About the Three Minute Thesis
What is a Three Minute Thesis (3MT)?
First developed by The University of Queensland, Australia in 2008, the international Three Minute Thesis competition challenges students to summarize their research or scholarship for a nonspecialist audience using only three minutes of speech and a single PowerPoint slide.
Sample some of the best three minute theses by watching winning 3MT presentations from around the globe.
3MT Competitor Guide
The University of Queensland, founder and host of the international 3MT competition, has prepared a 3MT competitor guide. This guide offers advise for preparing your 3MT speech and slide, presentation tips, and how to's for recording and preparing your 3MT video.
Competition Rules
- 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
All presentations will be evaluated and scored using the following criteria, as established by the international competition, and using the international judging rubric (PDF). (To view this document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free download.)
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?
Engagement & 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 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?
Questions?
Please email the Graduate College 3MT organizers (3mt@uc.edu) with questions.