Judging Criteria, Rules & Eligibility

Judging Criteria

Communication

  • Did the presenter use non-verbal communication (i.e. eye contact, voice modulation, body language) effectively?
  • Did the presenter use language and terminology that was clear, jargon-free, and understandable to a general audience?
  • Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation? Did they elaborate for too long on one aspect, or did the presentation feel rushed?
  • Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?

Engagement

  • Was the talk engaging?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience's attention?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research?
  • Did the Powerpoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

Comprehension

  • Did the talk help you to understand the scholarly research being undertaken?
  • Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and purpose of their research?
  • Did the presenter clearly indicate the fascinating or compelling aspects of their research?
  • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed?
  • Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes? 

Rules

  • A single static Powerpoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).
  • Powerpoint slide should be created using an aspect ratio of 16:9.
  • 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 and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be delivered in regular prose (e.g. no poems, slam poetry, raps, or spoken word presentations).
  • Presentations are to commence from and remain on the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter initiates through movement or speech.
  • The decision of the judging panel is final.

Eligibility

Reference: CAGS (Canadian Association for Graduate Studies)

  • To participate in 3MT® you must currently be registered in either a Master's or Ph.D. graduate program at UNBC.
  • Students who have defended but have not yet graduated are eligible. Students must not have graduated prior to March 2024.
  • Students who competed in previous 3MT® editions at UNBC may participate, but their presentation must be new for 2024.
  • Presentations must be based on research that is directly related to the student’s graduate program thesis. Research performed for employment should not be presented.
  • Presenters must be available to present on the day of the competition. To advance in the competition, winners must also be available to present  at the Western Regional Finals (date and location TBD). They must also agree to be photographed and video-taped, and allow any recordings to be made public.