Explaining your thesis in just 180 seconds? No problem - here are three steps you can take to make your PhD relatable to any audience for the 3MT competition.

1. H o w t o s m a s h y o u r 3 M T

2. Partners

3. Just

4. Judging criteria
Comprehension and content
• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and
significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining
terminology and avoiding jargon?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the
research, including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes
communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• 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?

5. 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?
• 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?
Judging criteria

6. Introduction
Data and
Methods
Results
Conclusion

7. Introduction
Data and
Methods
Results
Conclusion

8. Storytelling!

9. Your presentation as a story
1. What’s the narrative?
2. Who’s the hero?
3. Who’s your audience?
4. Do we buy into you as a speaker?

10. 1. What’s the narrative?

11. “Research is the facts, and
nothing but the facts.”
?

13. FLeD Goals
• F - How do you want
your audience to feel?
• L - What do you want
them to learn?
• D - What do you want
them to do?

15. Structure
S –Set the scene - explain the context
A - How can you help? What’s your
approach? Don’t forget barriers!
B - State the benefits or expected result
A – What can your audience do about it?
Conclude with a call-to-action or takeaway

18. Simile

21. 2.Who’s the hero?

22. What …. So What ... Now What?
What
We want to reduce
youth offending.
So What
In parts of England, it’s
been shown that police
intervention with the
most difficult 5% of
families reduced local
crime over a third.
Now What
I work for a team in XYZ
area that engages with
community groups.

24. 3.Who’s your audience?

25. Practice on your audience

27. 4. Do we buy into you as a speaker?

28. PhotobyAirwolfhoundCC-BY
Pace

29. Expression

30. Engagement

32. Open body language

35. Wrap

36. Your four points
1. What’s the narrative?
2. Who’s the hero?
3. Who’s your audience?
4. Do we buy into you as a speaker?

37. Further resources
Learn from your colleagues! Ulster University Research and ImpactYouTube
channel >>
And of course Google ‘3MT’ for fantastic examples of previous presenters

38. 3MT advice
• 3MT Advice from USC >>
• Designing your 3MT slide >>
• Critical thinking and framing an issue >>
• Science communication advice >>
• Managing nerves >>

40. Feedback!