Tips for Short Format Presenting
Can you summarize an 80,000-word PhD thesis, which typically takes 9 hours to read, in just 3 minutes? Well, I did—last semester at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition organized by the RIT Graduate School. I had the incredible honor of winning this 3MT competition, an experience that not only boosted my confidence but also taught me valuable lessons. I want to share a bit about my journey and offer some tips to next year’s contestants who might be aiming for the same success.
About the 3MT Competition
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) was originally developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, and it has since expanded to more than 900 universities across 85 countries worldwide. The premise of the 3MT Competition sounds simple: the competition challenges graduate students to present their entire research in just 3 minutes, using only a single static slide and no props or visuals. It’s a test of clarity, creativity, and the ability to distill complex ideas into an engaging, accessible format. This competition will instill the power of clear communication and how a well-crafted message can make even the most technical topics relatable to a broader audience. The winner of RIT’s 3MT competition will advance to the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS) Regional 3MT Competition in Spring 2025.
The Journey to Victory
When I first signed up for the competition, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. It felt like a huge challenge, but I was excited to push myself and see where it would take me. From the beginning, the most important thing I learned was the power of preparation. I participated in the prep session organized by the RIT graduate school, where the competition rules were clearly outlined, and I gained valuable tips on how to effectively record my presentation for the preliminary round. A committee selected six finalists for the competition who then advanced to the finals. If you would like to learn more about how the competition unfolded, you can read the news article or watch my presentation video.
I dedicated time each week to research, practice, and refine my skills. The process wasn't always smooth; there were moments when I felt stuck or overwhelmed. However, I received support from my advisor, RIT’s Expressive Communication Center, and the graduate school, which kept me motivated. Staying persistent and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial for achieving success. The RIT graduate school provides valuable information for any contestant to perform at their best during the preliminaries. Once you are selected as a finalist, I have a list of tips and tricks that will help you shine in the finals.
Here are some tips to help you excel in the 3MT or a similar competition.
With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to present your research in the best way possible.
1. Keep Perspective
Remember, this is just a competition. All the competitors are your colleagues, and it’s a friendly challenge to see who can explain their thesis best. It’s not about perfection—it’s about sharing your research with clarity and passion.
2. Prepare Your Speech
Now that you have the right mindset, let’s work on your speech. If possible, watch presentations from previous years for inspiration. Always start and end with strong statements. Keep in mind that your speech should be about three minutes long, ideally written in under 500 words.
3. Stick to Your Topic
Don’t rush to change your entire speech. The speech you submitted for the preliminary round was good enough to make you a finalist, so trust in your original content. Keep the core message but refine it for the final round.
4. Make It Relatable
Your speech should be understandable to a non-technical audience. Imagine explaining your research to a family member who has no background in your field. Think globally— for example, if your thesis involves developing a failure-proof metal screw, explain how it could be used in every automobile, reducing costs and ensuring safety for loved ones.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Once your speech is ready, congratulations—you’re halfway there! Now, practice not just the content, but also your timing. Use a 3-minute timer to test your delivery speed and find a comfortable pace. If you go over 2 minutes and 55 seconds, consider shortening your speech by removing unnecessary words and adding pauses for breathing. Remember, you’re human!
6. Refine Through Repetition
After your first draft, it’s common to exceed 3 minutes. As you practice, you’ll naturally identify the information that can be cut. With more practice, you’ll become comfortable with your speech, and your timing will improve. Trust your instincts when deciding whether and what to omit.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Expect the auditorium to be full and know that you may feel nervous walking onto the stage. Freezing mid-speech is normal. Here’s a helpful trick:
8. Monitor Your Progress
Identify a halfway point in your speech. After you reach it, check your timer. I aimed to finish at 2:50 to allow an extra 10 seconds for any unexpected pauses. If you’re below 1:20, you’re on track. If it’s over, omit a line from the second half of your speech that seems less crucial.
9. Memorize Key Sections
For your backup plan to be effective, memorize your opening and closing statements thoroughly. If you pause or freeze, instead of scrambling to continue, finish with your closing statement. This is just a backup; you may never need it, but it’s good to be prepared.
10. Stay Enthusiastic
If you follow these tips and practice adequately, you’ll be ready for your 3MT speech. Remember, your goal is simply to explain your research to the audience. Be excited and enthusiastic—your energy will resonate with them. You’ve got this!
11. Best of Luck!
I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and confident for the final round of the 3MT competition. Remember, your goal is to share your research in an engaging way. Practice, stay calm, and let your passion shine through—you’ve got this!
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GraduateAbout the author
Hey there! I'm Nidhi, hailing from the vibrant city of Hyderabad, India. As I wrap up my final year of PhD, I find myself juggling academic pursuits with a passion for exploration and creativity. Beyond my work as a Teaching Assistant and Peer advisor leader for two semesters, I’m an avid foodie who loves discovering new flavors. When I'm not immersed in research or teaching, you’ll find me painting or seeking my next adrenaline rush through adventure sports.
