At a recent workshop I was asked, what is the most important thing I should know before my viva?
Know that you are where you are supposed to be.
Know this.
You can be nervous about the viva, but you should know that you’re not only lucky when it comes to your research and success. You can be fortunate, but you can only get this far by being talented and doing the work needed.
You have to be talented to do the work!
You are where you are supposed to be…
If you know this, really know it, then the nerves won’t be all that important. You can do what you need to in order to get ready, and you will be great on the day. If you’re not quite there yet in knowing it, think about what might help, make a little plan, then get to work.
