Three Minute Thesis

Modifications to the 3MT rules have been made to accommodate the new virtual format. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.

Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech

Please note: Timing does not include the 3MT title slide and commences from when the competitor starts speaking, not the start of the video.

Videos must meet the following criteria:

• Filmed on the horizontal;
• Filmed on a plain background;
• Filmed from a static position;
• Filmed from one camera angle;
• Contain a 3MT title slide; at the beginning;
• Contain a 3MT PowerPoint slide (top right corner/right side/cut to);
  • a single static slide is permitted in the presentation (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description). This can be visible continuously, in the top right corner/right side of presenter;  OR
  • maybe 'cut to’ (as many times as you like) for a maximum of 1 minute.
• The 3 minute audio must be continuous – no sound edits or breaks.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted within the recording. Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the video recording.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
• Submissions via video format (only video link provided to Event Coordinators). Files sent in other formats will not be accepted.
• Entries submitted for final adjudication to Wildcard or University Final are to be submitted from the School/ Faculty/Institute 3MT Event Coordinator. Competitors should not submit their videos directly to 3MT.

Please note: Competitors *will not* be judged on video/recording quality or editing capabilities (optional inclusions). Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT PowerPoint slide.

Please note: After each competition round competitors have the option to either submit their current presentation or rerecord and submit a new presentation for entry into the next round.

Before you start work on your slide, you should take the following rules into account:

• One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted;
• No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are permitted;
• Your slide is to be presented from the beginning of your oration; and
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.

If you need to reference a picture, image or any kind of content in your slide, you can do it on the title page or at the bottom of the slide in a small box.

Suggestions

You may like to consider some of the following suggestions.

• Less is more: text and complicated graphics can distract your audience – you don’t want them to read your slide instead of listening to your 3MT.
• Personal touches: personal touches can allow your audience to understand the impact of your research.
• Creativity drives interest: do not rely on your slide to convey your message – it should simply complement your oration.
• Work your message: think about how your slide might be able to assist with the format and delivery of your presentation – is there a metaphor that helps explain your research?
• An engaging visual presentation can make or break any oration, so make sure your slide is legible, clear and concise.

RESOURCES

• 3MT Slides and Content preparations for a competitive presentation, with Jane Clothier.

Recording your presentation can be done using a camera and or handheld video recorder however most phones allow you to record through the camera function and most computers have recording ability (via camera or webcam) using inbuilt programs such as:

You might also consider using  Zoom.

Framing - Two Options

• Set up your shot so you are in the centre of the frame, not being cut off at the top and so you can be seen from the waist up. Ensure there is equal space and just the blank wall background on either side of you.
• Set up your shot so you are to the left of the centre of the frame without being cut off at the top and so you can be seen from the waist up. The right side of the video frame should be just the blank wall background, as this is where your slide will be edited in.

You may need to edit your recording by adding your continuous presentation to the right hand side of you.  To do this go to website - https://www.kapwing.com (or any video editing platform you are familiar with, Kapwing is a suggestion only)

RESOURCES

Zoom - how to record yourself via Zoom

How to create engaging videos (PDF)

Video editing

Go to website - https://www.kapwing.com (or any video editing platform you are familiar with, Kapwing is a suggestion only).

• Create an account by signing in with Google or Facebook
• Go to My Workspace - click new project - click start with studio
• Click start with blank canvas
• Rename Studio Draft (top of page) - Name - 3MT Title
• Click add scene - left hand side to show 2 blank scenes
• Adjust output size (16:9 - widescreen) - right hand side

Scene 1

• Highlight scene - click upload - insert 3MT Identifying Details as a JEPG
• Fill in the PP with your details and save a copy as a JPEG for uploading - does not upload PP

Scene 2

• Highlight scene - click upload - insert 3MT Video file or URL link
• Highlight scene - click upload image - insert 3MT PP slide - highlight 3MT PP slide - click lock ratio - adjust size and place in top right hand corner / or on right hand side
• Save a copy of your 3MT PP slide as a JPEG for uploading - does not upload PP
• Save draft and review
• Publish
• Copy link and upload your final presentation to Vimeo - The Vimeo link to your video is the link you will submit to your 3MT Event Coordinator along with your 3MT PP slide so the judging panel can view and assess your presentation.

Uploading to Vimeo - Computer

• Ensure your completed video has been copied to your desktop or laptop device from your phone or tablet
• Create your own personal Vimeo account and log in at vimeo.com. Click ‘log in’ on the left of the top toolbar
• Hover over the blue ‘New Video’ button in the top right and select ‘upload’ from the drop down menu.
• Either drag and drop your file for upload or manually select your file by clicking ‘or choose files’. The upload should begin automatically.
• Ensure the privacy setting is set to ‘Anyone can see this video’.
• Ensure the setting ‘People can add to collections’ is switched on.
• Give your video a title: Name_3MT Title

Update video description to the following:

• 2020 3MT Competition
• Name:  Your Firstname and Surname
• 3MT Title: Your Name_3MT_Title of your presentation

You need to submit the following to your 3MT Event Coordinator

• Vimeo link to your video
• 3MT title slide and
• 3MT PowerPoint slide

The judging panel can then view and assess your presentation.

RESOURCES

How to create your VCB Zoom Account (PDF)

How to upload and submit a Video presentation on Vimeo