On Worry Tummy
Worry Tummy – that’s what we call nerves and apprehension in our house. That’s what my daughter called it. Over time my wife and I took it on as part of the “secret language” of our family – the in-jokes,...
viva nerves
Feelings Matter
Whatever you feel about your viva, reflect and think about what that means you have to do. Feel nervous? Why? What’s at the root of that? What could help? Feel anxious? What’s the problem? Who could you turn to for...
Viva Omens
Some things just are, in life and in the viva, Typos don’t indicate that you’ll face stern questions or tough corrections. Silence in the viva doesn’t mean that anything is wrong. If you pause to think then your examiners don’t expect...
The Paperweight
It was a gift from my daughter on Father’s Day a year or two ago. I love my paperweight. It feels like I’ve always had it. Whenever I feel nervous before a webinar – which is every time I deliver...
The Happy Candidate
You could feel happy at your viva because of the opportunity to talk with two experienced academics about your work. You could feel happy that your PhD journey is almost finished. You could feel happy that your hard work has...
Tell Someone
If you need help with some part of your viva prep, tell someone who might be able to assist you. If you feel concerned, tell someone who might have experience or advice for your situation. If you have questions about...
Hold On To Confidence
It’s not wrong to feel nervous before your viva. It’s really important! It comes at the end of years of work and you want to succeed. It’s almost certain that anyone would feel a bit nervous, but that doesn’t mean...
Risky
Are there risks of danger, problems or disappointment in the viva? In general when we consider risk it’s worth assessing three elements: The Bad Thing: the problem or outcome you’re concerned about. The Likelihood Of The Bad Thing: an honest...
The Question No-one Asks
Almost thirteen years of workshops, seminars and webinars and no-one has ever asked me, “What do I do if I feel fine about my viva?” I’ve met candidates who feel excited, but they also admit to needing to know more...
Feel Like It
If the thought of meeting your examiners and having your viva doesn’t fill you with joy or excitement, what can you do? How can you get yourself to a state where you feel like having your viva? Five quick ideas!...