1. The Three Minute Thesis
3MT
The Three Minute Thesis

2. What? A presentation on your research in three minutes
3MT
What? A presentation on your research in three minutes
Why? Because STEM students must be able to communicate their research to diverse populations. Otherwise, what does it matter?
How? Via your sparkling personality and superior presentation skills and one static slide with no transitions, animations or any other movement
Who? Prepare your talk for an intelligent, but non-specialized audience.

3. Original Judging Criteria
3MT
Original Judging Criteria
The 3MT competition, held in over 200 universities worldwide, originated at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, in 2008.
Communication style: Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in jargon-free language appropriate to a diverse audience? Was there a sufficient vocal range, good eye contact, and effective body language?
Clarity and organization: Were the nature, aims and significance of the research clear? Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
Engagement: Did the presenter have good audience rapport? Was the speaker enthusiastic with a pleasant and friendly demeanor? Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience's attention?

4. 3MT
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: have an attention-getting introduction and tell a story.
Don’t: show data – focus on the big picture.
Don’t: crowd your slide. Make sure your font is readable from a distance.
Do: Contextualize your research in the grander scheme of things and share why your topic would be of interest to any person off the street. Does your research help with finding a cure for cancer? Will it solve global warming? How will it ultimately help make our lives better? Make your work relevant to your audience.

5. Don’t do a presentation like this.
3MT
Don’t do a presentation like this.

6. 3MT
Do one like this.