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Month: March 2026

Nathan

A Reason To Clockwatch

Daily Post

Standard Viva Advice Number 62: don’t check the time during the viva because doing so will only be a distraction.

A clear exception is to do this because you need to: maybe you need to take breaks for specific medical reasons or to help you have a fair viva process.

That would be a good reason to keep an eye on the time. If you’re concerned about losing focus by clockwatching then perhaps make sure your examiners know about your need and ask them to be responsible for encouraging those breaks.

More broadly: there’s a lot of really good, well-meaning and often-helpful viva advice that might not apply to you. Listen to advice, take what you need and find your own way to get ready and pass your viva.

Nathan

Your Objectives

Daily Post

Why did you start your PhD? What was your objective when you began?

As you continued through the years how did your work develop? Did your objectives change?

And as you reach the conclusion how do you feel you’ve reached your objectives? What are your objectives for the future?

Some of the questions above might be in the background of your viva. Some are probably not typical of discussions but all are worth reflecting on as you prepare.

What you were doing, why you were doing it and how things changed over time are all worth considering before your viva.

 

PS: Want more reflective viva help? Then check out my live 3-hour Viva Survivor webinar on Wednesday 25th March 2026 where I’ll share more reflective thoughts and a lot more. You’ll also get four-week access to a recording of the session and follow-up materials too. There’s information at the link but please get in touch if you have questions or want to know more. Thanks for reading!

Nathan

Find What You Need

Daily Post

Viva prep is personal. You have to take responsibility for it by thinking about what you need, listening to the advice of others and figuring out how you meet your needs and preferences.

There are lots of good ideas for viva prep. You have to take responsibility for figuring out which ideas you’ll follow, which you’ll adapt, which you’ll avoid and which situations you’ll need to consider further before you land on the idea for you.

What do you need? As you finish your thesis and work towards submission consider your options and find what you need to prepare well.

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