A simple and effective way to tackle a tricky question in the viva is to look for the meaning behind it.
- If your examiner challenges a method, look for why they might be doing that.
- If you go blank or think “I don’t know” then ask yourself why.
- If you can’t see what your examiners are getting at then ask them why.
Searching for the meaning behind a difficult question or comment is far better than trying to stumble your way to a few words. It’s far better than sitting in silence and hoping that something clicks.
Ask yourself why or ask your examiners why, and watch as information and ideas start to move.
