How to prepare for a Viva :

We all agree that exams can be scary and stressful for most of us, especially the external Viva examinations! 

To help ease your stress, we at Noon, wish to take you through some easy do’s and don’ts to help you prepare well and in the most efficient ways :

1. Pay attention to your personal study corner

To begin with, it is always a great practice to set up and clear your study table or room. 

Stay away from your phone, T.V. and any other distractions which can get in the way of you reaching your goals.
Organize the study area in a way which will make you want to spend time learning, while being comfortable as well as stress free. 

2. Make a timetable you can actually follow

Next, you must keep in mind to create a realistic and achievable schedule for yourself.
The easiest way to do so, is to divide your project/practical into smaller portions. 

Try to make a habit of including multiple subjects in your daily schedule and practicing a little bit every day. 

This is important so that you don’t ignore or skip any part of the topics, since we already know how much stress last minute cramming causes.

Along with that, don’t forget to leave a bit of free time every week. It will be so helpful in case you need extra time for revision or even simply to relax!

3. Know and revise your own projects thoroughly

We advise you to be well informed about your projects and the topics they include.
It will give you the benefit of being able to recognize your academic strengths and weaknesses. Not every subject or topic requires the same amount of time to understand.

This is also an important step to help with creating the most effective timetable.

Give priority to easy topics and to what you already know well. Learn it in detail before you go over the rest of the syllabus. 

Don’t expect to know everything, it will only stress you out!

Start making a regular routine of going through previous solved and unsolved viva question formats so that you can observe patterns about what types of questions are asked and the related percentage of marks.

These observations will help you create your best possible personal study schedule.

4. Flash cards are your best friend for revision

A Flash Card is a piece of paper around the size of a playing card, which holds small amounts of information.

Create such cards to write down your formulae, equations, definitions and notes as they are great visual memory boosters. 

Be sure to write quick, short definitions and highlight the key terms on each card. Writing your own notes is the surest way to retain information.

The flash cards you make can be carried around with you for revision. They can even be stuck up or put around your study table or corner. Always a good idea to keep them close for regular revision. 

It may also help you practice by giving the cards to a friend or family member while you speak the information out loud.

5. Dress for the outcome you want
One easy to forget, but very basic and necessary part of any presentation, is how you present yourself!.
A well groomed and tidy appearance will boost your own confidence and guarantee that you create a positive “First Impression” in the examiner’s mind.
It’s always best to avoid any such unfairness which may be formed against you before even starting the viva.

6. Have confidence in your own voice
Speak and communicate with clarity. We normally think that speaking loudly is the best way to be heard by the examiner.

However, not everybody can speak loudly with confidence and that is perfectly normal.

Which is why, being clear and careful with your words, is what will help you avoid getting confused or nervous about having to repeat yourself over and over.

Another major factor in being confident is to stop comparing yourself with others.
You are all unique in your own way so you must always happily accept and also respect your differences.

7. Do not put your reputation at risk
Everybody should know by now, that it is absolutely the worst idea to try and bluff your way through the examination, as you will spoil your own reputation.

One more thought to keep in mind is to avoid arguing with the examiner.
It is easy to get upset when something we have spent time learning is dismissed. You must try to see even this dismissal as an opportunity to learn.

A little secret you must know and remember, is that the examiner actually wants you to pass! They are simply testing your ability to be able to learn concepts and solve problems. 

8. Health really is wealth
Lastly and most importantly, pay attention to what you eat, drink and how much sleep you get! 

The food we eat has a huge role to play in how active and fresh our body is. 

Having too much sugar, junk food and caffeine during exam times will make you lazy and nervous. 

Instead, pick healthy options like more water, fruits, fresh juices and home cooked food. These will keep you full of energy and also allow you to relax when needed.

A tired mind and body will not help you focus on your tasks, no matter how much you try to mug up at the last minute.

Practice deep breathing to collect your thoughts and everything you have spent so much time learning. 

Being fresh at the start of such a day will keep you paying attention without being nervous.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure that you perform well, with ease and positivity, not just during your vivas, but even in future presentations in life! 

Other than studying and revising, do also remember to make enough time for your own needs. 

That includes taking regular snack breaks, drinking lots of water and getting your daily dose of fresh air to keep your mind and body healthy and ready to face any kind of situation!