Be ready not only to use data in support of your thesis but in answer to data-supported criticisms by others. Negative thought has little independent sustaining structure and is soon forgotten. A brilliant rebuttal to criticism is often less effective than a courteous acknowledgment or an inspired silence. Most effective in this regard are variations on the nascent cliches that still convey a sense of newness to most listeners. Innovation sometimes disguises itself as elaboration.
True innovation is both novel and humane.
Share or forgo the credit for your ideas as often as possible. They will go further that way, and faster' - Share or forgo the credit for your ideas as often as possible. They will go further that way, and faster. Don't ignore humour in presenting your idea or defending it, in dealing with rejection or success. Ideas that meet with total apathy or disapproval at first can succeed brilliantly when re-proposed a few years down the line.