Well I had my mock viva which wasnt actually a mock viva but actually something a wee bit more helpful to me. We sat down talked about the procedures examiners. The areas of interest and the problems they might pick up or that they might ask more about. Then we did some questions, talked about the best way to answer questions. He made the point that I might actually have to learn to take my time so I don't faff around and waffle on and dig myself into a really big hole.

I suppose it was a good day mainly because my supervisor he has been an external countless times and I trust his knowledge. I also find it nice that he was able to wait till I answered a question then pointed out the many holes I dug for myself with the answer i gave. Right now I think I've woken up to the amount of work I need to do. I also need to develop a better vocabulary because I find myself talking rubbish, I need better terms.

Any suggestions people, how does one sound like an academic in a week and a bit?

I don't think sounding like an academic is so much the issue in terms of using better terms. Rather you should focus on giving a clear and relevant answer. And for that your supervisor's advice to take your time is really good. Feel free to stop, pause and think about your answer in the viva before giving it. There's no rush to launch into the first thing that occurs to you.

Glad your meeting went well. Sounds like it was really productive.

Yeah, Bilbo is right, just be clear and concise, don't worry too much about dressing it up too much.