Viva and presentation: How do you go about preparing for a viva exam and presentation? A viva voce is a spoken defence of your research. It acts as a verbal counterpart to your written thesis. Typically, it involves an oral examination of the extensive piece of independent, academic work you have undertaken. The format of your oral examination can consist of a presentation, a series of questions, or both. Regardless of the logistical arrangements, viva success requires significant planning, preparation and practice.
How textbook helps: The book, Preparing For Your Viva And Presentation, is a useful resource providing realistic advice on preparing for a viva exam and presentation. It encourages you to view your oral exam as a positive experience. It explains your viva is an opportunity to defend your research to a supportive, yet inquisitive, audience. The publication helps you clearly and concisely communicate to your examiners the contributions to knowledge you are making. It highlights the need to anticipate the type of questions you could be asked and rehearse appropriate responses to your examiners’ queries. Additionally, it discusses putting together suitable visual materials, like slides, for your presentation.
Student story: Geoff was preparing for a viva exam and presentation. He was, however, finding it a challenge to condense hundreds of pages of words into a 30-minute presentation. Our book prompted Geoff, in advance of his viva, to prepare compelling slides for his presentation. It also reminded him of the importance of practicing how to answer challenging questions and do a realistic dry run. As a result, he performed exceptionally well with his presentation, offering a stout defence of his research. Geoff passed his oral examination with only minor corrections required to his thesis.
“The book was so helpful and constructive. It gave me invaluable advice. With the help of Thesis Upgrade, I went into my viva feeling confident about explaining my research, arguing a convincing case and justifying the approach I took.” Geoff Thompson, PhD.