A viva is a conversation about ideas you have already engaged with, not a test of how confidently you can speak. Some nerves are common, particularly the first time, and they tend to ease once the conversation gets going.
What is actually being assessed
Integrevise is listening for whether you understand the topic. Pauses, "um", restarting a sentence, and phrasing are not part of the score. You do not need to sound polished, only to make sense.
Most viva nerves are nerves about how you sound rather than what you know. Holding on to that distinction is the single most useful thing you can do.
A few things that help
Talking through your topic out loud, even briefly, settles more nerves than re reading notes. The questions are generated from the brief, so a quick re read, and a note of the two or three ideas you would most want to discuss, is usually enough preparation.
A memorised script is not necessary. The questions adapt to what you say, so a memorised answer rarely matches the question that gets asked.
When you select Start Viva, a setup screen runs through the camera and microphone checks before the conversation begins, so there is no rush at the start.
Things you can do during the session
The controls are designed to give you the time you need:
- Record Answer gives you uninterrupted space to compose your response. There is no time limit while recording.
- Asking for the question to be rephrased ("could you rephrase that, please?") is enough; the examiner will restate it.
- Saying so when you do not know is a valid response.
- A follow up is the system asking for more detail, not telling you the previous answer was wrong.
If the conversation stops feeling like one, slowing down helps more than speeding up.
When anxiety goes beyond nerves
If anxiety about academic assessment is affecting more than the viva itself, your university's student wellbeing or counselling service is the place to go. Reasonable adjustments are arranged through the same routes; letting your lecturer know in advance ensures the same arrangements apply to your viva.