Viva voce is a Latin phrase literally meaning “with living voice” but most often translated as “by word of mouth, commonly known as vivas, can be a source of anxiety for many students. Whether you’re facing a viva as part of your academic coursework, a job interview, or a PhD defense, knowing how to answer viva questions confidently is essential for success. Here are some tips to help you prepare for you to answer viva questions:
1.Dress up Appropriately
Dressing appropriately for your viva voce is crucial as it demonstrates professionalism and respect for the occasion. Opt for formal attire such as a well-fitted suit or a professional dress, depending on your preference and gender. Choose muted colors and avoid flashy accessories or clothing that may distract from your presentation. A neat and tidy appearance will not only make a positive impression on the examiners but also help boost your confidence during the examination. Remember, dressing well is not just about looking good; it’s also about feeling confident and ready to tackle any questions that come your way.
2.How to Introduce Yourself in Viva
Introduce Yourself Clearly, Start by stating your name and the purpose of your viva. Introduce Your Project, Give a brief overview of your project, including its objectives, methodology, and key findings. Highlight Your Accomplishments, Mention any significant achievements or contributions you’ve made during the course of your project.
3. Understand the Question
Listen Carefully and Pay close attention to the question being asked. Make sure you understand it fully before responding. If you’re unsure about the question, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification before answering. Once in a viva of my med school I answered a question hurriedly and after examiner looked at me with his angry gaze, I realized this is not what he has asked. I got minimum marks in that viva ;(
4. Structure Your Answer
Start by providing a brief introduction to your answer to give context to your response. Clearly state your main points and provide evidence or examples to support your answer. REMAIN FOCUS TO ANSWER THE ASKED QUESTION. Don’t go in details if examiner didn’t ask. Focus on answering the question the way examiner wants, and mostly they want is concise answer.
5. Be Clear and Concise
Speak clearly and confidently, and maintain good eye contact with the examiner. And once again, do not go on rambling.. Keep your answers concise and to the point. Avoid going off on tangents or providing unnecessary details. I being an examiner hate that.
6. Admit When You Don’t Know
Be Honest, If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to admit it. Don’t try to bluff your way through. Don’t make any blunder and assure the examiner that you will look through it after the exam. This shows integrity and a willingness to engage in further study.
7. Engage with the Examiner
Treat it as a Conversation, Think of the viva as a conversation rather than an interrogation. Engage with the examiner and be open to discussing your ideas and opinions. Also keep on speaking and don’t miss on details if the examiner is not stopping you. Sometimes we used to say only major chunks of a topic, thinking that minor details will already known to examiner. So please tell him all the details about a topic he has asked as a conversation to a child.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice
Conduct mock vivas with friends, classmates, or mentors to simulate the experience of the real thing. Practice answering viva questions orally, either by yourself or with a study partner. I used to talk in a mirror about each topic and used to see my face expression and body language and try to improve it. You should also practice with a mirror, if you got no one to yourself.
9. Bonus tip to How to Pass a Viva
There is one answer and that is ‘Prepare Your Topic Thoroughly’. Know Your Material and Revise your notes, textbooks, and any other relevant materials thoroughly. Anticipate Questions, Think about the types of questions you might be asked during the viva and prepare your answers in advance.
10. Stay Calm and Composed
Remain Calm: Take deep breaths and try to stay calm and composed throughout the viva. If you get really nervous, take antianxiety medicine from your doctor. I was prescribe Propanolol for my anxiety. Meditation and taking deep breaths also help you remain calm. Eye on Reward is a key to remain focused.
11. Trust Yourself
Trust Your Knowledge: Have confidence in your knowledge and abilities, and trust yourself to answer the questions to the best of your ability. Go towards a mirror and say I am the best 10 times before your viva and all the energy and confidence boost is there for you.
12. Get Enough Sleep at Night
Night sleep plays a vital role in your physical health. There is no doubt that staying up late is a lot of fun, but your brain needs rest to function properly. If you stay up late, your brain might get exhausted and you could not answer efficiently in your viva. Try to sleep 7 to 8 hours at night to refresh your mind before any exam.
13. Quick Guide to Give a Viva Without Studying
The first step to giving a viva without studying is to stay calm and composed. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and focus your mind. Be Confident. When answering viva questions without studying, rely on your common sense and logical reasoning skills. Even if you don’t know the exact answer, you may be able to make an educated guess based on your general knowledge and understanding of the subject. Steer the conversation in the direction of your previous knowledge.
By following these tips and strategies, you can approach your viva with confidence and increase your chances of success. Remember to stay calm, listen carefully, and be clear and concise in your responses. Good luck!
