Career Development & Exploration
2020 Mizzou 3MT® Competition is scheduled for October 29 and will be VIRTUAL
Registration closed on October 7
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an international research communication competition, designed to help students improve public speaking skills with public audiences. At Mizzou, 3MT® is also a professional development program that includes training (storytelling workshop), practice sessions with feedback, and a public speaking competition.
The rules for the fall 3MT® competition are simple:
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- You must be a doctoral candidate in a research-based degree program.
- You will have 1 slide and 3 minutes to effectively explain your research to a lay (non-specialist) audience.
2020 Important Dates
September 11 Info Session, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
September 28 Info Session, 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
September 30 Info Session, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
October 7; Registration deadline! All participants must be registered by 5:00pm on this date
October 9; Storytelling Workshop from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Week of October 12: Required orientation for registered participants; times to be communicated
October 21, 22, 23 (various time blocks available); Required practice session, with feedback, times to be communicated
October 29; Mizzou 3MT® Competition!
The public is invited to attend the final competition to vote on the People’s Choice Award!
Learning Outcomes
The overarching aim of Mizzou 3MT® is for graduate students to acquire effective public speaking skills.
This professional development program includes storytelling training; presentation seminars; practice sessions with feedback; individual consultation with feedback; and a fall public speaking competition, Mizzou 3MT®.
A student who fully participates in the program will be able to:
- capture and hold the attention of a large audience;
- effectively use voice inflection, body language, and gestures to teach;
- create an educational visual aid in support of a presentation;
- deliver a message that will be retained by the audience; and
- articulate how their research benefits society (broader impacts).
Reaping the Benefits of Public Speaking
Conquering your fear of public speaking – and honing your talent – will set you apart on the job market: Multiple surveys have shown that verbal communication skills are in high demand by employers across job sectors.
Once you develop the ability to communicate your ideas effectively, you will be able to apply the skill during job interviews, conference presentations, classroom instruction, or pitching your innovation to potential investors.
Eligibility & Rules
Official 3MT® Eligibility
According to the official 3MT® rules at the University of Queensland, “Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone ([i.e., comprehensive exams;] including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels… Graduates are not eligible.”
Mizzou-specific 3MT® Eligibility
Mizzou’s 3MT® competition is open to all PhD candidates in research-based degree programs who:
- submitted the signed consent form that includes the support of their primary dissertation advisor;
- passed comprehensive examinations and have a signed D-3 form on file with the Graduate School;
- attend one of the mandatory Mizzou 3MT orientation sessions;
- complete Mizzou 3MT training & practice sessions or an equivalent public speaking program or a graduate course on research outreach; and
- meet all Mizzou 3MT deadlines.
Those who have successfully defended during the fall semester may still participate in 3MT, as Mizzou graduate degrees are not conferred until December commencement. Those who have have graduated are not eligible.
You MUST be available for orientation, and all competition rounds (based on the number of participants, it may be necessary to hold preliminary rounds, semifinals, and finals). If selected as one of the Mizzou’s 3MT® winners, competitors must also agree to (a) further professional development to hone presentation skills and (b) participate in a regional 3MT® competition at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) in Spring 2021. Travel expenses will be paid for by the University.
The presentation must be made in English.
Official 3MT® Rules*
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
- No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
- No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes (i.e., those who continue to talk) are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, spoken word performances, songs).
- Presentations are to commence from the stage (or front of the room).
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
*Additional rules for Mizzou’s 3MT® contest: When the planning committee notifies you of your presentation time (about a week before the competition), you must re-confirm your participation AND submit your single slide for the competition. Failure to confirm or submit your slide by the deadline will result in disqualification.
What to Expect
Setting
The Mizzou 3MT competition rounds will be held in a campus auditorium (virtual for fall 2020). Depending on the location we are able to reserve, you may be presenting from a stage, but without a podium. Your one slide will appear on a screen behind you. There are no microphones, so be prepared to speak loudly so that you can be heard and understood clearly.
Types of 3 MT Rounds
The number of contestants will dictate the number and type of rounds we hold. It is possible to have preliminary rounds, a semi-final round, and a 3MT final round.
Recommended Attire
We recommend professional or business attire. No jeans. Truman’s Closet is service for Mizzou students who wish to borrow business attire for special events and job interviews free of charge.
Procedure for all Rounds
- You must present your 3 minute speech during your assigned dates/times.
- On the date(s) of the competition, check in at the registration desk 45 minutes prior to your scheduled speaking time.
- We will ask you to sign a photo/video release. You may decline, but mark your form accordingly.
- Report to your presentation room 30 minutes prior to speaking. Check your presentation slide. (You submit your presentation slide at the time you confirm, so it will be pre-loaded onto a computer.)
- You must remain in the room until dismissed.
- A timekeeper will notify you when it is your time to present. Move to the front of the room.
- When the judges are ready, the timekeeper will tell you that you may commence with your presentation.
- Once you begin speaking, continue to deliver your entire speech. Even if you lose your place, the clock will continue to run. You cannot restart.
- The timekeeper will hold up a 30-second warning sign to let you know that you are nearing the 3 minute mark.
- The timekeeper will stop you at exactly 3 minutes. At that point, all you can say is “thank you.”
- If you keep talking and exceed 3 minutes, you will be disqualified.
- After each round, the panel of judges will convene to make decisions.
- While the judges convene, you may leave the room. It is suggested that you stay nearby.
Announcement of Winners
- Everyone will be invited back into the room for to hear the judging results.
- At the preliminary rounds and semi-final rounds (if offered), the names of contestants who advance will be announced.
- At the final event, plaques and prizes will be awarded for first place, runner up, and People’s Choice award.
- The Mizzou 3MT winner will become eligible to represent the University of Missouri at regional and national competitions, expenses paid.
- Prizes will be processed after the event.
Judging and prizes
Official 3MT® Judging Criteria
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on two judging criteria. Please note that each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Criterion 1: 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, 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?
Criterion 2: 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?
How Judges will be Chosen
3MT® competitions help doctoral candidates fine-tune their public presentation skills with a long term goal of improving public scientific literacy. Toward this goal, competitors are required to present their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist (lay) audience. Therefore, the Mizzou 3MT planners have invited people from a variety of backgrounds to judge the competition.
Mizzou 3MT® Prizes
- First Place will receive a plaque and $500 in professional development funds. The first place contestant will represent Mizzou at a regional 3MT contest. The contest will take place at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools 2021 Annual Meeting, March 24-26, 2021 in Chicago, IL. Travel expenses will be paid for by the University.
- Runner-up will receive a plaque and $300 in professional development funds
- People’s Choice will receive a plaque and a $200 in professional development funds.
Elements of successful presentations
What does it take to win 3MT®?
First, understand the two official judging criteria because this is how your Mizzou 3MT® presentation will be scored by the judges.
Strategy: When you practice your presentation in front of family, friends, faculty, or research colleagues, give them a copy of the judging criteria. Ask them to rate your presentation. They should be able to respond to every question with a “yes.” Of utmost importance: Your ability to explain your research without technical terms and jargon.
Second, your slide must be engaging. It should enhance, not detract, from your educational message. Images should be top quality.
Strategy: Ask your mentor, colleagues, and family to critique your slide. Do they respond favorably to the image(s)? Is any part of the slide confusing or difficult to see? Do they believe your slide enhances your public education message?
Third, in a 3MT® competition, what you say will be important, but how you deliver your message will be the key to winning.
Strategy: Critique several research-related presentations designed for public audiences. Identify what makes certain public speakers more effective than others, then practice those skills. As you watch and listen, ask these questions:
- Note: At the start, what did the speaker say and do to immediately capture the audience’s attention?
- Listen: How did the speaker’s tone, volume and tempo help sustain audience interest?
- Observe: How did the speaker use eye contact, hand gestures, and/or body movement to emphasize points?
- Evaluate: Did the presenter avoid jargon and explain technical terms?
- Assess: How did the speaker make the research both meaningful and memorable for the audience?
Helpful Handouts and PowerPoints on 3MT®
Simon Clews from University of Melbourne: Making the most of your three minutes.
Danielle Fisher from UCSD 10 Hints for Improving Presentations for the Three Minute Thesis Competition
Dr. Inger Mewburn from ANU: “How to win the 3 minute thesis”
UQ GradSchool: 3MT Student Handbook see pp. 9 & 10
Flinders University: Hot tips for students
Training, practice & events
See information at the top of the page for: Information Sessions, Storytelling Seminar, Orientation and Practice Sessions, and more
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Questions: Candidacy, Required Forms, and Defense Dates
Are all degree candidates eligible?
To be eligible, you must be actively pursing a research-based doctoral (PhD) degree. Master’s students are not eligible. For this current competition, you must have your or D3 (doctoral) form and advisor consent form on file by the stated deadline.
What is the D3 Form?
These are forms that officially document you have reached candidacy status toward earning a degree. Once you have passed comprehensive examinations, the D3 must be filed with the Graduate School. Check with your degree program office for more information.
I’ve already defended. Am I still eligible to participate?
Yes. In accordance with official policy, you remain a degree candidate until the next commencement (in December), when your degree will be conferred. If you have already graduated, you are not able to participate.
I have my candidacy meeting scheduled after the registration deadline. Can I still participate?
Yes, as long as your D3 form is turned in to the Graduate School no later than 5 PM on the deadline.
I have plenty of research data, but I have not yet reached candidacy (i.e. no D3 has been filed). Will I be able to participate?
No. To participate, you must be a degree candidate (with a D3 form on file) by the deadline.
Eligibility Questions: Master’s and International Students
Are international doctoral candidates eligible? What if English is not my native language?
Yes, international students at Mizzou who are degree candidates in research-based graduate degree programs are eligible. The three minute presentation must be made in English.
Can master’s students who are pursuing research-based degrees participate?
No. However, due to popular demand by students, we hope to create a Master’s Division in the future.
Application Questions
Why do I need my advisor’s signature on the Consent Form?
In some disciplines, research findings must be embargoed until the study is published. This is especially true of students working in classified labs. We need to make certain that your advisor is aware, and approves, of your participation in this event.
Competition Questions
What is the dress code?
Dress is either business casual or business attire. No jeans, please! Here’s why: Mizzou 3MT® is a key professional development event for research-based degree candidates. Because of the significance, it is most appropriate for participants to dress as a professional – no different than attending a disciplinary conference or job interview. Another consideration: professional attire can potentially enhance your stage presence, especially because all of our judges are professionals too.
If cost for professional attire is prohibitive, Truman’s Closet is service for Mizzou students who wish to borrow business attire for special events and job interviews.
Do I have to use a slide as part of my presentation?
Yes, because the effectiveness of your visual is part of the judging criterion. Remember that the slide is static: No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. Also, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration. Deadline: Submit your slide as a pdf file to mizzou3mt@missouri.edu by the published deadline. Note: If you move forward in the competition, you must use the same slide (i.e., you cannot modify your slide during the Mizzou competition.)
Do the judges “favor” presentations by STEM students over those in the social sciences or humanities?
Not at all! The competition is open to all research-based degree programs. The judges follow the official scoring criteria when making their decisions. No preference is given to one discipline over another.
Will you have separate rounds for life sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, etc.?
At Mizzou 3MT, everyone competes together. In the future, if the competition grows substantially, we may offer disciplinary preliminaries.
Why are people from higher education on the judging panel?
As you know, our intent with Mizzou 3MT is to select a winner who can best describe research to a lay (public) audience. Thus, we make every attempt to find people in the local community (outside of higher education) to serve as judges. This proved to be a challenge, so we also invited faculty and administrators from inside higher education to serve as judges. That said, all judges are volunteers (not paid) and they do their best to follow the scoring criteria. Be assured that they are committed to spirit and intent of the Mizzou 3MT competition.
Will I get to see the judges’ comments?
No, for several reasons. Foremost, Mizzou 3MT® is a professional development, public speaking program that culminates with a competition event. The training sessions (e.g., storytelling) we offer in the months prior to the event are designed for you to practice and receive constructive feedback in order to improve your public speaking skills. The second consideration is our volunteer judges, many of whom prefer to keep their comments confidential.
Remember that the results of any judged competition is based on subjective opinion. A 3 minute presentation that resonates with one judge may not appeal as much to second or third judge.
Tip: Please seek feedback on your slide, content, and presentation style before the competition. In the past, many of the finalists took advantage of the storytelling training and/or practice session. Their success proves it pays to practice!
Who Won at Mizzou?
2019 Winners
Amir Mofrad (left); Clarissa Steele (center); Majid Mufaqam Syed Abdul (right)
Majid Abdul’s speech, titled Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Role of Sugars, earned him the first place title in Mizzou’s 2019 3 Minute Thesis Competition. Majid is a doctoral candidate in the Nutrition Sciences program. Clarissa Steele, doctoral candidate in Management, came in second place with her speech titled Taking Care of Business. Amir Mofrad, doctoral candidate in Chemical Engineering won the People’s Choice Award with his speech titled Exploring Computational Materials Science.
Other 3MT Contestants:
- Bitty Balducci, Marketing
- Lauren Borkowski, Biomedical Sciences
- Parijat Ghosh, Rural Sociology
- Nathan Katz, Sociology
- Jason McKinney, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
- Amir Mofrad, Chemical Engineering
- Meredith Shaw, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
- Lisa Shepard, Physics
- Haejung Shin, Communication
- Clarissa Steele, Management
- Levi Storks, Biological Sciences
- Majid Mufaqam Syed Abdul, Nutrition Sciences
- Al Willsey, Philosophy
Judges for the evening were: Dr. Gavin King, Associate Professor, Physics and Biochemistry; Dr. Susan Renoe, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, & Engagement; Eric Stann, Research News Strategist, MU News Bureau
Emcees for the evening were Kasey Lynch & Blake Willoughby, Theatre.
2018 Winners
Clarissa Steele (left); Megan Haney (center); Li Lee (right)
Electrical Nerve Stimulation: Improving Voice after Injury was the title Megan Haney chose to introduce her speech, which earned her the title of 2018 Mizzou 3 Minute Thesis winner. Megan was a doctoral candidate in Pathobiology Area Program. Second place winner was Clarissa Steele, Business Administration. Audience members voted Li Lee from Biomedical Imaging the People’s Choice winner.
Contestants in the Mizzou 3MT® 2018 competition
Other 3MT contestants:
Ghazwan Alwan, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Michael, Appenteng, Chemistry
Glenn Baker, Psychological Sciences
Josh Bramlett, Communication
Mary Decker, Special Education
Megan Haney, Area Pathobiology
Briana Kille, Psychological Sciences
Li Lee, Biomedical Imagine
Tareq Lehmidi, Pathobiology Area
Rayne Lim, Biomedical Sciences
Deanna Maynard, Special Education
Aditi Mishra, Biological Sciences
Marco Navarro, Biological Sciences
Tunde Ojewola, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
Joel Reed, Communication
Clarissa Steele, Business Administration
Anna Valiavska, Organizational Communication
Sangkwon Woo, Anthropology
Nasibeh, Zanjirani Farahani, Industrial Engineering & Manufacturing Systems
Judges for the evening were Dr. Jeni Hart, Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Vice Provost for Advanced Studies; Dr. Susan Renoe, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Engagement; and Dr. Sheila Grant, Associate Vice Chancellor of Research and Strategic Initiatives.
Emcees for the evening were Kate Busselle and Blake Willoughby, Theatre
2017 Winners
Freddie Jennings (left) and Susheel Bhanu Busi (right)
Can You Avoid a Colonoscopy? Using Bacteria to Detect and Treat Colon Cancer
That was the message delivered by the 2017 Mizzou 3 Minute Thesis winner Susheel Bhanu Busi, a doctoral candidate in Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutics. Audience members also voted Susheel as the People’s Choice winner! Second place was awarded to Freddie Jennings, a doctoral candidate in Communication.
Other 3MT contestants:
- Nettie Brock, Communication. A Thousand TV Shows. Mentor: Dr. Ben Warner.
- Ryan Dibala, Natural Resources. Trees Providing Forage for Livestock. Mentor: Dr. Shibu Jose.
- Anna Perinchery, Biological Sciences. You are what you eat! Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth King.
- Zach Rubin, Sociology. Lifestyle and Activism: The Key Ingredients. Mentor: Dr. Victoria Johnson.
- Lisa Groshong, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. Climate change doesn’t care. Mentor: Dr. Sonja Wilhelm Stanis.
- Liga Wuri, Animal Science. Vitrification for Fertility Preservation. Mentor: Dr. Yuksel Agca.
- Alex Howe, Philosophy. Citizenship Goes to the Dogs. Mentor: Dr. Peter Vallentyne.
Judges for the evening were Provost Garnett Stokes; Dr. Jeni Hart, Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Vice Provost for Advanced Studies; and Dr. Keven McDonald, UM System Chief Diversity Officer & MU Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.
MC for the evening was Rachel Bauer, doctoral candidate in Theatre.
2016 Winners
First place winner was Jacqueline Gamboa (middle); second place Dr. Michael K. Fink (right), and People’s Choice Megan Sheridan (left).
2015 Winners
Thirty doctoral candidates participated in the first annual Mizzou Three Minutes Thesis competition. First place winner was Arianna Soldati (middle); second place Jessica M. Anderson (right) and People’s Choice Lincoln Sheets, MD (left).
About 3MT® worldwide
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. The exercise challenges doctoral* candidates to present a compelling oration on their thesis (dissertation) topic and its significance in just three minutes.
3MT® develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development of research students’ capacity to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
View 3MT® presentations
To view winning presentations from around the world, go to the 3MT® Showcase on the official UQ site.