The Posts Of Christmas Past

When a pun title like this pops into your mind, you have to use it!

In writing this blog for so long, I’ve published a lot of seasonal posts at this time of year. Here are some of my favourites:

I also have to mention A Visit From St. Nate which is one of my most favourite pieces of writing on the blog! I had a lot of fun writing that, reading it aloud and making sure that the words fit the rhythm of the poem that it was inspired by.

I’ve written a few more seasonal posts this month. I hope you’ve found them useful too.

It’s The Thought That Counts

For Christmas gifts, even if the present is not quite what you wanted, when someone gives you something it really is the thought that counts. Someone took the time to think about you and wanted to do something that’s nice. It’s not quite right but it’s the thought that counts.

The same sentiment isn’t true for viva prep.

There’s lots of thinking involved – reading your thesis, rethinking as you check papers , considering what matters as you write a summary – but thinking alone isn’t enough for the viva. You have to speak. You have to engage with your examiners’ questions and respond.

You have to think to get ready but you also have to talk: mock vivas, conversations with friends and seminars could all be great ways to improve your confidence for engaging in the viva.

Simply thinking for your prep won’t be enough.