Viva Prep Basics

In my Viva Survivor sessions I cover a lot of different topics, including a good half an hour on practical steps to take between submission and the viva.

Here’s the 1-minute version!

• Read Your Thesis. No excuses, don’t skim, read it once, refresh your memory. When do you need to start this?
• Annotate Your Thesis. Highlight, bookmarks, margins. What can you add to upgrade your thesis for the viva?
• Create Summaries. Take a step back, reflect, then capture something about your work. What questions or topics need your focus?
• Check Recent Literature. Take a little time to see what has been published recently. Where would you check?
• Research Your Examiners. Explore their recent publications and interests. How big a task is this for you?
• Find Opportunities To Rehearse. Mock vivas, conversations with friends and seminars can all help. Who do you need to ask for help?

Spend a little time on all of these areas and you’ll do a lot to help get ready for your viva.