Four Hours
My viva was four hours long. It was over in an eye-blink. I left my viva thinking, “What just happened?” I was tired because I had slept badly, and the viva was quite an involved discussion at times. Still, I...
Daily viva help for PhDs
My viva was four hours long. It was over in an eye-blink. I left my viva thinking, “What just happened?” I was tired because I had slept badly, and the viva was quite an involved discussion at times. Still, I...
“What’s a good strategy for answering questions in the viva?” It’s a common question I get in workshops. I’m not sure why. I understand that people want to do well, but at the same time I wonder if it’s overthinking...
“We’re so pleased to present you with this award for shortest viva this year, well done!” “Congratulations, you did it! Here is a Silver Star for no typos in your thesis!” “This ribbon shows that you are Quite Probably The...
In three seconds… …a photon travels almost 900 million metres. …a Shinkansen moves over 250m. …Usain Bolt is a third of the way to the finish line. …in the viva you can feel like there’s an awkward pause in conversation....
As a presenter, I silently curse institutions when I arrive to do a workshop and there is no clock on the wall. A clock is helpful to a presenter because they can keep track of where they are in their...