viva voce

A viva voce, often called a "viva," is an oral examination where a candidate discusses their work or research directly with examiners. It's commonly used in academic settings, such as for doctoral degrees, to assess understanding, clarify concepts, and evaluate the candidate's ability to defend their work. Instead of a written test, the candidate answers questions verbally, allowing examiners to gauge their knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills. The viva helps ensure the work is genuinely understood and meets academic standards before granting a degree or certification.