Transcript TITLE OF PRESENTATION TO GO HERE

3-Minute Thesis Competition
Preparation session 1
- What is it?
- The rules
- Judging criteria
- Your research in a nutshell
Created by HThursby 2012 Learning Development, The University of Newcastle, CRICOS Provider 00109J
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.
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
2
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.
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
3
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.
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
4
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?
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
5
How will you begin?
Any suggestions?
 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
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Preparation 1| www.newcastle.edu.au
6
The story may include…
 a ‘hook’
 purpose of the research (‘gap’?)
 method
 results
 anything unusual
 solution to the problem
 what needs to happen next
2010 3 minute thesis winner (YouTube)
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
7
The hook
Begin with something that the audience can relate to:
 mini drama
Sarita Koushik
 analogy
‘Pit Stop – Men’s Health Package’
 question
Gabby's presentation
 ‘imagine’
Balarka Banerjee
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
8
For a non-specialist audience
Use
shorter words and sentences
active verbs
Avoid jargon, acronyms
‘academic’ language
Explain unknown concepts, people, places, etc.
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
9
Making the story flow
Gabby's presentation
Matthew’s presentation
For information on the 2012 3MT:
http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/three-minute-thesis
April 7, 2015
3-minute thesis: Where to start | www.newcastle.edu.au
10
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 | www.newcastle.edu.au