Hello all,

First if all, it's the first time I ever write a post in a forum, so I apologise in advance if it's not spot on.However, I thought I would share my viva experience with you, in the hopes of helping out people who, just like me a few days ago, are freaking out at the prospect of defending their thesis.
I passed with no corrections. I was showered with compliments on my thesis, and the viva ended up just being an extremely chilled and pleasant conversation about my subject (history). Really, really unexpected, as I spent the two weeks before the viva really panicking and reading pretty much everything I could read, even if not directly associated with my thesis.
Based on my experience, I have a few tips, that I hope you'll find useful, as I did reading previous posts.

First of all, don't submit until you are confident about your thesis: on my writing up year, I had the core of the thesis ready, and spent the remaining time making my arguments and my contribution crystal clear throughout the thesis (that means, repeat yourself too, the examiners will read it, and they need to be constantly reminded of what is original) - the result was that they didn't even ask me the initial, ice-breaking question "what is your contribution?". It was there.

Second - It's important to know at least 3 or 4 books on your subject. Know them well, but don't panic over the details, just know why your arguments are different. Your examiners probably don't know them as well as you, so just make sure you have 3 or 4 books that you can use as examples to make clear what your contribution is.

Third - Do listen to your supervisor, more often than not they are right. Of course, it's your thesis, it's your baby, and you should be 100% sure of it and what you have written. So yes, never submit something that has been "manipulated" by your supervisor, cause it'll work against you. But if your supervisor is (as in my case was) suggesting different points of views, alternative arguments, ad so forth, do take them on board. It will open your mind a bit, and make you think about what you have written and why, which is helpful while preparing for the viva.

Fourth - Pick the examiners CAREFULLY. Again, if your supervisor has suggestions, welcome them. I was gonna pick some people that we both didn't know, and my viva could have gone very differently. Ask your supervisor to help you pick someone who's likely to share your perspective, or is intrigued by it. Your supervisor knows (or is supposed to know) your thesis, so he/she will know who's good for you.

Fifth - I've read that the purpose of the viva is for the examiner to make sure you have become an independent researcher. That opened my eyes and really relaxed me. They won't expect you to present a bible, or to change the world, or to have a comprehensive volume on whatever your subject is. They wanna see that you have been able to organise, prepare and present a piece of research. It won't be perfect, it won't change the world, but it will be enough to get you through.

Hope you'll find this tips somehow helpful. I have massive relied on this forum, sometimes a bit excessively. But it's good to share experiences and tips. I have never been so stressed in my life, and I hope that you can find some comfort in what I've written.

Best of luck to all of you, you already made it ;)

Congratulations and thank you for sharing some of your experiences - very helpful!

Congratulations and thanks for the great advice!

@ chickpea @glowworm Thank you so much! Needless to say, it still feels surreal to be honest! :p