Is it a normal practice to meet / communicate with your examiners before your Viva at your university (i.e. asking what's their main concern so that you can prepare explanation)? I saw this video on Youtube about this presenter who has been on 60+ defenses and only saw one person failed his PhD, and she said the reason that the person failed was because he did not meet the defense committee beforehand and he was lack of preparation. Can any of you share what's your view regarding this?

At my uni we were not allowed to have any form of communication with the examiners until after the award was finalised.
And when I had some questions regarding my minor questions, my supervisor contected them and then got back to me with their tesponses

Like emmaki, communication with my examiners was not allowed before the viva. I actually had met both of my examiners previously at conferences, but I didn't know them well and certainly couldn't talk to them about anything to do with the viva in advance.

In the UK, I don't think you are supposed to communicate with the examiners, at least not formally. It wouldn't look good if you approached them. However, if it was something really important than of course your supervisor could approach them.

No definitely don't contact them asking them what their concern is! A major skill that we are supposed to show in the viva is thinking on your feet.

The internal can sometimes drop hints if you know them and speak to them regularly enough.

Definitely not. Although, I knew my external from prior events (very small field) and they can give indications as to things...

I think you are talking about the American system where one would have discussed their work with their committee many times.

Thank you for all your suggestions. Yes, in the UK we're advised against having any form of communication with the examiners, it's pure luck if you happen to have met them somewhere before the viva - which is totally different from the American practice. Well, 3 more days to go before my viva and I am not really sure whether I am up to it!

Good luck to you too pm133! I am all over the moon right now, the viva experience was much more relaxing and fun compared to what I thought it would be like. All the best!!!