Viva tactics

It very rapidly becomes apparent to the examiners how well a candidate has prepared for the structured oral examination. Usually within the first two minutes or so a score is formulated and tends to stay constant. It is unusual for a candidate to significantly change their performance throughout the remainder of the oral viva.

The viva should start easy and progress depending on how a candidate performs. The questions are never asked to trick a candidate. An examiner’s performance is constantly scrutinized and any erratic or unduly harsh or lenient marking is flagged up and fed back to the examiners.

Unless a candidate is doing exceptionally well they will not be asked difficult or obscure questions. A candidate who is performing poorly is never put through this ordeal.

 If you don’t know an answer to a question say so and the examiners can move on to a different question. Easier said than done if the question is at the beginning of a topic and is straightforward. Not knowing the answer is going to go down like a lead balloon with the examiners. With only three topics per examiner in the oral you can’t afford to stall at the first hurdle with a topic and have nothing to say. If this scenario could occur it is perhaps wiser to delay sitting the exam to the next scheduled set of exams.

 If you wish to clarify a question then do so. Don’t however keep clarifying every single question with the examiners, as this will annoy them immensely.  If you are challenged about an answer take the hint you may be wrong even if you think you are right. That said, some examiners suggest standing your ground if you are convinced you are correct. The decision depends very much on the context of the question and how well you are doing and what sort of rapport you have developed with the examiners. If you are the ‘irritating I know everything candidate type’ then perhaps better not to argue.

 Try to quote papers if you are able to as this will impress the examiners and boost your marks.

Appearance and affect

Does it matter if you dress unconventionally, in poor taste or even unkempt and scruffily? It shouldn’t matter and most examiners would deny it would influence their marking. However, conventional wisdom suggests it may convey the subliminal impression that you are unprofessional and may affect your overall mark.

You should wear something conventional, smart and comfortable that you have worn before. Dressing formally focuses the mind for the task ahead. If you are neat and tidy in appearance, perhaps your thoughts will be well ordered too. Forget loud or novelty ties. In the end you are not in the exam to score fashion points or use it to make a visible statement on your value system – you just want to pass the exam.

Examiners are also aware that the stress of the examination may make candidates do strange things. The examiners will make every effort to put you at ease and relax you. The occasional grimace or bizarre facial expression will be pardoned. However we remain unconvinced that you would pass the exam if you repeatedly behave in an odd or weird manner.

Winding up the examiners

Forget it as it is not worth the effort and you are at a significant disadvantage in terms of outcome.

	Don’t ask me that question. I’ll probably know the answer when you tell me it. Do not say ‘in my experience’. It is highly likely that your experience is minimal.
	What I think you are trying to ask me is ... Can I interest you in the complications of elbow replacements?
	Just get on with it. No thank you, stop interrupting me, I wish to finish my answer.
	I am having a bad day I don’t like oral exams. I think you have got a bit mixed up with the answer. That’s not right, you are wrong. I don’t think we are on the same wavelength. I think we have a problem with communication.

Examiners are advised not to respond to inappropriate behaviour by the candidate. However they can only be tolerant and open minded up to a point and the overall impression you are creating will not be reassuring.

Examiner conduct

Each examiner is encouraged to be polite and put candidates at ease. They are not allowed to examine a candidate that they know on a personal basis or if the candidate has worked for them in the recent past. Examiners are reminded that excessive stress is unpleasant and damages a potentially good candidate’s performance. All candidates are treated the same and the mark is based on performance only and not behaviour.

Viva tactics

It very rapidly becomes apparent to the examiners how well a candidate has prepared for the structured oral examination. Usually within the first two minutes or so a score is formulated and tends to stay constant. It is unusual for a candidate to significantly change their performance throughout the remainder of the oral viva.

The viva should start easy and progress depending on how a candidate performs. The questions are never asked to trick a candidate. An examiner’s performance is constantly scrutinized and any erratic or unduly harsh or lenient marking is flagged up and fed back to the examiners.

Unless a candidate is doing exceptionally well they will not be asked difficult or obscure questions. A candidate who is performing poorly is never put through this ordeal.

 If you don’t know an answer to a question say so and the examiners can move on to a different question. Easier said than done if the question is at the beginning of a topic and is straightforward. Not knowing the answer is going to go down like a lead balloon with the examiners. With only three topics per examiner in the oral you can’t afford to stall at the first hurdle with a topic and have nothing to say. If this scenario could occur it is perhaps wiser to delay sitting the exam to the next scheduled set of exams.

 If you wish to clarify a question then do so. Don’t however keep clarifying every single question with the examiners, as this will annoy them immensely.  If you are challenged about an answer take the hint you may be wrong even if you think you are right. That said, some examiners suggest standing your ground if you are convinced you are correct. The decision depends very much on the context of the question and how well you are doing and what sort of rapport you have developed with the examiners. If you are the ‘irritating I know everything candidate type’ then perhaps better not to argue.

 Try to quote papers if you are able to as this will impress the examiners and boost your marks.

Appearance and affect

Does it matter if you dress unconventionally, in poor taste or even unkempt and scruffily? It shouldn’t matter and most examiners would deny it would influence their marking. However, conventional wisdom suggests it may convey the subliminal impression that you are unprofessional and may affect your overall mark.

You should wear something conventional, smart and comfortable that you have worn before. Dressing formally focuses the mind for the task ahead. If you are neat and tidy in appearance, perhaps your thoughts will be well ordered too. Forget loud or novelty ties. In the end you are not in the exam to score fashion points or use it to make a visible statement on your value system – you just want to pass the exam.

Examiners are also aware that the stress of the examination may make candidates do strange things. The examiners will make every effort to put you at ease and relax you. The occasional grimace or bizarre facial expression will be pardoned. However we remain unconvinced that you would pass the exam if you repeatedly behave in an odd or weird manner.

Winding up the examiners

Forget it as it is not worth the effort and you are at a significant disadvantage in terms of outcome.

	Don’t ask me that question. I’ll probably know the answer when you tell me it. Do not say ‘in my experience’. It is highly likely that your experience is minimal.
	What I think you are trying to ask me is ... Can I interest you in the complications of elbow replacements?
	Just get on with it. No thank you, stop interrupting me, I wish to finish my answer.
	I am having a bad day I don’t like oral exams. I think you have got a bit mixed up with the answer. That’s not right, you are wrong. I don’t think we are on the same wavelength. I think we have a problem with communication.

Examiners are advised not to respond to inappropriate behaviour by the candidate. However they can only be tolerant and open minded up to a point and the overall impression you are creating will not be reassuring.

Examiner conduct

Each examiner is encouraged to be polite and put candidates at ease. They are not allowed to examine a candidate that they know on a personal basis or if the candidate has worked for them in the recent past. Examiners are reminded that excessive stress is unpleasant and damages a potentially good candidate’s performance. All candidates are treated the same and the mark is based on performance only and not behaviour.