Dear fellow graduates,

I failed my first year PhD viva.

Here is my story.

Started PhD with a clinical science research. After 8 months, supervisor left with no one to supervise me.

Ended up changing to a new research, completely different from my educational background. The only research available that I thought I could do.

Few weeks ago, I had my first year viva. Basically what happened is, I completely froze. I just mumbled. I know I could pass it, but somehow, I blanked out. Interview/viva is always something I avoid, definitely not my forte. I'm good in writing but not expressing verbally, as you can say, I'm an introvert. Plus it's my first time of having viva-type exam, and I think my naivety that the panels would be lenient and thinking everything they said is just comments and suggestions and thinking there was no need for me to 'fight'.

So as a result, them thinking that I'm clueless and I don't know what I'm doing, I failed my viva. They gave me 2 choices:
1) Continue as Mphil
2) Re-assessment in 6 months after some tasks done:
- pass 3 modules with A or A+ (which my supervisors think it was absurd)
- review
- refine research design

I'm going for the second option. It's either Ph.D. or none at all.

I want to be fully prepared for my viva. The part I am lacking of. So to other introverts out there, or anyone for that matter, any words of advice?

I think you are right to stick with it and try again. Do you have anyone you could practice with? Maybe an office buddy to help you with a mock-viva (your supervisors may be willing to help with this too)?

The main thing you can do is make sure you are better prepared next time. I think any decent examiner will expect nerves, but what you can't do is come across as if you don't know your area. Practice as much as you can, rehearse answers, get as much help as you can from those around you.

And good luck, you will get there, it's a minor setback.

I would be careful with dismissing your situation/inability to present material as an aspect of your introverted personality, as it comes across somewhat as an excuse for not preparing which I know is not what you intended.

There are plenty of introverts who actually do very well with public speaking/performing/presenting material, it's when they leave the stage and have to network with others that it becomes a struggle.

One of the important skills with academia is being able to effectively present your research and convince your audience its worth while, both on paper and in verbal format.

Did you present at any conferences or university/department symposiums? Do you do any teaching? These could all help you develop your presentation skills.

I would also recommend perhaps locating a Toastmasters Club or similar to help you overcome your fear of public speaking, which is what I think what happened.

@CR1980 I actually had a mock viva a day before with my supervisors. I should have done it much earlier, so I could improve myself.

Thank you for your advice. Practice practice practice. I will definitely ask help from my colleagues.

@awsoci Yes you are right. I underestimated what viva is all about. I only prepared myself for the presentation part (10 minutes) and did not prepare for the defending part (Q&A with panels). That's why I was a bit shocked with their provoking questions. They said my presentation was fluent but not Q&A. So now I know what I have to tackle, my defending skills.

I've never presented at any conferences, not even the local ones, just at small classes. I was asked to teach undergraduates twice, but that's about it.

Thank you for bringing up Toastmasters Club. I came across their name not long time ago. I just contacted them so I can join their classes.

Thank you @awsoci

So to sum up,

Improve public speaking skills by:
1) Join speakers' club (Toastmaster)
2) Present talks at seminars, conferences, symposiums
3) Join Journal Club

Before actual viva:
1) Mock viva with supervisors
2) Practice in front of graduates and PhD colleagues

Any more advice?