The Waiting Game
The talking part of the viva regularly ends with the candidate being asked to wait while the examiners have a discussion. I remember sitting slightly dazed and confused in my office, staring at my computer, clicking through webpages and wondering how long it would be.
You could be asked to go to your office, wait outside, or go find your supervisor.
You might need the loo, or need a drink, or be really hungry!
Maybe you’ll want to go for a walk, get some fresh air, or start texting friends.
Whatever you do, you’re waiting, waiting, waiting…
I’ve heard ranges from a minute to half an hour. You won’t know in advance.
Think about what you might do in those moments. You may be directed to do something in particular, but have an idea of what you could do to distract or decompress after the talking stops.
Tick-tock tick-tock and then you’re called back in…