Mastering the Oral Boards
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Chapter 1  Introduction

There is probably no other event in your professional career that evokes so much intense anxiety as taking the oral board examination.  Why is there so much fear, anxiety, and sometimes sheer panic associated with this exam? First of all, your future is at stake. You may be under pressure from your group or university to pass for purpose of promotion, or just simply to keep your job. Second, it is flat-out embarrassing to fail.

This system is designed to help you do great on this exam, not just pass.  It tells you everything except one, which is something no one can give you.  I am referring to a solid, unshakable store of knowledge.

I will cover things you must know, things you should know, and things that may come up.  The bottom line is that there are no shortcuts to possessing a strong knowledge base.  Most of you already have an adequate knowledge base to pass this exam. For you, verbalizing this knowledge in a concise, smooth, organized and confident way will be the major challenge.

Chapter 2 What if I get Nervous?

It was once said that being nervous is not bad, but showing that you are nervous is a disaster.  In other words, you must learn how to appear calm, even though you are nervous as hell inside.  It is important to realize that everyone gets nervous.  Whoever tells you they don't is not telling the truth. Many famous entertainers, athletes, and lecturers routinely become nervous, yet they are still able to perform at peak levels because they have learned to handle their nervousness.

Chapter 3 What Should I Study?

Ask twenty people this question and you will get twenty different answers. I've had people tell me the key is to read the last three to five years of ASA refresher course books, while others say read one of a variety of textbooks.  Still others recommend attending multiple review courses. The problem with all of this advice is that it is not specific.  Besides, some people will pass or fail the exam using just about any technique.

The answer depends on three major factors:

I. At what level is your current knowledge base?

II. How do you best assimilate information?

III. What is the level of your English-language and communication skills.

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