TRU Three Minute Thesis (#TRU3MT)

3MT competitor guide

Wondering how to structure your presentation? Here is some advice

Curious about what makes a winning slide? Less is often more

Nervous about filming yourself? Practice makes perfect

Concerned about the technicalities of a virtual presentation? Learn from the pros

You’re done, now how to submit your final slide? Send it to 3MT@tru.ca

Registration due: March 31

TRU 3MT Competition: April 20, 2023

Western Canadian 3MT (hosted by the University of Saskatchewan): May 25, 2023

• Students are required to sign a consent form authorizing the use of video recordings of the 3MT presentation, photos, interviews for press releases, websites and social media.
• Students are encouraged to discuss their participation and presentation with their supervisors.

Participation in the regional competition is open to Western Deans Agreement participating universities hosting a local 3MT competition. Eligible participants are the winner of their local competition and are masters or PhD candidates in graduate programs eligible for Tri-Council funding.

For more information on the history and mission of 3MT, visit the official 3MT website.

All TRU students who are in their second year of a thesis-based graduate program and are in good standing, are eligible.

• A student whose thesis is under submission on the date of their first competition is still eligible to compete
• A student whose thesis is under submission, and whose degree is conferred while they are still competing in 3MT is still eligible. In this case, the student must have competed in their first competition heat prior to their degree conferral.

A student whose degree is conferred before they compete in their first competition and who has therefore graduated, is not eligible to compete. Students become ineligible upon receiving notification of degree conferral even if they have not attended a graduation ceremony.

1. A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Using a slide is optional but recommended. Images used in the slide must be your own, or you must have permission from the owner of the photo(s) and provide proper credit.
2. No additional electronic media is permitted (e.g., sound, video files).
3. No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
4. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum.
5. Presentations that go over 3 minutes will be disqualified.
6. Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs).
7. Presentations must be based on research directly related to the student’s graduate program thesis. Research performed for employment should not be presented.
8. The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Prizes

1. First Place: $1,000
2. Second Place: $500
3. Third Place: $250

Judging

A panel made up of representatives from the community of Kamloops will judge presentations for the local competition.

Each of the three judging criteria has equal weight. Note that each criterion has an emphasis on the audience.

Communication style:

• 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, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the speaker 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?

Comprehension:

• Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of the research?
• Was the significance of the presenter's research clearly outlined?
• Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?

Engagement:

• Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or 'dumb-down' the research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
• Did the presentation make me want to know more about the speaker's research?