Be Early
Be early for your viva. Be early so you can take a breath or two and appreciate these last moments on this side of the milestone. In one moment you’re working towards your PhD, getting ready for your viva –...
viva day
Three Favours
Ask your family and friends to give you a little space, time and quiet in advance of your viva. You need a good environment to prepare in. They can help provide that for you. Let them know what you need...
Warming Up
How will you warm up on the day of your viva? You might not need to perform vocal exercises or physically stretch, but you could: Read through a summary of your thesis one more time. Check that you have everything packed...
The Final Checks
It helps to check a few final things before your viva. Do you have your thesis? Do you have a notebook and pen? Do you have something to drink? Do you have a few weeks of prep in your recent...
Starting
Starting the viva could make you feel a minute or two of nervousness. Your examiners will know this might be the case, so will respond accordingly. Simple questions to get things started. Perhaps a presentation, requested in advance, to give...
Then & There
When you find out the date and location for your viva, whether your viva is in-person or over video, write down a few thoughts for each of the following questions: How will I get there and when do I need...
Examiner Feedback
Feedback from your examiners could be a great help if your plan is to continue in academia. Questions, opinions, insights – whatever they offer or you ask for could give you a boost. If you’re hoping for something from them,...
A Special Day
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...
Entrance, Exit, Escape Route
A few practical questions for your viva day: Where is your viva taking place? Do you know what to expect from the building and room? When do you need to be there? How are you going to get there? Where...
Enjoy, Endure, Engage
I’d like to think that most people could enjoy their viva, but I know that some won’t. I know most candidates won’t feel like they simply have to endure their viva, but sadly, some will. More and more I think...