Checklist: Oral exam and presentation
Preparation implementation and professional dialogue — from technology project to SOP
Oral exams and presentations occur throughout HTX — from group presentations in technology to the final SOP examination. Use this checklist so your academic work does not drown in poor presentation or practical mistakes.
§Before the test
- 01Know the framework: how much time do you have, what can you bring, and is there preparation time?
- 02Build the presentation around the essential: problem statement method key findings conclusion
- 03Practice aloud and time it — a presentation not practiced aloud will never keep time
- 04Prepare answers to the obvious critical questions: why this method this definition these sources?
- 05Reread your own project/report shortly before the exam — also the sections a partner wrote
- 06Check technique and bring backup: presentation on USB or in cloud, notes on paper
§During the presentation.
- 01Start the machine and let temperatures and pressures stabilize. The first components are discarded as expected – the machine is not yet in equilibrium.
- 02Speak to the examiner and censor — not to the screen or your notes
- 03Show figures and data rather than text-heavy slides; explain what you see
- 04Highlight your own choices and justifications — it is those that are assessed
- 05Keep time: rather cut a point than be interrupted midway through the conclusion
§In the professional dialogue
- 01Listen to the question fully and hold a brief thinking pause before you answer
- 02Answer honestly when you don't know something — and reason your way forward professionally
- 03Use technical terms precisely; they are what shows your level
- 04Stand by your choices, but acknowledge limitations — critical self-insight counts positively
- 05Feel free to return to your data and figures when an answer can be supported by them