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	We all have own feelings and impressions about the viva voce examination and some of us might have enjoyed the same on either side of the table ! We all would agree that viva voce is an important and significant part of an examination and therefore knowing more about it would seem worthwhile. Oral tests are used for assessing the students, both in theory and at the end of every practical. Let us consider the merits and demerits of oral examination. Merits of Oral Examination :
Concept	The main advantages of an oral test are in : Providing a direct personal contact with the student during which his attitude and personality can be assessed. Providing an opportunity to take into account circumstantial factors, if any, affecting his performance. Providing flexibility to move from strong to weak areas and vice versa. Providing an opportunity to find out how the candidate arrives at a conclusion and therefore his analytical skills and judgement. Sampling a wider area of knowledge, although only limited information is sought on each topic and sub - topic. Improving the ability of students to express themselves effectively and refine their communication skills through repeated oral examinations. Demerits of Oral Examinations : Students often have a complex that the marks obtained in oral examination depend at best on luck factor and at worst on the sex and dress of the candidate ! Do you agree ? Well, some iota of truth may be there in such feelings. The major drawbacks of an oral examination are considered to be the following : It lacks standardization. It lacks objectivity and reliability. It suffers from possible abuse of personal influence. It suffers from undue influence of irrelevant factors.
Disadvantages	Examiners may not give enough thought to framing of the questions and may not organise different questions in a methodical order. Sometimes, a very different questions is asked in the very beginning and then the student is unable to answer later easy questions. Frequently the same questions are asked repeatedly and this benefits those candidates who take the test later. A candidate unable to answer well may be ridiculed before putting the next questions or he may be asked irrelevent and uncommon information before deciding to award good marks. It is a time and energy consuming process and in limited time only little information can be obtained. For most of the average students in a class, the oral examination may be only a farce with awarding of just necessary pass marks. It may however, be a worthwhile effort for deciding about the result for border line cases or to award distinctions. Viva - voce is a subjective evaluation, with all its associated drawbacks. Some students may not be able to perform very well due to a language barrier. Conversely, a false impression may be created by a student with fluency and style. Conducting Oral Examination : It may be good to consider all these aspects and the organise an oral examination in a relaxed atmosphere. Asking proper questions is most important. In general, you should begin with simple short question and then proceed to more and more difficult ones The evaluation can be based on the difficulty levels crossed satisfactorily by the candidate. For this purpose a system of different coloured cards with questions of graded difficulty index has been proposed and used by some teachers. This may also reduce the subjectivity of oral examination. Conducted properly, the oral examinations are a useful component of assessment. They inculcate the faculties of the fast thinking and clear expression. They have a special place in medical education because the competence of a physician is judged very commonly by the patients on the effectiveness of communication. A medical student should be informed about the importance of viva voce examination in the medical curriculum and an awareness created on the following points may be beneficial to him :
Training the students	As a student, the main intention should be to convey to the examiner the fullest possible extent of your understanding of the subject. Personality difference cannot be completely overcome, and it is better to behave normally and not attempt to act out a part which will probably be detected. A determined effort to be composed is always worthwhile (but definitely not with the help of any drug !) The moment of face to face contact between the examiner and student is important and the first impressions can make a difference. The initial question is usually to five you time to settle down and to develop a rapport, At this stage it is most important for you not to repeat the question while you think out the answer. This is a most irritating habit, and remember that the examiner will be listening to numerous candidates. It is better for you to start talking about the subject and if possible go on until the examiner either indicates satisfaction or moves on to another question. In the event that you do not understand the question, ask for it to be repeated or say that you don't understand the question. If you really don't know anything about the subject in question, then better say no, because this fact will eventually be deduced but valuable time will have been lost. Testing your ability to communicate is a main purpose of the viva voce examination. Always avoid vagueness or using unnecessary words to make up time - no credit is given for this. If valuable time is lost in thinking or in posing to think, you would lose marks also. At the end of a viva always leave graciously (however disagreeable it may have been !) as this leaves a good impression and in borderline circumstances may make a positive difference. Lastly, a word about distinction vivas. These are a battle of wits and knowledge between an above - average candidate and the examiner. The questions are certain to stretch the candidate's knowledge to the utmost. The process of determining the extent of your knowledge may be long or short, so remember that the length of time spent in the process is of little importance.