me over here on updating your progress, whatever helps with the work and it's always nice to have the company! Looks like you've been doing fine though, and about the same deadline as me, as you said! I'll be back on the PhD case at the weekend, as am doing it part-time and currently at work, so see you then. (up)

crash

lamp

lame

brush

Yep, it is a bit scary. I agree with Coastman, lots of deadlines that make you get stuff done before you actually *have* to have it done, plus getting regular feedback from your supervisors so you don't drop off their radar into some isolated pit of misery and panic. You've got lots to be working with if you've already written over 80,000 words - that's a good basis for refining your arguments etc, and it's normal to not use lots of it, it's part of the process. Sometimes I panic as I've only got a few months left, but that makes me freeze and do nothing which is completely counterproductive, so I try to use the panic to make me actually do some work instead. It's all we can do really, plus it will be so nice to finish!!! Keep at it and you'll get there!

line

cruse

pine

trust

Hello!

Lara, thanks for your sensible words!! Still feel ropey but have to go to work tomorrow.
The December deadline isn't one of my imaginary deadlines unfortunately, but a proper one, so no room for manoeuvre there. It's the last time I'll get feedback from my second supervisor before final submission - he didn't want to be bothered with 'endless drafts!' It's the draft that shows how much I've got to do over Xmas.... ulp! Will get back to Phd stuff in a few days and do what I can - maybe just shift my expectations of what can be done in the time left, I suppose.

I'm looking forward to seeing how all this viva prep goes for both of you! See you soon.:-)

wing

tress

I think you're right Tricky, they are different things. I used to be nervous before all presentations years ago, although am usually confident enough in other situations. Now my presentation nervousness seems to depend on who the audience is going to be - I'm ok for conferences in big lecture theatres if the audience is going to be undergrads, but if it's for work colleagues or a room full of established academics I still get nervous, especially if I'm critiquing their work. New audiences from a completely different discipline also make me a bit anxious, as they're completely out of my so-called comfort zone.

I agree with the others, practice is really useful. I also check what the technical setup is like well in advance for any laptop/DVD/sound requirements I have, as at least that rules out any technical hitches as far as possible. I can't believe people who just turn up at a completely unknown place minutes before doing a talk and expect whatever they bring with them to magically work with other people's kit, especially when it's central to their whole presentation. Being prepared as much as possible is really important.