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

• What is the 3MT?• The rules• Judging criteria• Your research in a nutshell


The 3MT is

• a research communication competition • for research higher degree students • to present their thesis and its significance

in 3 minuteshttp://

threeminutethesis.org/


"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.


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


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.


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?


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?


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


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

http://vimeo.com/84546240

http://vimeo.com/channels/3mt/51274877



The ‘hook’

Begin with something the audience canrelate to, for example:

mini drama Lily Chang 2013 runner up

question Gabby Briggs

analogy


http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Research/Office%20of%20Graduate%20Studies/Research%20Higher%20Degrees/images/Three%20Minute%20Thesis%202010/gabrielle_briggs_video_sm.mp4



For a non-specialist audience:

Use shorter words and sentences active verbs

Avoid jargon, acronyms ‘academic’ language

Explain Unknown concepts, people, places…


Making the story flow

Gabby Briggs' presentation

Kelsey Kennedy Winner 2013






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

Documents

3MT preparatory workshop Series 1 Session 1 April 17, 2014 What is the 3MT? The rules Judging criteria Your research in a nutshell