Created by HThursby 2012 Learning Development, The University of Newcastle, CRICOS Provider 00109J 3-Minute Thesis Competition - What is it? - The rules - Judging criteria - Your research in a nutshell Preparation session 1

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 2 What is it? "This competition is a chance to impress. RHD students showcase their exciting research to not only this university, but to the whole nation. It encourages students to step outside of their research and focus on what is really important and interesting about the work that they do". Gabrielle Briggs - Winner of the 2010 UoN competition and runner up in the National/Trans-Tasman final.

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 3 The rules (1)  A single PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) additional props (e.g. costumes, laboratory instruments, etc).  Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.  The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 4 The rules (2) Presentations  are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).  are to commence from the stage  are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech  The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 5 Judging criteria  Comprehension Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?  Engagement Did the oration make the audience want to know more?  Communication style Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?

June 10, minute thesis: Preparation 1| 6 How will you begin?  Summarise your research  Plan the story with a beginning, middle and end  Decide what you will say first.  Choose language for a non-specialist audience  Think about explanations you may need to give  Plan the slide Any suggestions?

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 7 The story may include…  a ‘hook’  purpose of the research (‘gap’?)  method  results  anything unusual  solution to the problem  what needs to happen next minute thesis winner (YouTube)

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 8 The hook Begin with something that the audience can relate to:  mini drama Sarita Koushik Sarita Koushik  analogy‘ Pit Stop – Men’s Health Package’  question Gabby's presentation Gabby's presentation  ‘imagine’ Balarka Banerjee Balarka Banerjee

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 9 For a non-specialist audience Useshorter words and sentences active verbs Avoidjargon, acronyms ‘academic’ language Explain unknown concepts, people, places, etc.

June 10, minute thesis: Where to start | 10 Making the story flow Gabby's presentation Matthew’s presentation For information on the MT:

Preparation session 2 Advice on performance, including - venue and technology - your appearance - body language - your voice - rhythm and pacing - humour or not? - designing the slide CRICOS Provider 00109J |