Tuesday Tidbits: Orals Board Process and Other Hints

Photo courtesy of http://www.nextscientist.com/improve-presentation-skills-of-phd-students/

 

Good Evening Bears!

Welcome back to Tuesday Tidbits.  First off, some bullets on the process as provided by Dr. M:

• (Although subject to change) Boards will be held at the AMEDD C&S, top floor (in June, and oh yea, heat rises)
• 10 Questions: 1 per domain (7 domains), 2 standard questions, 1 wild card
• ~45 minutes of questions, then you will leave the room while the board deliberates for a couple of minutes, then you will be brought back in for your official verdict
• Set Up: Table, chair, pen, paper, pitcher of water, glass (translation: only bring yourself!)
• Your professionalism and demeanor are just as important as your knowledge
• Take notes as the questions start, give yourself a few seconds to think and organize your thoughts before you spout off an answer
• The shorter your answer, the more room for 'but what about.., and how does..' questions
• The more disciplines you can pull into your answer the more "in control" you are of the directional flow of questioning
• Estimate 4-5 min for answers, some members may cut you off at 5
• If you find yourself digging, STOP!
• If asked a question (read carefully) that references material we were not exposed to, do not be afraid to say ' that is outside of the scope of what we learned, what we were exposed to was...'  Do NOT confuse this with material you may not remember having been exposed to (faculty from the program will be on your board and are familiar with what you have and have not been exposed to)
• (In case of Emergency) - 'I don't know,' but use this with caution; you probably know something that helps to answer the question, or know where you can find information, again tread lightly with this tactic
• Acronyms: if you use it be ready to define it, same goes for any vague references contained in your answer
• Not everyone on your board will be military, keep this in mind in case you start speaking military 'alphabet soup'
• Do not, Do Not, DO NOT speak of or discuss the questions /the process when you leave the room
• As a courtesy, do not bother Ms. Pryor while you are waiting

 

Knowledge Check Tidbit: Remember this Oldie? (Hint: Know it Cold!)

 

 

 

Finally,

Curious about your speaking mannerisms? Pull out the camcorder and record yourself, or ask your peers.

Photo Courtesy of http://memeguy.com/photo/46755/as-someone-working-to-improve-my-public-speaking-skills-i-am-very-proud-of-this