Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have advanced to candidacy by March 1, 2020.

• 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) is permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• The decision of the judging panel is final.

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/ or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• 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?

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?

Participation in training sessions is voluntary. It is recommended that participants attend a session in each category to build their skillset, but can choose only the sessions which are applicable to their needs and interest.

Please note that some sessions have multiple dates/times available, but cover the same content.

Creating Your 3MT Presentation Pitch
Individual and group sessions are available both in-person and online through the Graduate Writing Center. Please schedule your appointment online at https://uvm.mywconline.net/.

Note: While you can schedule multiple appointments with the Graduate Writing Center to plan, craft, and rehearse your presentation, it’s a good idea to schedule a first appointment before the “Perfecting Your Pitch” workshop so you’re prepared with a rough pitch to perfect!

Perfecting Your Pitch
In this session we will practice both how to balance your pitch in terms of facts, emotions and personalities, as well as how to condense your pitch down to its central core message.

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Votey Hall, Room 254
Facilitator: Dr. Erik Monsen, Associate Professor, Grossman School of Business

Creating Focus, Flow, and Audience Connection
An interactive workshop on how to tailor your personal "thesis statement" and define the "so what?" of your research.  The goal is to rid your presentation of jargon and leave you with an interesting story relevant to any field.

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Location: Howe Library, Room 302
Facilitator: Kristin Raub, RSENR Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Writing Consultant, Graduate Writing Center

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Location: Howe Library, Room 302
Facilitator: Kristin Raub, RSENR Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Writing Consultant, Graduate Writing Center

Presentation Skills - Developing a Stage Presence: Tips from UVM Communicates 
This session gives you tips and practice about how to feel comfortable and confident using the presentation space as you connect with your audience.  We'll look at the interplay between body language, your script, and your audience awareness, offering a supportive and productive experience.

Special session designed for international participants
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Waterman, Room 457
Facilitator: Sharon Ultsch, Lecturer, College of Education and Social Sciences

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Location: Fleming Museum, Room 101
Facilitator: Dr. Donna Rizzo, Professor, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2020
Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Location: Fleming Museum, Room 101
Facilitator: Dr. Donna Rizzo, Professor, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Date: Friday, February 28, 2020
Time: 8:00am-9:30am
Location: Fleming Museum, Room 101
Facilitator: Dr. Susanmarie Harrington, Professor and Director of Writing in the Disciplines, College of Arts and Sciences

Practice Round
Competition participants will have the opportunity to practice their presentation and receive feedback from an audience.

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Davis Center, Livak Ballroom
Facilitators: Dr. Donna Rizzo, Professor, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences; Dr. Susanmarie Harrington, Professor and Director of Writing in the Disciplines, College of Arts and Sciences