Presented by Hugh Milligan, NUPSA Training Session Presented by Hugh Milligan, NUPSA

What we’ll cover: What is 3-Minute Thesis? Rules, judging criteria and eligibility Preparation advice Examples of past winners (discussion) Practice (your turn!)

What is 3-Minute Thesis? Began at the University of Queensland in 2008; now held in over 350 universities across 59 countries worldwide. Participants must explain their research in three minutes to a non-specialist audience. Finals held at faculty, university, national and international levels. Only PhD students who’ve completed confirmation may compete at national and international levels.

Why should I participate in 3MT? Dr Megan Rossi, Winner of the 2014 UQ 3-Minute Thesis Competition https://vimeo.com/1387092 00

Competition Rules A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. (No animations!) No additional electronic media are permitted. (Sound files, video, etc.) No additional props are permitted. (Costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, etc.) Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.

Competition Rules Presentations are to be spoken word. (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 Comprehension and Content Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance? Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes? Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?

Judging Criteria Comprehension and Content Were the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience? Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points? 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?

Judging Criteria 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?

Judging Criteria Engagement and Communication 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?

Eligibility & Prizes Any Masters or PhD research student can compete at faculty/university levels. Only confirmed PhD candidates can progress to Asia-Pacific finals. University prizes for confirmed PhD candidates: 1st place: $5,000 (for research expenses) 2nd place: $2,000 (for research expenses) 3rd place: $1,000 (for research expenses) University prizes for Masters and pre-confirmation candidates: Winner: $2,000 (for research expenses) Any finalist can win People’s Choice Prize.

Preparation Advice Write your speech in advance, and commit it to memory if you can. Don’t try and ad-lib it! When writing a draft, consider: What am I researching? Why am I researching it? (Why is it important to me? And to the world?) How will I do it? Who will it benefit? Aim for a length of about 2:45, to give yourself breathing room. Watch previous winners online (there are hundreds of videos on YouTube).

Preparation Advice Practice! When practicing, consider your: In the mirror – check your own facial expressions and body language. With your supervisor, colleagues, friends, pets – anyone and everyone! (Especially if your speech includes humour.) When practicing, consider your: Rate of speech Body language/stance/movement Tone and pitch (be authentic) Check out other online resources for presentation techniques: TED Talks Instructional websites

Example Presentations Consider Matt’s: Tone/diction Hand gestures Anecdotes Non-specialist language Matthew Thompson (UQ), Winner of the 2011 3-Minute Thesis Final https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pvjPzsLIyGw

Example Presentations Consider Chloe’s: Rate of speech Use of pauses Changes in volume (eg. whispering) Avoidance of technical jargon Chloe Goldsmith, Winner of the 2016 UON 3-Minute Thesis Final https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hkgpyZaCfms

Example Presentations Consider Megan’s: Use of humour Different voices & modulations of pitch Hand gestures/body language Megan Pozzi, Winner of the 2013 QUT 3-Minute Thesis Final (and People’s Choice Award) https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0K9iYUBCG_o

Example Presentations Consider Chau’s: Explanations of scientific terms Use of metaphor to explain scientific processes Chau-Minh Phan, Winner of the 2013 University of Waterloo 3-Minute Thesis Final https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Mg2scM317zc

Example Presentations Consider Rosanna’s: Choice of slide Analogy Hand gestures Use of pauses Rosanna Stevens, Winner of the 2014 ANU 3-Minute Thesis Final (and People’s Choice Award) https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=epT-OpWDImE

Your turn! Tell us about your research.

For more information, visit… The 3-Minute Thesis Competition website (hosted by UQ): https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/ The University of Newcastle’s 3MT page: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-and-innovation/graduate- research/current-students/support-and-resources/three-minute-thesis-competition NUPSA website: https://nupsa.edu.au/