The Dissertation Diaries

There’s a special kind of pause that happens when someone asks, “So, what’s your dissertation about?”

It’s not that you don’t want to explain it. You’ve probably spent years thinking, writing, and refining your ideas. The challenge isn’t knowing your research; it’s figuring out how to share it in a way that feels natural and interesting to someone who isn’t in your academic world.

Over time, I’ve found a few strategies that make those conversations a lot easier.

1. Start with the “why,” not the “what.”

When you begin with technical details like theories, frameworks, or specific terms, people often tune out. Instead, lead with what sparked your interest.

For example:

“I study how professional development workshops can help civics teachers feel more confident teaching complex topics like the Constitution because when teachers feel supported, students benefit too.”

That version tells a story. Compare that to:

“My dissertation explores constructivist professional learning design for secondary civics educators at higher education institutions.”

The first one invites people in. The second one sounds like an abstract.

2. Create a one-sentence version.

Think of it like an elevator pitch for your research. Try this formula:

I study [topic] because [reason it matters].

Or:

I’m exploring how [thing you study] affects [people or outcomes that matter].

This gives you a clear, simple way to start, and then you can expand if someone wants to hear more.

3. Translate your jargon.

Every field has its own shorthand. Words like pedagogical content knowledge or intersectionality might make perfect sense to you, but they can sound confusing to others.

Instead of assuming your listener knows the vocabulary, explain what it means in everyday terms.

• Pedagogical content knowledge → “how teachers turn complex content into lessons students can understand.”
• Intersectionality → “how different parts of someone’s identity overlap to shape their experiences.”

You’re not watering it down. You’re making it accessible.

4. Find the human connection.

Most research topics have a human story behind them. Who benefits from your work? What problem does it help solve? What drew you to it personally?

When you share that piece, people pay attention because they see the person behind the project.

5. Practice different versions.

You might need a 10-second version for casual conversations, a two-minute version for networking events, and a longer one for a podcast or family gathering.

Think of them as layers that tell the same story with different levels of detail.

6. It’s okay to say, “It’s complicated.”

Sometimes it really is. You can be honest about that and then come back to the big picture.

“It’s pretty specific, but at the core, I’m studying how people learn to make sense of information, and that connects to all of us.”

That kind of answer keeps things grounded and authentic.

7. Remember that your research matters.

Even if it’s hard to explain, your work adds something important to the world. You don’t have to make it sound flashy or world-changing. It’s enough to make it relatable and true to your voice.

You’ve spent years learning to write for an academic audience. Talking about your dissertation outside of academia is just another skill, and one that will help you long after graduation.

Pro tip: Try explaining your dissertation to a friend who has no connection to your field. If they can tell you what you do in their own words, you’ve nailed it.

Final Thought

Your dissertation is a story about curiosity, persistence, and purpose. When you share it with people outside your field, you’re not just describing your topic. You’re helping others see why your research matters and reminding yourself why you started it in the first place.