Graduate School

Rules

• Participation is open to any enrolled graduate student who is nearing the completion of their degree. Any scholarly work conducted for a thesis, dissertation or final project is acceptable for presentation. Graduates are not eligible.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any kind allowed. The slide is shown 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 by advancing from the title slide to the presentation slide.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
• Participants may only place in 3MT once; if you placed, you cannot participate in 3MT again.
• Unsuccessful 3MT applicants are automatically enrolled into the Graduate Showcase, but require student’s confirmation.
• Students cannot do both the Showcase and 3MT unless the content is significantly unique.
• All  3MT participants must be present in person at the live event. (cannot participate remotely).
• People’s choice is open to any participant, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Does not advance to statewide unless they’ve also placed in top 3.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition, each competitor will be assessed on the three judging criteria listed below.  Please note that each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Comprehension and content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to 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 - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement and communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise 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?

Source