University of Florida 3MT Competition

Competition Rules

1. A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or movement of any kind, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).
2. No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted. 
3. No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
4. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
5. Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs).
6. Presentations are to commence from the stage.
7. Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
8. The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) 2024 competition will be a live competition, where we will hold a preliminary round followed by a final round to be held in the Reitz Union Chamber Room.

If you are interested in competing this year, you will find instructions on when and how to submit your preliminary presentation below. Remember as you register that if you are selected as a finalist, you will be required to present live to an audience during the final event.   

Important Dates:

• Applications will open on July 22nd 
• Application close October 6th
• Submit competition slide by October 10th
• Thursday, October 24: Preliminary competition and finalists announced.
• Thursday, November 7th, 10 a.m.: 3MT 2024 Finals Event

Submission Instructions: 

1. Attach a copy of your PowerPoint presentation to the email
   • Remember: A single static PPT slide, no transition, animation, movement, sound, video, etc. are permitted. Read 3MT 2024 rules for more details.
2. In the Subject line, please type 3MT 2024 Submission followed by your last name, like so: 3MT 2024 Submission Last Name
3. Address the email to tmartins@ufl.edu and await confirmation of its receipt. If you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, you may inquire further.

• Watch the 2024 3MT Informational Meeting 07/25/2024
• Click Here to Read About and Watch Recordings of Past UF 3MT Competitions 
• Click Here to Watch UF's 2022 Winner, Sabrina Zequeira
• 3MT Competitor Guide by The University of Queensland (2017)
• 3MT: The Three Most Common Mistakes, a video featuring Inger Mewburn, director of research training at Australian National University
• 3MT: Three Tips to Help You Prepare a Winning Presentation, video featuring Rosanna Stevens, 2014 winner of the Australian National University 3MT competition
• How to Talk about Your Thesis in Three Minutes, a Prezi presentation by Inger Mewburn (2012)
• Winning Tips for Preparing a Three-Minute Thesis Presentation, video by Sean McGraw  
• 3MT Public Speaking Workshop Recording

Comprehension & 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?
• Was 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?

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?