(This month's column was written by Michele Khoo.)

Last month I wrote in this column my memories about adjustment to life as a graduate student. This month, I would like to share my experience in the selection of my dissertation topic and preparation for the confirmation presentation. Hopefully it will serve as a guide for you.

Those of you who managed to survive the first semester at graduate school know that things usually get better - unless you've decided that the you're no longer interested in the topic you initially wanted to study, at which point things can get a little difficult. This is exactly what happened to me. I was absolutely sure that I wanted to work on branding in Asia when I first enrolled in the programme; my supervisor was interested in the topic and agreed to guide me in scoping the study.

However, as I began to read more and expand my review of the literature, both on branding and other areas, I began to lose interest in the topic. I was lucky - my supervisor was very accommodating and agreed to continue supervising me despite my change of topic. However, I do not encourage anyone to do what I did. First, it slowed me down by almost a year, as I needed to go back to the starting line and review more literature in the new area of interest. Second, it was a rather stressful time - a constant nagging fear that I had made the wrong decision to change topic. Hence, I urge all graduate students to consider topics very carefully; and, if you really need to make a change, do it at the earliest possible time to minimise any disruption to your plan.

In my graduate programme, all Ph.D. students must present their proposed dissertation topic to an academic committee about 2 years after their enrolment. The committee will approve or suggest changes to the topic before data collection can commence. I must admit that the confirmation presentation was perhaps one of the most stressful presentations I have ever given in my life. I had heard many horror studies of grad students who'd had to rework their whole proposal from scratch, and some who were even ridiculed by the committee to the effect that their proposed dissertation could be completed by undergrads. I was terrified that I might suffer the same fate as some of the previous students. I tried to manage my anxiety in the following ways, which you might find useful.

First, I made sure that I knew my topic well. Of course, it is impossible to know every paper or study that has ever been done on a topic, but it is important that you know the key researchers and theorists.

Second, I tried to look at my proposed topic from as critical an angle as possible. If you find that difficult, let your classmates, roommates, or even partners read and critique your proposal. It can be a very humbling experience and you must be prepared to take the criticisms that will be thrown at you. It is worth it. Better to identify the gaps in your proposed topic early, than to have them revealed at the confirmation presentation.

Third, I rehearsed the presentation many times. I did it in front of the mirror and even in the shower. It is important to be very comfortable with the flow of the argument you will be making during the presentation. Rehearsing ensures that you will sound and look confident on the actual day, even though you could be shaking inside.

Fourth, I went to the presentation venue many times before the actual day to familiarise myself with the layout of the room. I even rehearsed my presentation there. The increased familiarity of the place helped to put me at ease on the actual day.

On the day of the presentation, do remember to go as early as possible to the venue and test out all the equipment. If you have time, rehearse at least once before the arrival of the committee. Prepare printed copies of your slides for them and upon their arrival, greet all of them warmly and show them to their seats. When they are ready for you, walk up to the rostrum slowly and start your presentation with a greeting to the committee and any other faculty or students who might be there. At the end of your presentation, thank the audience for their attention and get ready for the questions and comments.

One very important thing I learned during the questions and answers session was the need to be receptive to comments. Do not appear defensive or angry when questioned. Fundamentally, you must remember that the comments and questions from the committee will help to make your proposed topic better. Ask a friend to help take notes of the questions and comments so that you can have some references after that. Importantly, take your time to think through the questions before answering.

I hope my own experience in preparing for the confirmation presentation will help you in some way when you are preparing for your own presentation. Good luck!