Challenger Details

Challengers:

• Three Minute Thesis is open to all full time University of Manitoba graduate students in thesis-based programs.
• Presentations must be based on the primary research the student has conducted in their graduate program.
• Students who have already defended their thesis but have not yet graduated are eligible. Students must not have graduated (convocated) prior to the date of the competition final.
• Students with uncompleted projects are eligible.
• Students in course-based programs, visiting students, exchange students and students on leave are not eligible.
• Students must agree to be photographed and videotaped and allow any recordings to be made public. 

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted, to be shown from the beginning of the presentation. No slide transitions, animations or "movement" of any kind are allowed. The slide must have minimum 0.5" margins for key information.
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files, laser pointers) are permitted
• No note cards or additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum, and challengers exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are to start from and remain on the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have begun when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• Presentations must be based on research directly related to the student’s current graduate program thesis. Research performed for employment should not be presented. Research completed as part of a prior degree should not be presented as current work.
• A three-minute clock/timer will be made visible for the students during their presentations.
• For any images, photos or diagrams used on the slide, if not created by the presenter, the presenter must ensure the source is credited and the use is allowable by the copyright owner. When in doubt that written permission is needed, contact the UM Copyright Office for guidance.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

At every level of the competition, each challenger will be judged on the three categories of criteria listed below.

1. Comprehension: Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?

• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and goals of their research?
• Did the presenter clearly communicate the significance of their research?
• Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
• Did the presentation help you to understand the research being done?

2. Engagement: Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?

• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or "dumb down" their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
• Do I want to know more about the speaker's research?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible and concise?

3. Communication style: Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?

• Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and appear confident? Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology that was used, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation, or did they elaborate for too long or were rushed?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from, their presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?

All challengers must complete these forms prior to competing:

• Photo video release form
• Personal Information release form
• Waiver