A very practical post today that springs from a frequent question at workshops: “Can I take a break in the viva?”
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Yes.
Bathroom break, leg stretch, medical need – you can ask for a break in the viva. As time progresses, your examiners should be thinking about whether or not it is appropriate to offer a break. Most vivas fall in the two- to three-hour range. That’s enough time that a short break is in order.
If you need one, ask. If you’re offered one, say yes, move about and get some blood flowing.