Meaner and meaner

One of the most disconcerting things about going to a viva is that (apart from having no clue about what you might be asked), is the possibility of coming across an examiner who is a complete, erm,...is very mean.

There are several ways you might choose to cope with this.

• Pray you don't get one before you get to the exam.
• Like the Beautiful South, Carry on Regardless.
• Imagine them sitting naked in the chair in front of you with nothing but socks on, although this may make you feel slightly queasy (unless Jessica Alba was your examiner (substitute celebrity of choice) - Ed).
  
• Simply remember that you have worked very hard for the exam, know a lot (even if you think you don't) and probably know more than the examiner what you are talking about.
• Practice before the exam with someone who you feel intimidated by, respect a great deal, or get one of your friends to be annoying and act all disinterested. Get them to interrupt, ask you "Oh really", "Are you sure?", "Do you want to start again?" and so on. Have them change tack rapidly and switch topics without warning.

We have been trying this technique in preparation for Monday/Wednesday. It can be quite disconcerting having a good friend turn into a "bad cop". Sometimes though, if taken to extremes, it's impossible not to laugh....

69 hours to go....