You Are Here

Tag: a special day

Nathan

The Special Days

Daily Post

Public holidays can be special, but are usually just a bit different: a day off or a change of pace. Of course, a royal coronation or other big public event is a pretty special occasion for a lot of people!

Vivas are pretty special days too. Not quite the end, but certainly nowhere near the beginning of your PhD. Nerves and excitement and a host of other feelings too.

When you come to a special occasion, you probably have something to do. It’s rare for it to simply happen and wash over you. Ask yourself, what do you need to know? What do you want to do and how do you want to feel? And what do you then need to do to be ready for how you want to engage with the special day?

For your viva, a very special day:

  • What do you need to know?
  • How do you feel? How do you want to feel?
  • What do you need to do?

Your viva is going to happen. How can you make it special for you?

Nathan

A Special Day

Daily Post

When you think ahead to it, how do you describe your viva?

Do you feel it will be a challenge? Do you joke that your examiners will give you a grilling? Do you find thinking about your viva a bit scary?

When you think of all you’ve done, do you imagine your viva will be special? Important? Easy?

Do you think you will feel nervous, anxious or worried in the days before?

Words matter. The words you use to describe your viva, your preparation and yourself all matter. They are the story you tell about the situation.

Will you need to be lucky or do you think you will be ready?