I'm so so nervous for my big exam!

[LostPrincess]

Hi everyone.

I'm now in the 2nd year of my literature PhD and I'm getting so stressed about confirmation! Next week I have to submit a big report, and then 2 weeks later I have a confirmation exam where 2 researchers will ask me about my work and what I've been doing and point me in different directions. I'm so bad at speaking under pressure, I stutter and word vomit and go all over the place. I have a practice run today with someone from the Doctoral college and then another on Thursday with my supervisors. It will all be done via zoom. I'm so stressed out about it! My report is basically done, it's just with my supervisors for minor revisions. It's the oral exam I'm terrified about.

Any tips on staying calm? How do you stay focused when you're stressed? I get so worked up I get dizzy and I need to get control of myself, I can't live like this for 3 weeks!

[levtweeney]

1. I find humour works wonders
2. Its only a PHD, nothing big or anything to worry about, give yourself a shake
3. Point 2 was a little bit of point 1 hahahaha
4. the good thing about your PHD is that you should be very, very clued up about the topic so any questions should really be within your expertise so this will help you massively.
5. Practice, practice and practice. You can never go through this process enough. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail and all that stuff.
6. Think of near on impossible to answer questions based on your topic and try to answer them.
7. Accept your going to be nervous, don't try to hide from it but embrace it. Use the nervous energy to focus your mind.

and last of all - GOOD LUCK - Your going to smash it

[LostPrincess]

Originally Posted by levtweeney

1. I find humour works wonders
2. Its only a PHD, nothing big or anything to worry about, give yourself a shake
3. Point 2 was a little bit of point 1 hahahaha
4. the good thing about your PHD is that you should be very, very clued up about the topic so any questions should really be within your expertise so this will help you massively.
5. Practice, practice and practice. You can never go through this process enough. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail and all that stuff.
6. Think of near on impossible to answer questions based on your topic and try to answer them.
7. Accept your going to be nervous, don't try to hide from it but embrace it. Use the nervous energy to focus your mind.

and last of all - GOOD LUCK - Your going to smash it

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Thank you. You're right I know I need to get perspective. Point 7 is a good one. I will definitely work on it!

[Talland 2016]

A tip someone said to me was to have a drink/ bottle of water to hand and have a sip before speaking which gives you a few moments to gather your thoughts

[Loopylooloo]

I just want to wish you lots of luck am sure you will be fine

[Lola]

I tend to get a bit flippant. During a Viva once I was asked why I was doing the course and I just said that ‘it beats dusting and ironing’. At least I got a laugh but I shouldn’t have said it. You’ll be fine, they want you to do well and will realise you are nervous so breathe and try some water etc

[LostPrincess]

Originally Posted by Talland 2016

A tip someone said to me was to have a drink/ bottle of water to hand and have a sip before speaking which gives you a few moments to gather your thoughts

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This is such good advice, thank you!

Originally Posted by Loopylooloo

I just want to wish you lots of luck am sure you will be fine

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Thank you so much!

Originally Posted by Lola

I tend to get a bit flippant. During a Viva once I was asked why I was doing the course and I just said that ‘it beats dusting and ironing’. At least I got a laugh but I shouldn’t have said it. You’ll be fine, they want you to do well and will realise you are nervous so breathe and try some water etc

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Haha that's one way to diffuse the stress! Yes I must remember they are on my side. Thank you for the advice!

[munmun]

Is you interview on zoom. Blaim technology if everything goes wrong,

[mskitty]

Try Rescue Remedy just to tone down the nerves a notch or two. Try it first on your dummy run though just to make sure it doesn't have too much of a chilling effect on you. Good luck 👍

[LostPrincess]

Originally Posted by munmun

Is you interview on zoom. Blaim technology if everything goes wrong,

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Hahaha that's a nice get out. If I get a tough question I'll give my husband the secret signal so he can unplug the WiFi box!

Originally Posted by mskitty

Try Rescue Remedy just to tone down the nerves a notch or two. Try it first on your dummy run though just to make sure it doesn't have too much of a chilling effect on you. Good luck 👍

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Thank you for this suggestion. I must admit I take the pastilles quite regularly, but you've reminded me to order the spray as well. I'm not sure how much it helps but it at least feels like I'm doing something!