Why Participate?

This is a unique opportunity for students to deliver an effective research presentation in an exciting atmosphere. It specifically serves the following purposes:

• Enhancing Research Candidates’ Skills: Participating in 3MT enhances academic, presentation, and research communication skills, while increasing the ability to explain research to a non-specialist audience.
• Building Research Culture: 3MT provides a valuable opportunity for graduate students to come together, get to know each other, and share their research, creating a supportive environment for training in presentation skills.

Rules

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes; competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.
• Only a single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Slide transitions, animations, or moving elements are strictly prohibited. The slide must be visible on the screen from the beginning.
• 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 must be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations must commence from the stage. The presentation is considered to have started when the presenter begins moving or speaking.
• The decisions of the adjudicating panel are final.

Judging Criteria

1. Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance of the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact, and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation? (Was the presentation paced evenly, avoiding being rushed or spending too much time on one specific point?)

2. Engagement and 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, vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and display a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?