Three Minute Thesis Competition

To take place at the Keele Postgraduate Conference on Monday 23rd November 2020.

Virtual competition held online via Microsoft Teams.

The rules and the judging criteria for the 3MT has been established by the University of Queensland and apply across all areas of the competition.

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. 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 either movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria 2020

1. Comprehension & 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?

2. 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?

Optional training sessions will be offered by the Academic Development team with ILAS for those entering the 3MT competition who would like guided practice and feedback.

Workshops 2020 to be advised.  Details of last year's workshops are shown below.

• Creating an Academic Poster using PowerPoint Skills for Researchers (1 hour briefing) on 5/7/19
• Creating an Academic Poster using PowerPoint Skills for Researchers (2 hour interactive workshop) on 30/1/19 & 21/3/19
• Researcher Conversations (replaces Communicating 1:2:1 with Confidence) on 7/5/19 in 59 The Covert, Room One
• Dissemination: Aiming for Impact on 7/3/19 in 59 The Covert, Room Nine
• Writing and Presenting Posters on 5/2/19 11.00am - 1.00 pm in the Old Library, Keele Hall
• 3MT Briefings on 12/2/19 2.30 - 4pm in the Sneyd Room, Keele Hall and 13/3/19 10.00 - 11.30am in the Walter Room, Keele Hall

These sessions can be booked through Keele People.