Going Back
What would you change about your viva prep if you could go back and do it over? I was asked this at a recent webinar. I knew immediately what I would change: I would have a mock viva. I definitely...
rehearsal
Simulated
Rehearsal for the viva is essential because it simulates some of the aspects of being there. If you’re nervous about how you will respond, what will come up or what it will feel like to be there then you can’t...
Show What You Know
Your viva prep does not need to be confined to book work and solitude. While a mock viva is the most notable prep activity that involves others, it’s not the only task that you could involve others in. Sit down...
Set In My Ways
I learned the same lesson several times during my PhD: when a certain approach isn’t working, it’s a good idea to try something else. This was a hard lesson for me. I knew how to use the tools and concepts...
Opportunities To Practise
A key step of viva preparation is investing a little time to practise. A mock viva could be a great rehearsal for the real thing, but it’s not the only option. Simply talk. Sit down over coffee, over video if...
Mocks Are Maybes
We don’t own a toaster. The rest of our family think we’re really weird. They can’t wrap their heads around why we choose not to have a toaster and prefer to use our grill. We still toast things! We just...
Needing A Mock
You don’t need a mock viva. You need practice for the viva, a rehearsal space to think and respond like you might do in the viva. You don’t need a mock viva, it’s just one of the ways that you...
Clear (To You)
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide… A few weeks ago I was half-humming, half-singing Bohemian Rhapsody as I was tidying up. “What’s that?!” asked my seven-year-old daughter. I started singing the song properly. I...
Share Your How
In preparation for your viva, explain to your researcher friends how you did your PhD. Share what processes and methods you followed. Tell them about the research that you built on. Explain why your ideas went in the direction they...
Demo Discs
I’m old enough to remember demo discs: CDs or DVDs that came with gaming magazines and which allowed people to try new games or software before the full release. (I’m actually old enough to remember demo cassettes, but let’s put...