The viva voce is your chance to explain and defend the core decisions of your thesis. Preparation is not just knowing results — it is about presenting clearly, anticipating objections, and demonstrating command of your field. This guide gives a mock viva structure, common examiner questions with model replies, slide-by-slide checklist and a rehearsal plan so you can face your viva with confidence.
Overview: mock viva structure (recommended)
- Opening (6–8 minutes) — Short 8–12 slide presentation summarising objectives, methods, main results and contribution.
- Examiner questions (30–60 minutes) — Deep dive into methods, limitations, justification and interpretation.
- Closing discussion (5–10 minutes) — Future work, practical implications, and final clarifications.
Slide checklist — what to include (8–12 slides)
- Slide 1 — Title & opening line: Title, your name, supervisor(s), institute and one-sentence research claim.
- Slide 2 — Motivation & gap: 2–3 sentences on why this problem matters and the specific gap you address.
- Slide 3 — Research questions & objectives: Clear bullets of RQs and specific objectives.
- Slide 4 — Conceptual framework / model: Diagram showing variables, hypotheses or theoretical linkages.
- Slide 5 — Methods overview: Study design, sample, instruments and key measures (brief).
- Slide 6 — Data & quality checks: Sample size, missing data treatment, reliability, and key preprocessing steps.
- Slide 7–9 — Main results: 2–4 slides with clear tables/figures and one-sentence interpretation per result.
- Slide 10 — Contribution & interpretation: 3–4 concise bullets on theoretical and practical contributions.
- Slide 11 — Limitations & validity checks: Be honest — list main limitations and what you did to mitigate them.
- Slide 12 — Future work & final takeaway: 2–3 future directions and one final concluding sentence.
How to present results (simple pattern)
For each table/figure use the three-line rule:
- One-line headline: What this result answers (e.g., "Higher training intensity predicts greater retention").
- One-line method note: Briefly mention sample, model, and controls (e.g., "OLS with controls for age and baseline score").
- One-line interpretation: Practical meaning and effect size (e.g., "a one-point increase in training was associated with 0.25 SD increase in retention").
Common examiner questions — and model answers
1. Why did you choose this method?
Model answer: "I chose X because it directly tests my causal pathway and is robust to [specific problem]. I compared alternatives (Y, Z) and selected X because it allowed me to handle endogeneity via [instrument/propensity score/mixed model]."
2. How do your results address the research questions?
Model answer: "RQ1 asked whether … Our main model shows a consistent positive association; sensitivity checks (Table 4) confirm robustness across sub-samples and alternative specifications."
3. What are the study limitations?
Model answer: "Primary limitations include [sample scope / non-random assignment / measurement error]. To mitigate, I conducted [robustness checks / triangulation / sensitivity analyses]. These limit but do not eliminate generalisability concerns; future studies could address them by ..."
4. Why are some results non-significant?
Model answer: "Non-significance may reflect low power or heterogeneity. I checked power and effect sizes: the observed effect indicates [small/moderate] magnitude, and subgroup analysis shows stronger effects in [subgroup]."
5. How does your work relate to X author?
Model answer: "X author finds [result]; my findings complement this by showing [contextual difference or methodological extension]. I explain the difference by [sample/measure/method]."
Short scripts / templates you can memorise
Opening sentence: "Good morning — thank you for the opportunity. My thesis examines [one-sentence problem], with the central claim that [one-sentence claim]."
If asked about methods: "We used [method] because it allows us to [reason]. Key assumptions are [A, B]; we tested them with [test] and results indicated ..."
If you don't know an answer: "That's a good point — I haven't tested that directly. My expectation based on theory would be X; a reasonable next step is Y, and I can outline how I would test it."
Rehearsal plan (4 weeks before viva)
- Week 4: Finalise slides and produce an R/Word appendix with reproducible code & tables.
- Week 3: Run 3 mock vivas with peers — record one and review for clarity and timing.
- Week 2: Run 2 timed mock vivas with at least one faculty member; refine answers and revise figures; prepare responses for expected counter-arguments.
- Week 1: Light rehearsals, finalize backup materials (data appendix, ethics, key references) and rest well before the viva day.
Documents & appendix checklist
- Final thesis PDF (checked for formatting & page numbers)
- PowerPoint slides (8–12 slides) and a PDF copy
- Data dictionary and cleaned dataset (versioned)
- Analysis scripts (R/ SPSS syntax) and reproduction instructions
- Ethics approvals / permissions
- Copies of key references & your published papers (if any)
Handling tricky situations
- Examiner is aggressive: Pause, breathe, and answer calmly. If needed, say "I appreciate that point — let me clarify..."
- Examiner asks for extra analyses: Offer to provide them as a follow-up and explain how you would run them (be specific about data and method).
- Examiner asks about a tangential topic: Briefly connect it to your thesis or acknowledge it's outside your scope and explain how it could be integrated.
Quick tips for day-of viva
- Bring printed copies of thesis, slides and key tables.
- Carry a USB and have slides emailed to yourself and supervisor.
- Wear professional but comfortable attire.
- Arrive early, test the room projector and microphone.
- Keep water nearby and use brief pauses to collect thoughts after complex questions.
Want personalised preparation?
We run mock vivas with faculty-style questioning, provide detailed feedback, and produce a question bank tailored to your thesis. We also prepare a final 8–12 slide deck and a one-page "viva cheat-sheet" summarising methods, robustness checks and message points.
Mini FAQ
Q: How long should my viva presentation be?
A: Aim for 6–8 minutes max for the verbal pitch and 8–12 slides. Examiners use the presentation as a prompt — keep it crisp and evidence-focused.
Q: Should I use animations in slides?
A: Minimal transitions are fine, but avoid distracting animations. Use clear figures and keep font sizes readable (>= 20pt for body text).
If you’d like, I can adapt your current thesis into a concise 10-slide viva deck and a 1-page cheat-sheet tailored to the examiners — upload your thesis PDF and I’ll prepare a draft.