How do I defend my PhD?
So, I got my Viva in September and I was wondering from where should I start. I want to be thorough with my preparation and would love it, if those who have given viva can share their experiences. Like, how did you prepare? what all did your examiners ask? Where there any corrections to be made? And was there any partiality? I mean, if your supervisor doesn’t favour you, does that affects your external viva?
Posted in: PhD Dissertations
Laura Urner 5:41 am on March 30, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Don’t be lazy- That’s my only advice. We all have so much time before the actual viva, that we don’t start preparing for it until it’s literally onto our heads. I regret not preparing well and then made a fuss about it in the end. When the moment arrived, my palms were sweaty, I was nervous like hell, the five examiners were pretty intimidating. God! It was HORRIBLE. Whereas, 3 of the examiners were onto me, probing my brain and giving me a hard time, 2 of them were just sitting and writing, analysing, I guess they were bored.
You need to prepare real well, study your work thoroughly and give it some time to revise. Hope you do well! Good luck in advance!
Anmar Bishara 9:20 am on April 13, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
My viva was great and the only reason for it is that I was well prepared. Being ‘know it all’ can boost your confidence to a high level and get you rid of those nerves.
I started preparing for it as soon as my date was out. First I made notes, a lot of them, about every chapter. I pointed out every possible questions that could be asked and prepare the answers. Apart from that, I kept track of all the ‘discoveries’ being made in my research area. Maybe I am too big of a book worm but it was all worth it.
HarryStewart HarryStewart 12:04 pm on April 20, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you for sharing your experiences. What I gather from you is that, anything can happen and I should thoroughly prepare for it. Though I have a doubt, do they ask anything outside of your research?
Jillian Harwell 9:57 am on May 6, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hey, everyone will tell you what to do and how to prepare for why. But I think that contemplating on what not to do is equally important. Try this reverse method.
I found this blog on what shouldn’t be done in a viva:
http://www.statisticsconsultation.com/blog/ensure-you-dont-do-these-things-in-your-phd-viva/
Laura Urner 9:56 am on May 17, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Yes, they can ask you outside of your research findings but those questions will be non-academic! One way to impress your examiners is to appear confident and listen to their complete question before presenting your reply.
HarryStewart HarryStewart 5:03 am on May 25, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks for the tips. I am studying daily for at least two hours for my viva. I have started making notes and that’s quite a good way to go about it. So, for those who are expecting their viva, can also use this approach for their preparation.
Danielle Veronneau 12:22 pm on June 1, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hey, I was going through this query and I feel like giving my input. I believe that apart from all the tips, you need to prepare for your presentation as well. Relevant and enough slides are an integral part of that, to make sure that everything happens within the time. You can work on that too.