VIVA, Viva, viva
I regularly receive all three formulations of the above four-letter shorthand for “thesis examination” when people ask me questions:
- VIVA is used when someone thinks there is an acronym involved or perhaps they are especially nervous, placing the event on a great pedestal.
- A person might write Viva when they give some importance to the exam. It has a title. This is my Viva.
- It’s most common for people to simply write viva – it’s also technically the correct way to write it as well!
When you’re asking a question, it doesn’t matter which spelling or arrangement you use, so long as you’re understood.
It helps to remember though that different words mean different things, and perhaps give a hint to how you feel about something.
If you’re preparing for your VIVA, is it possible that you’re anxious? And if so, what can you do to help yourself or get help?
If you think about your Viva are you sure you’re on track? Sometimes a person’s focus on the importance of a thing can lead to obscuring other details. Maybe take some time to check all is well.
And if you are simply working towards your viva then just take it nice and easy. How will you get ready? How will you get the help you need from others?
It takes a little work but not too much to get ready for a viva – but then if you’re writing viva instead of VIVA or Viva you’re probably fine in appreciating that!