What were your personal experiences at your MPhil/PhD viva or conference presentation?

What were your personal experiences at your MPhil/PhD viva or conference presentation?

Excellent strategy that is feasible! Thanks for your valuable points Prof. Han.

followin

Sweet

Hi, Kickson

The most important things are both Confidence and Practice.

Regards

Almaamari

Confidence it is !!!!

There are few steps which can make Defense Viva easy

Stage 1: You have submitted your thesis

Stage 2: Stepping back from the detail

Stage 3: Returning to the detail

Stage 4: The last few days

Stage 5: Within the viva

Stage 6: The outcome of the viva

https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/presentations/viva

It was an examination in the old style, 3 full professors; my doctoral supervisor with his colleagues of psychology and philosophy, without auditory; my dissertation was already accepted by the faculty. Both professors of the minor subjects had half an hour, my boss (I was his assistant at the Educational Institute) had 60 minutes to examine me in the main discipline, educational sciences.

There was a little tension not only with me but also with my boss. Because I was his first candidate since his call at this university 5 years ago, I remember. All oher candidates had given up the attempt to write their thesis at our institute, only an theologian of advanced age managed it to overcome all academic obstacles to get admission to the oral test finally. Unfortunately he failed the test, and this was three years before my own doctoral examination began. So it was also a test for my boss to get rid of his image as trouble shooter and difficult doctoral supervisor ("Doktorvater") within his faculty-colleagues , and I think he knew this. Last not least he wouldn't blunder in the eyes of his both colleagues. Besides, I remember, it seems to me that he would avoid that his own questions, which I should answer, could be an occasion for both other examinators to come in a discussion, about my answers (or about his - perhaps strange - questions), so he asked me very quickly, question after question followed, and I always answered with only one statement, and the next question came, without any further reflection or discussion.

My examinator in philosophy belonged to the circle of most famous philosophers in Germany, at that time. So, I think, my boss was not interested to go to much in details of problems of educational philosophy. So emerged a threefold happiness at the end of 120 min. examination: I was happy to become the title, my boss was happy that the examination was quite okay, and both of his faculty colleagues were happy that their colleague (my boss) finally has got an successful doctoral candidate.

What a touching, insightful and valuable experience Prof. Hein. Thanks so much for sharing. Best regards

Thanks greatly Dr. Rai, Prof. Aparna, Dr. Qais, Dr. Reishma, and Dr. Abiodun for your rich comments and support to the discussion. Best regards

Dickson

I agree with han

Interesting question. Useful information provided by Han

Thanks Dr. Mohammed and Dr. Asmaa for kindly supporting the discussions. Best regards

Dear Dr. Dickson..

I see that the answer which offered by Dr. Han Ping is very valuable and meaningful. So I also follow the other answers.

Good luck ..

my viva was interesting one. I still remember all the details and most of the questions. I was relaxed because usually when the discussion is about teaching practice, research and cognition, I speak from my heart.

Insightful comments Prof. Yehya and Dr. Hameda. Thank you so much for supporting the discussion. Best regards

It was a day I will never forget in my life; on that day, I could see myself at my best, all powered and energetic, fired up as if I was before a firing squad. I had this feeling because of my preparedness.

Agree with @ Han Ping Fung

Regards

I got the Arabic language specialization in bachelor's and master's degrees in Arabic teaching methods and got my doctorate in philosophy in education, psychology and exact specialization methods of teaching Arabic language and despite all that I love specialization and practice

Very encouraging opinions from you Dr. Harry, Dr. Hassan and my Professor friend from Babylon. Best regards

Very unsettled for the first few seconds, but grew in confidence and settled in as it went on. Had to virtually do my presentation under 6 minutes but over 45 minutes for QnA. It is was worth the experience.

Very unsettled for the first few seconds, but grew in confidence and settled in as it went on. Had to virtually do my presentation under 6 minutes but over 45 minutes for QnA. It is was worth the experience.

That was an experience brother Dennis. Thanks for sharing it with us. Best regards

Dickson

A brief and distinctive answer by Dr. Rai Waqas Azfar Khan

Great. Following

You learn more

A very good experience. My Ph.D topic was related to Policies regarding children and in that I had shot many videos and included a few in the presentation. It became refreshing and people got involved in the presentation. The presentation and viva went on for about 50 minutes and I throughly enjoyed the viva.

There were a number of questions by the audience - we have a public viva where anyone and everyone can come.

I am so grateful to you professors Vibma, Oluwafemi, David, and Isam for your very rich comments. Thank you.

I did my Ph.D from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, the premier Institute in India. Every Ph.D student has to undergo a 'Comprehensive Viva' examination. Only after qualifying in this Viva examination, one is permitted to submit the thesis. I was given in writing a Syllbus for Viva examinations. It included 3 Major topics and 3 Minor topics. Mathematics, Elasticity, Structural Dynamics were major topics. Fluid Mechanics, Aerodynamics and Experimental Mechanics were minor topics. The Viva panel consisted of my guide, Divisional Chairman, two external subject experts and Departmental Chair person. My guide had invited a couple of other Professors too as observers. They can ask questions but do not have any power. The topics although appear to be small but their range is infinite. The experts can ask any question without any bar. I took one month to prepare for Viva. Infact, one can never prepare enough for Viva. The Viva day came. I was nervous. I didn't want to cut a sorry figure. The Viva commenced by a brief presentation by me on my research topic and then the cross examination started. Slowly and gradually, I gained confidence. The examiners were also giving hint here and there. Finally, one of the examiner said that he will ask only one question from Mathematics. If I can answer it, he will be satisfied. He asked ' how do you find the fourth root of - 1?' Fortunately, I had studied the Complex Algebra the previous night. I could answer the question. The examiner was extremely pleased althoughI had not answered 100 % correct. He remarked 'the candidate knows the general procedure and in real life situation the candidate knows where to look for to get the right answer'. I can never forget this question and the remarks of the examiner.

Dear Prof. Girish,

That was a very interesting and remarkable experience! I am so happy that indeed good preparation led to the successes of your PhD viva/presentation. Also, we have learned that it is normal to be nervous during the few minutes of the viva presentation but one must maintain his or her composure while building up the confidence gradually. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable experience of yours to us. Best regards

Dickson

Thanks Professor Dickson. To add further, in the case of one of my colleagues, he did not perform satisfactorily in Viva examination. But the examiners did not fail him. They simply postponed the Viva examination to another day giving the candidate a chance to come back prepared. If the candidate is declared as 'failed', then he / she has to wait for a minimum of 6 months to retake the Viva examination. Matured examiners, greatly appreciate them.

Dear Prof. Girish,

Thanks once again for your reassuring comment to all PhD students who due to some conditions were not successful at their vivas to prepare and gear their research up for another occasion. In my institution, such candidates are given a year to tighten their bolts before their next viva. This is an assurance to all persons who would want to pursue PhD studies to muster courage and know that the path to PhD is honorable and worth pursuing. Thanks so much and best regards Sir.

Dickson

I just want to know if there is any option other than 'delete' once we post our answer. I would like to have 'copy' , 'paste' and 'edit' options too. Will it be possiblefor ResearchGate to incorporate these additional options.

Dear Prof. Girish,

I understand and share your sentiments. The edit, cut and paste options used to be present but now its no more. I think the RG technical support must look into this. I will forward this to them Prof. Best regards

Thank you very much, Professor Dickson. I have also contacted RG. Let us hope that they response.

Prof. Ramaiah, there keyboard shortcuts that you can adopt to make your typing easier. You can use Ctrl+C to copy any selected text; Ctrl+V to paste copied text; and Ctrl+Z to undo any action. Ctrl = control key.

However, to the question. My PhD Viva Voce is one thing I will never forget in my entire life. it was a wonderful experience. I always reminiscent the event.

Thanks Dr. Harry. I am enquiring about the options on RG after one submits an answer. At present, there is no provision to edit the answer once submitted. Further, I want to copy my post and paste it on FB or at some other place. No option for this on RG. Very much feel handicapped.

Thank you Dr. Harry for your valuable coaching. I have equally forwarded a petition to RG technical support team on this issue. Let's hope for a good response. Best regards

Dickson

Final Defence report....i was with full of confidence and was waiting for the moment of compeltion of my doctoral degree.

Thanks Prof. Drlatief! Indeed, all PhD students waiting for viva presentations must prepare in wait. I am very grateful that it paid greatly for you. Best regards

Dickson

Following

According to me, knowledge, confidence, practice and excellent communication skills are essential factors for the same.

One of my friends (name withheld ), did not do well in his comprehensive examination. But the examiners were very generous. They did not fail him. In the preliminary report they wrote that the comprehensive examination was postponed due to some urgent and unavoidable circumstances. They gave my friend a fortnight time to prepare and reappear. If the examiners had given a 'Failed' report, it would have been a black mark on my friend and his research supervisor. Further, my friend would not have been able to reappear in the comprehensive examination for atleast six months. Great examiners.

Dear Dr. Rohini,

Many thanks to you for your rich comment. Best regards

Dear Prof. Girish,

Thanks for sharing the interesting viva voce presentation of your colleague. Indeed, the example of his assessors should be mimicked by other examiners today. Kind regards

interesting question and valuable answers and comments.

All helped me in building my confidence level.

Thanks for sharing

I'm feeling nervousness how to communicate in good English but I get second prize in Conference where more than 50 participants are given presentations, some participants ask many questions to me , I replied well aa

There is no doubt that any exam in your life whether it is orally or practically raising the level of anxiety, and that's very common, but when you seem very visibly confused and worried, this will give an impression to the committee that you are unprepared and not ready yet to defend your dissertation.

Important tips as we were PhD students and currently examining students in a viva:

- You the only person knows thesis well more than anyone else, so be confident.

- focus very well when the one of the committee asks you and if you do not understand, ask again politely.

- it is a matter of time and then you will gain your 4 years efforts.

Thanks Prof. Barbara for helping many PhD students in finding their feet in the academia. Congratulations

Dear Dr. Qais,

Interesting comment. I understand what you mean. Always thinking that you are the master of your work bolsters your confidence in defending it at your viva. This will be of great aid to all PhD students. Kind regards

Congratulations Dr. Neelesh. Nervousness is a normal feeling but it should never overweigh us. In most cases, focusing on sharing the worth of your research lessens the nervousness. I am very happy for you for taking an award for an excellent conference presentatiom despite your challenge with the English Language. Best regards

Dear Dr. Salwan,

Thanks for sharing these very useful tips for PhD candidates on how to defend their dissertations. They are really feasible. I am grateful for your support to the discussion. Kind regards

Following

First few minutes I felt nervous. Then I presented clearly the flow of the major research aspects.

My advice is when preparing for the final viva, please do a mock viva with someone who has experience of viva.

Good luck

Dear Dickson what an interesting question. Why do you want to know this? Anyway I had a training during my high-school period in public speaking. They gave you on a piece of paper a subject and an explanation of one line. We had to speak 10 minutes for an audience of let say 150 people about this subject. This was a perfect preparation for my PhD defence. In the Netherlands a commission of professors are raising questions about one's dissertation. The person who defends (me) did not know the questions in advance. I found the defence questions and answers very stimulating and inspiring. Unfortunately I forgot to document the public defence. I am certain that I would have learned a lot if would have reviewed the outcomes. The total atmosphere is nice. Professors were dressed in a black robe with a hat on. I had to commit myself to many rituals in the language Latin. My (professional) friends and family were present. I did experience as a day that I really liked. I hope that this answer helps you. All the best, Carl

Excellent advice Dr. Anuradha. I am very grateful for your participation in the discussion. Best regards

Excellent advice Dr. Anuradha. I am very grateful for your participation in the discussion. Best regards

Many thanks Dr. Carl for sharing your interesting experience. This inquiry is necessary to assist all MPhil and PhD students as well as oral speakers at conferences to know what they are to expect at such academic forums. I appreciate your kind support to the discussion. Best regards

PhD/MPhil is the willing ability of the supervisor, nothing else.

If s/he thinks its ok then ok if not, then not.

Sometimes, its ridiculous !!!

I use comments. Thanks

With the best wishes

Mr Rezaei Ahvanooei.

Preparation and confidence are the key elements.

Thanks for your valuable views Dr. Md, Dr. Abdullah and Dr. Mohamadreza. They have really enriched the discussions. I am heartily grateful. Best regards

Academic networks, research, publication, research, publication...

I published three articles while I was mphil, one book once graduated, now two while PhD student, and many articles and books chapters: just be self-confident, positive, optimistic, face problems with hardworking, put in mind that impossible, itself, means I'm possible, just by adding an apostrophe and a space ;) IMPOSSIBLE = I'M POSSIBLE

Dear Dr. Faten,

I am so grateful to you for sharing your wonderful experience of hard work marked by determination and more importantly confidence to succeed! I hope all students and RG colleagues would find it very useful. Thank you so much. Kind regards

I did it with pleasure ;) Best luck for all researchers ^_^

another little experience that i like to share: while teaching a lesson, put on your mind that your students are the guests listening to your speach in an international symposium, or imagine that they are jury members, the attention of whom should be 100% attracted to your presentation, and you'll find a fabulous result: believe me when I say that I feel much more afraid in the bottom of my heart in front of my students while I am teaching more then while i am doing a symposium speech:

as much as ur goal is to let ur audience understand ur treated issue the most possible, fear will disappear ;)

Well-prepared , confidence and practicing.

However, Some universities let students to sit for a mock viva which is an emulation interview reduces the tension and anxiety before the promised day!

Dear Drs Faten and Salwan,

I am so touched, very grateful for your continued assistance to this discussion. Your points are always very very useful. My highest regards to you my dear colleagues.

I summarise my viewpoint about viva with this phrase: if the thesis problematic is the researcher's own choice (as sometimes they can face the problem of an absent director's agreement), with the director's blessing, this means that the researcher is doing somthing that he loves (exact science researchers may refuse my viewpoint) and cares about, so the defence would be nothing but enjoyable, made from the buttom of the researcher's heart, with a big self-confidence, and most of all with positive waves

I utterly agree with you Dr. Faten. Well founded arguments you have presented. The strand of your viewpoint that is very remarkable to me is '...if the defence is made from the button of the researcher's heart' then everything falls perfectly into its place with great confidence and 'positive waves'. Excellent contribution! Thank you

Very truthful remarks, Dr. Kavitha. Thanks for sharing them with us. I am heartily grateful. Best regards

Following

I use comments. Thanks

With the best wishes

Mr Rezaei Ahvanooei.

For me it was an experience associated with a lot of work and effort, with nerves but with a lot of enthusiasm to have developed a complete investigation, my advice is to have confidence in oneself and always move forward

Thanks for your valuable comment, Dr. Catia. I am very grateful for your support and important view. Best regards

The doctors dissertation had been accepted and I had answered questions about it in writing. The oral exam continued for a considerable time during which I tried to remain composed and answer the questions. Topics covered the syllabus and my dissertation, then went beyond into other areas. Then suddenly I was being addressed as doctor.

Well,when I did mine it was an interesting and remarkable for me as i really questioned to know if i am really vast in the area i did my research

My Ph.D presentation was fascinating and it gave me the opportunity to search for many related concepts afterward.

To me, it was a great achievement. I did my best, thank God. I got the admiration of the discussion committee, I was familiar with a research topic and I answered all the questions

I appreciate your fruitful comments and interesting experiences on your viva! Thank you so much Drs Decker, Manar, Nyakno, and Oluwafemi. Kind regards

The oral exam continued for a very limited time during which I was not well guided but several presentation of international , nationnal conferences one which i used invest to participate presenting paper , attend is indeed good pratice , Bio Chemical Enginerring Reseach , one amog best world biotechnoloy advanced research center in 1965

I use tried to remain composed and answer the questions. based on main chellenges , problems that was answered very well defined by the guid , who used to ever posed by the guide , required always productvity , results. Topics covered the content and my dissertation, then went little beyond into other areas. The few viva question went out of my engineering more for chemistry as examinar , as good one , not well I was being addressed as doctor. The confidence in you , nervouness was little , as more you have deep learning indeed you will be the only person in the world know the knowledge as you deeply mediated , thus no fear one too have about unknown questions of the via oral questions.Indeed less time , value to your presentation , more time and value of oral , question in public is indeed best model , as all IIT, india exams are viva question and answer , unlike tradition long time final exams of university , very time consuming , money spend much.

Dear Dr. Pagandai,

Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience you had on your viva session. It has really enhanced the colour of the discussion. I am very much grateful. Kind regards

Dear Dr. Juliana,

Thank you for sharing your personal experience of your viva voce while highlighting the pivotal role of supervisors in the success of their students. I am very thankful. Kind regards