The Viva Is Not…
The viva is not a rite of passage.
The viva is not an academic ritual.
The viva is not a Q&A session.
The viva is not an interview.
The viva is not a mystery.
The viva is not trivial.
The viva is not impossible.
It’s an exam. A unique oral exam based on the particular research you’ve done. Given that it’s based on your work, you can prepare for it.
Given that there are regulations and a culture of examination, you can learn reasonable expectations and build those into your preparations too.
The viva is important, but the viva is not more important than your PhD.