Oral exams - How to prepare for different University exams

Final exams are pretty challenging, aren't they? We understand that this period is crucial for most because it has a significant impact on whether you progress to the next year of your university qualification or if you complete your university qualification. For this reason, to familiarise you with the various requirements and considerations for each exam type, we will be discussing how to prepare for different types of university exams. In this post, we have provided an overview of the oral exam type and will cover the remaining exam types in upcoming posts, such as multiple-choice, essay, take-home, open-book, and case study.

Oral Exams

What is the primary objective of oral exams? To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a subject matter and to showcase presentation, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills. We acknowledge that grades matter and that many students strive for perfect scores, but the benefits of preparing for and taking oral exams extend far beyond your time in school and university. Oral exams, for example, allow you to refine your public speaking abilities while also developing soft skills necessary for delivering in-house presentations. Many occupations demand you to give public presentations regularly or to oversee and engage in panels at conferences. As a result, while you are still in university, you should focus on developing and sharpening your soft skills to prepare yourself for future success.

There are two main types of oral exams; formal and informal. Formal orals follow more of a structured format, as questions are prepared by the speaker beforehand. Such exams require the speaker to give concise, specific, and direct answers to the questions asked. On the other hand, informal oral exams often have a less structured format, which allows the speaker to provide more open and lengthy responses to questions. An oral exam in such a format allows the speaker more freedom to showcase their interpersonal communication and presentation skills.

Did you know that your examiner considers your posture when grading your oral exam? Although it may not have a significant impact, posture in a formal oral exam is one of many pertinent forms of communication that you must be aware of and intentional about to exude confidence and reinforce the material of your oral exam. You will soon learn about oral exam preparation tips that go beyond body language to help you feel more confident and prepared for your university oral exam.

Oral Exam Preparation

Even though many of us are familiar with the intimidation associated with preparing and taking tests, the pressure of doing oral exams is unmatched. How you prepare for an oral exam determines to a large extent if you ace it or fail it, just as with any other exam. Therefore, the most crucial aspect of preparation is subject matter knowledge and comprehension and the ability to apply it to a selected prompt.

No matter the structure of the oral, it is imperative that you prepare for every question that your instructor or examiner might ask. University instructors or lecturers often hold revision lectures, a time dedicated to reviewing all material covered and highlighting any key subject areas that need extra attention. We suggest you attend these lectures, listen carefully to what is said, and prepare questions based on the information you hear.

Getting ready for your oral exam can be easier if you follow these tips:

Revise Material

Reading through the course textbooks, outlines, lecture slides, tutorial handouts and assignments, previous tests and course assignments, and course notes can help refresh your memory.

You can also compare notes with someone taking the same course as you - but be careful about who you ask because this is not a licence to copy notes. As with group or pair learning, examining each other's notations helps you compare and contrast ideas and views and broadens your knowledge. In addition, you will be able to identify gaps or weaknesses in your notes. We recommend that you meet in person and engage in this activity.

Lastly, you should ask your course instructor questions. Asking is the only thing that stands between you and not knowing. If you meet with them, prepare your questions in advance so you can make the most of your time.

Structure Your Answer

The style of oral presentations varies; some entail a two-way debate between you and the instructor, while others assign you a topic and require you to deliver a monologue about it. A topic or a set of questions may be provided to you before the examination for preparation purposes or only be presented to you on the day of the exam. Therefore, it is essential to become familiarised with the format of your assessment because it will serve as a blueprint for your preparation.

The steps below outline how to prepare for an oral presentation prompt and can also be used as a guide for answering pre-assigned questions:

• Deconstruct every question and understand what it is asking.
• Brainstorm: Write down important terms and points related to your answers.
• Use the points you generate and the analysis of the questions and write general thesis statements or opening arguments.
• Come up with at least 3-4 critical arguments per question. Narrating too many core ideas may jeopardise the conciseness of your answers, and having too little to say may give the impression of a lack of preparation.
• Provide supporting information for each key argument to demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter and ability to defend your narrative.
• Tie back your answers to the thesis statements or opening arguments to show a conscious and logical flow of ideas.

Enact the Oral Exam

• Perform: Act out an oral exam by presenting your points and debating with your study partners.
• Debate: Debating with your study partner pushes you to comprehend the material and prepares you to defend and present supporting evidence for your thesis statement.
• Get constructive criticism: Present in front of a study partner to receive constructive feedback. This input can help you review and perfect the substance of your narrative.
• Set a timer: Time yourself on practice runs to get a sense of the clock. Ensure you manage your time well to avoid running out before finishing.

Oral Exam Day

Make a Good First Impression

As you enter the room, make eye contact with the examiner and smile to establish a welcoming atmosphere. Be deliberate in how you carry yourself as you enter. Depending on the structure of the exam, introducing yourself to the examiner may help establish rapport.

Dress Code

The format of the oral exam determines how you dress. For a formal business course oral, business casual attire may be appropriate. Remember to turn off your mobile phone completely, not just set it to vibrate.

Punctuality

Confirm the date, time, and location of your oral exam. Arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early to make a positive impression.

Body Language

Visual appearance and body language are vital forms of communication. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting or excessive movements that might convey nervousness.

Walk the Talk

Purposeful movement can enhance your presentation. Avoid pacing as it might distract your audience.

Avoid Distractions

If using technology during your presentation, ensure it works properly beforehand. Use tools like podiums effectively, but don’t let them become barriers between you and the audience.

Listen and Speak

• Articulate your points effectively and listen carefully to the examiner's questions to respond concisely.
• Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions.
• Avoid rambling or long silences. Both can make you seem unprepared.

End It With a Bang

• Thank your audience for listening and acknowledge their questions.
• Say your goodbyes and exit professionally, avoiding rushing out in relief.

Do You Need Extra Help?

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