Three Minute (3MT) Thesis competition
the Professional and Highly Engaging International Research Communication Competition.
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About 3MT
The Three Minute (3MT) Thesis competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by PhD students. Developed by The University of Queensland, the exercise cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. 3MT seeks to enhance the profile of the PhD both within universities and the wider community.
History
The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 Research Higher Degree students
competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New
Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous
universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT
competition was held at UQ in 2010.
Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held
in over 170 universities across more than 18 countries worldwide.
In November 2013, the first Universities 21 (U21) 3MT competition was held with several
universities from around the world competing in a virtual competition.
2016 brings an expansion of the Trans-Tasman 3MT competition to include a select number of
Asian universities. The competition has now been renamed to the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition.
Eligibility
Active PhD candidates who have successfully passed their examination and awaiting
graduation or candidates whose thesis has been submitted for examination) by the date of their
first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-
Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.
* Professional Doctorate (Research) (program composed of at least 2/3 research) and funded via the Research
Training Scheme (for Australian students). Professional Doctorate (coursework) students and Masters students are
not eligible for the 3MT® Asia-Pacific competition.
Judging Criteria
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Comprehension & Content
Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question
being addressed and its significance?
Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions
and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in
language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?.
Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate
background information to illustrate points?
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they
elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question
being addressed and its significance?
Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions
and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in
language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?.
Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate
background information to illustrate points?
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they
elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Engagement & Communication
Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a
steady pace, and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a
steady pace, and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
Rules
1.
A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’
of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the
oration.
2.
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
3.
No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are
permitted.
4.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are
disqualified.
5.
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
6.
Presentations are to commence from the stage.
7.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their
presentation through either movement or speech.
8.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
1.
A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’
of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the
oration.
2.
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
3.
No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are
permitted.
4.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are
disqualified.
5.
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
6.
Presentations are to commence from the stage.
7.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their
presentation through either movement or speech.
8.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Write for your audience
Avoid jargon and academic language.
Explain concepts and people important to your research - you may know all about Professor Smith’s theories but your audience may not.
Highlight the outcomes of your research, and the desired outcome.
Imagine that you are explaining your research to a close friend or fellow student from another field.
Convey your excitement and enthusiasm for your subject.
Avoid jargon and academic language.
Explain concepts and people important to your research - you may know all about Professor Smith’s theories but your audience may not.
Highlight the outcomes of your research, and the desired outcome.
Imagine that you are explaining your research to a close friend or fellow student from another field.
Convey your excitement and enthusiasm for your subject.
Tell a story
You may like to present your 3MT as a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end.
It’s not easy to condense your research into three minutes, so you may find it easier to break your presentation down into smaller sections.
Try writing an opener to catch the attention of the audience, then highlight your different points, and finally have a summary to restate the importance of your work.
You may like to present your 3MT as a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end.
It’s not easy to condense your research into three minutes, so you may find it easier to break your presentation down into smaller sections.
Try writing an opener to catch the attention of the audience, then highlight your different points, and finally have a summary to restate the importance of your work.
Have a clear outcome in mind
Know what you want your audience to take away from your presentation.
Try to leave the audience with an understanding of what you’re doing, why it is important, and what you hope to achieve.
Know what you want your audience to take away from your presentation.
Try to leave the audience with an understanding of what you’re doing, why it is important, and what you hope to achieve.
Revise
Proof your 3MT presentation by reading it aloud, to yourself and to an audience of friends and family.
Ask for feedback.
Ask your audience if your presentation clearly highlights what your research is about and why it is important.
Proof your 3MT presentation by reading it aloud, to yourself and to an audience of friends and family.
Ask for feedback.
Ask your audience if your presentation clearly highlights what your research is about and why it is important.
Rules
Before you start work on your slide, you should take the following rules into account:
One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted;
No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are permitted;
Your slide is to be presented from the beginning of your oration; and
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted;
No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are permitted;
Your slide is to be presented from the beginning of your oration; and
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
Suggestions
You may like to consider some of the following suggestions
Less is more: text and complicated graphics can distract your audience – you don’t want them to read your slide instead of listening to your 3MT
Personal touches: personal touches can allow your audience to understand the impact of your research.
Creativity drives interest: do not rely on your slide to convey your message – it should simply complement your oration.
Work your message: think about how your slide might be able to assist with the format and delivery of your
An engaging visual presentation can make or break any oration, so make sure your slide is legible, clear and concise.
Less is more: text and complicated graphics can distract your audience – you don’t want them to read your slide instead of listening to your 3MT
Personal touches: personal touches can allow your audience to understand the impact of your research.
Creativity drives interest: do not rely on your slide to convey your message – it should simply complement your oration.
Work your message: think about how your slide might be able to assist with the format and delivery of your
An engaging visual presentation can make or break any oration, so make sure your slide is legible, clear and concise.
Practice, practice, practice
Feeling nervous before you present is natural, and a little nervousness can even be beneficial to your overall speech. Nonetheless, it is important to practice so you can present with confidence and clarity. Practicing will also help you gauge the timing of your 3MT so that you keep within the time limit
Feeling nervous before you present is natural, and a little nervousness can even be beneficial to your overall speech. Nonetheless, it is important to practice so you can present with confidence and clarity. Practicing will also help you gauge the timing of your 3MT so that you keep within the time limit
Vocal range
Speak clearly and use variety in your voice (fast/slow, loud/ soft).
Do not rush – find your rhythm.
Remember to pause at key points as it gives the audience time to think about what you are saying.
Speak clearly and use variety in your voice (fast/slow, loud/ soft).
Do not rush – find your rhythm.
Remember to pause at key points as it gives the audience time to think about what you are saying.
Body language
Stand straight and confidently.
Hold your head up and make eye contact.
Never turn your back to the audience.
Practise how you will use your hands and move around the stage. It is okay to move around energetically if that is your personality, however it is also appropriate for a 3MT presentation to be delivered from a single spot on stage.
Do not make the common mistakes of rolling back and forth on your heels, pacing for no reason or playing with your hair as these habits are distracting for the audience.
Stand straight and confidently.
Hold your head up and make eye contact.
Never turn your back to the audience.
Practise how you will use your hands and move around the stage. It is okay to move around energetically if that is your personality, however it is also appropriate for a 3MT presentation to be delivered from a single spot on stage.
Do not make the common mistakes of rolling back and forth on your heels, pacing for no reason or playing with your hair as these habits are distracting for the audience.
Record yourself
Record and listen to your presentation to hear where you pause, speak too quickly or get it just right.
Then work on your weaknesses and exploit your strengths.
Record and listen to your presentation to hear where you pause, speak too quickly or get it just right.
Then work on your weaknesses and exploit your strengths.
Look to the stars!
Watch your role models such as academics, politicians and journalists, and break down their strengths and weaknesses.
Analyse how they engage with their audience.
View presentations by previous 3MT finalists.
Watch your role models such as academics, politicians and journalists, and break down their strengths and weaknesses.
Analyse how they engage with their audience.
View presentations by previous 3MT finalists.
Dress
There is no dress code, if you are unsure of how to dress you may like to dress for a job interview or an important meeting. It is important that you feel comfortable so you can focus on your presentation.
If you are presenting on a stage that has a wooden floor, be aware of the noise your footwear might make.
Do not wear a costume of any kind as this is against the rules (as is the use of props).
There is no dress code, if you are unsure of how to dress you may like to dress for a job interview or an important meeting. It is important that you feel comfortable so you can focus on your presentation.
If you are presenting on a stage that has a wooden floor, be aware of the noise your footwear might make.
Do not wear a costume of any kind as this is against the rules (as is the use of props).
Eligibility & Enroll
1.
A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’
of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the
oration.
2.
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
3.
No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are
permitted.
4.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are
disqualified.
5.
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
6.
Presentations are to commence from the stage.
7.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their
presentation through either movement or speech.
8.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
1.
A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’
of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the
oration.
2.
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
3.
No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are
permitted.
4.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are
disqualified.
5.
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
6.
Presentations are to commence from the stage.
7.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their
presentation through either movement or speech.
8.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.