Diary of a Viva Ninja: Day 17
Expect the Spanish Inquisition…
One can approach a Viva as though it is an unprecedented situation, and there is some truth in the assertion that it is a ‘new form of communication’ and that it is unlikely one will have undergone a Viva Voce before or is ever likely to again (though I know someone with 2 doctorates, so presumably they did sit through it twice, unless one PhD was by publication…). However, it is also unlikely one would have gone through life without experiencing similar situations, and so it is heartening to reflect upon those – and to know one has survived, indeed perhaps thrived. And so today I just want to reflect briefly upon analogous Viva events in my life, a kind of personal skills and experience audit:
Talking in front of an audience
Well, I’ve been performing poetry at various open mikes etc, since 1991, and a professional storyteller since 2000. In solo and group shows I’ve performed to diverse audiences in Britain and abroad, sometimes in challenging circumstances (noisy venues; noisy audiences, etc).
Communicating complex ideas
I’ve been a lecturer in creative writing since 2004 for the Open University, running face-to-face tutorials, seminars and workshops, as well as giving lectures.
Being adaptable and resilient in stressful situations
To pay for my fees (as a self-funding PhD student) I’ve been a casual tour-guide since 2014, leading private (1-6 people) and large groups (up to 50) to places like Stonehenge, often departing in the middle of the night, with complex, changeable logistics (traffic; weather conditions; crowd control; unforeseen emergencies). I’ve had to think on my feet and come up with solutions. My material has to undergo continual ‘rapid edits’ throughout the tour, adapting to each new circumstance. I’ve had to cope with interminable traffic jams; lack of sleep; groups with poor English or serious medical conditions which they have not informed me about; disengaged tourists (e.g. bored teenagers); long, tiring days; uncooperative or argumentative tourists; the know-it-alls, or wind-up merchants, etc. God bless them all!
Defending one’s ideas in a rigorous intellectual environment
I’ve presented at around a dozen conferences and defended my papers in front of some very experienced and accomplished academics. I remember once being grilled when giving a talk about the novelist Graham Joyce by one of the authorities I cited in the very paper I was giving!
Public debating
As well as the previous example, I’ve taken part in panels in ‘Publishing and the Academic Book’, and other issues (eg in a Café of Ideas).
Talking about one’s writing and process
I’ve given numerous talks and readings about my writing in diverse venues – Literature Festivals, Libraries, Schools, WI and writers groups, my students, etc, etc. It’s as natural to me as breathing.
Discussing difficult/emotive issues
As a creative writing teacher I have led many sessions on what is called Life Writing, which can trigger all kinds of powerful, sometimes deeply traumatic material. I’ve got used to it, and feel I can cope with pretty much anything. If a student ‘tears up’ in class, or starts ‘acting out’ (even attacking me as their imagined ‘authority figure’) it doesn’t phase me – I find I can cope with it well, having had Basic Counselling Training, and a lifetime’s experience of active listening, etc. It’s just about being aware, sensitive, and supportive.
So, going by my scratch-audit, I’ve got the right kind of experience. Perhaps I won’t make a complete ass-tit of myself after all! I think it all comes down to preparation, practise, and relaxation techniques before and during the Viva. I’ve just got to stay cool! As in a performance, it’s often just about holding your nerve. As soon as you start to overthink it, you can lose it. Trust in the Force, young Padwan!
