3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
• What is the 3MT?• The rules• Judging criteria• Your research in a nutshell
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
The 3MT is
• a research communication competition • for research higher degree students • to present their thesis and its significance
in 3 minuteshttp://
threeminutethesis.org/
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
"This competition is a chance to impress. RHD students showcase their exciting research to not only this university, but to the whole nation. It encourages students to step outside of their research and focus on what is really important and interesting about the work that they do".
Gabrielle Briggs - Winner of the 2010 UoN competition and runner up in the National/Trans-Tasman final.
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
Competition History
Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008, enthusiasm for the 3MT concept and its adoption in numerous universities led to the development of an international competition.
www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/3mt
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
Rules • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions,
animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to be
presented from the beginning of the oration). • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted. • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory
equipment) are permitted. • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors
exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified. • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs). • Presentations are to commence from the stage. • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter
starts their presentation through movement or speech. • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
Judging criteria
1. Comprehension
• Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of research?
• Do you know what is significant about this research?
• Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
2. Engagement
• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or dumb down their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
• Would I like to know more about the speaker's research?
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
3. Communication:
• Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and a confident stance?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology that needed to be used, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long or were they rushed?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from, their presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
How will you begin?
Any suggestions?
• Summarise your research• Plan the story with a beginning, middle and end• Decide what you will say first.• Choose language for a non-specialist audience• Think about explanations you may need to give• Plan the slide
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
The story may include:
• a ‘hook’• purpose of the research (‘gap’?)• methodology• results• anything unusual• solution to the problem• what needs to happen next
Kelsey Kennedy Winner 2013 Balarka Banerjee Winner 2010
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
The ‘hook’
Begin with something the audience canrelate to, for example:
mini drama Lily Chang 2013 runner up
question Gabby Briggs
analogy
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
For a non-specialist audience:
Use shorter words and sentences active verbs
Avoid jargon, acronyms ‘academic’ language
Explain Unknown concepts, people, places…
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
Making the story flow
Gabby Briggs' presentation
Kelsey Kennedy Winner 2013
3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014
Preparation session 2will offer advice on the performance,
including:
• venue and technology• your appearance• body language• your voice• rhythm and pacing• humour or not?• designing the slide