Negative About The Viva
An old friend of mine would often remind me of a saying that he attributed to Abraham Lincoln:
“I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”
The internet says that there’s no direct evidence that Lincoln ever said or wrote this but it’s still a nice sentiment. I think it helps with the viva too.
I meet a lot of postgraduate researchers who are negative about their viva before they’ve had it. They’re stressed. They’re unsure. In some cases they’re really annoyed! And in every situation I think, “You need to get to know the situation better.”
Stress and uncertainty can both be reduced by knowing more. Read the regulations. Talk to your supervisors and friends. Look for stories about experiences to get a sense of what to expect.
When you know more you can do more to help yourself. If you don’t like the viva then start to get to know it better. Find out more and take steps to help yourself feel better.
PS: If you want to feel better about the viva by finding out more about it then my 1-hour 7 Reasons You’ll Pass Your Viva webinar next Wednesday 7th October 2026 will be a big help. I’ll be exploring what the viva is all about and why that helps you to succeed. Registration includes one of my pdf publications and a catch-up recording if you can’t attend live. Hope to see you there!