Three Minute Thesis® Competition

Cash Prizes 

• Winner: $500
• Runner-up: $400
• Audience Favorite: $300

• 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 considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their
  presentation through either movement or speech.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or
  movement) and 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.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

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 and Content

• Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the
  research question.
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings
  of the research.
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the
  research.

Engagement and Communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a nonspecialist
  audience.
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained
  the audience’s attention.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

And Remember...

• 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. 

Additional 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 presentation – is there a metaphor that helps explain 
  your research?
• An engaging visual presentation can make or break any oration, so make sure 
  your slide is legible, clear and concise. 

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 more 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).