8 secrets to succeed in an oral exam

The oral exam has something of bad reputation, it smells authoritative teacher and bone subject. As the date of this dreaded test approaches, there is no one who does not feel enough respect, when not fear. However, when the specialists are consulted, the opinion is clear and clear: the oral examination favors the student who prepares the subject well and harms the one who does not take it seriously.

And if you are one of those who study, forget the anxiety in the exams, this would have to reassure you.

An oral examination is certainly quite different from a written one, to which we are already accustomed. What causes the most impression is to see us in front of the teacher, but we have to realize that we are in front of him every day of class.

The worst thing about oral exams is that we are not used to doing them. We have been taught since we were little ones to examine ourselves in writing and, for that reason, our hair stands on end. However, this does not have to be a great disadvantage; Although they have a worse reputation, it is only a different method of evaluation, for which different skills have to be developed. In fact, in many cases it is discovered, after this experience, that we do better orally than through writing.

How to succeed in an oral exam

1. The exhibition must be orderly and coherent. You have to start with the fundamental, for what is important and, for that, it is necessary to have elaborated our own schemes of each topic, to argue well the answers.
2. Making a brief summary of the topic at the beginning is a good idea. This technique will then make it possible to emphasize the parts that are mastered, but without leaving the professor doubt that the question is being controlled.
3. Naturalness is the key to success. Many times common sense is the most valuable trick to speak in public, although the final thing is to understand the subject well. The theme can be developed by putting examples that support the definitions, thus demonstrating to the teacher that we have internalized the concepts.
4. Self-control is essential for those who fear to speak in public. To avoid stuttering or "shaking" of the legs and hands, it is very interesting to make fictitious tests before someone, a partner or an adult.
5. To show security, it is recommended to always keep your hands in sight and an open and relaxed position, use a specific language of the subject and concrete, and always look in the eyes without being challenging.
6. To finish, make a small conclusion. This will add points in front of the teacher.
7. As an additional recommendation, it is important to take care of the personal appearance and be well dressed, that speaks well of oneself and gives an image of seriousness, security and respect for the teacher: to go shave, combed, dress more formal than a normal day, clean shoes, etc.
8. Do not forget to turn off your mobile phone or smartphone.

Tips for not leaving details at random in an oral test

- Silences can play a trick. If we do not know well what they ask us, instead of blocking us, or wandering, a good idea may be to ask the teacher for time to make an outline, before answering.
- Do not forget that the exam begins the moment we enter the classroom and for that reason, we have to be very concentrated, paying all the attention to the teacher, although trying to smile. If there were noises outside, etc., you can mention that distraction and / or nervousness.
- A well-prepared oral exam requires studying all subjects that enter the examination, since it usually meets a perverse principle: you do not know how or why, random questions fall precisely on those issues that were left unstudied.
- Use notes and external schemes or massive photocopies can have an expensive price when it comes to exposing the subject, because the storyline and the synthesis will be artificial. And that will be perceived in the oral presentation.
- To rehearse the exhibition of the subjects a recorder can be used or a mirror, but the collaboration of friends will be even more fruitful. When everyone is in a similar situation, they will be the most severe judges, the maximum will be demanded and, in addition, the rehearsal will be more enjoyable.

Advantages and disadvantages of oral exams

Certainly, an oral exam presents a level of difficulty greater than one written. In the written exam, the student has all the time of the exam to organize their answers; You can start by answering those we know best and use the rest of the time to reflect and try to develop those that are more difficult for us; and also, certain extraordinary helps can come from compassionate companions ...

In the oral examination, however, we do not have this time for reflection; the teacher asks and you have to answer him immediately.The previous pressure, together with being in the presence of the teacher, can considerably increase the nervous tension, making our exposure difficult.

In return, the oral examination also has advantages. It is an opportunity to show off before the teacher, to show him how his subject is mastered. In an oral examination the questions can be developed in a special way: you can delve into the details, relate the question to other points on the agenda or express a personal opinion about it.

"Safe" success: oral exam opportunities

Beyond stage fright, oral exams offer opportunities that you should take advantage of:
- The teacher is more receptive to rectifications if they are done on time and arguing the response change.
- The test can become a conversation in which both contribute ideas and exchange opinions. This creates a positive environment that helps the teacher to put himself in the student's place and be more understanding of his difficulties and limitations.
- The oral exam is shorter than the written one. If the answers are concrete and the subject is known correctly, the test usually does not last more than twenty minutes.

Thorough preparation for the oral examination

The more difficult, more thorough preparation. To be successful, we have to master the subject perfectly. Now less than ever, we have to base learning on mechanical memorization. We have to be able to develop the different points of the agenda with our own words. The oral test requires mental speed, answer without hesitation, and this is only achieved with a thorough knowledge of the subject.

If so, we will hardly remain blank: if we do not know any questions, at least we can relate it to other parts of the agenda, answer with some general ideas, etc. In addition, if we take it well prepared, this will help to reduce nervous tension, which will result in better exposure.

César Fernández García, professor of Language Teaching of the C.U. Villanueva, UCM.
Isidro Rodríguez, director of the Forum of Debates of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University.