Dr Lucas Kohnke, EdD Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer from the Department of English Language Education, delivered an online workshop on Effective Presentation Skills for a Successful Doctoral Viva on April 5^th. The online workshop was the last in a series of six aimed at enhancing the academic communication skills of postgraduate students.

The workshop outlined key components of a successful doctoral viva, including its purposes, audiences, procedures, structures, and language use. Dr Kohnke unpacked the general structure of a viva in detail with examples, stressing the importance of making the research gap and implications explicit to the audience. He also highlighted the significance of a consistent presentation with smooth transitions between various sections.

Dr Kohnke addressed common viva questions from examiners, supervisors, and general audiences. Drawing on his experience as a defendant, Dr Kohnke advised students to rephrase questions received for clarity. Participants were encouraged to conduct mock vivas to refine responses through feedback and discussion.

This session equipped postgraduate students with actionable techniques to confidently navigate their viva examinations.