Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
Q – What type of degree program must I be enrolled in to be eligible?
A – You are eligible to compete if your degree involves a thesis, master's research paper (MRP) or dissertation. If you are in a course work based program, you are not eligible.
Q – How far along in my research do I have to be for me to be eligible?
A – It is up to each competitor to determine whether they have enough context and results to be able to present their research in a compelling 3MT. You may wish to focus on what you hope to achieve, or speak with your supervisor to discuss how to present your research based on your current work.
Q – Should I compete if my research is very technical, or boring?
A – No research is boring! Even the most complicated, technical thesis can be pitched in a way that a non-specialist audience can understand and appreciate. Consider using comparisons or metaphors to explain complicated ideas, for example. Can you liken your research topic to something more commonplace, or relate it to something in popular culture? If you need help doing this, book an appointment with a writing and multimodal communication specialist, who can help you articulate your research in more accessible ways.
Q – Can I present on research conducted during a previous degree at the University of Waterloo?
A – No, competitors must present on research conducted for a thesis, master's research paper (MRP) or dissertation in the student’s current University of Waterloo graduate program.
Q – Can I present on research conducted at another institution?
A – No, competitors must present on research conducted for a thesis, master's research paper (MRP) or dissertation in the student’s current University of Waterloo graduate program.
Q – I was a student at the time of my competition at my university, but will complete my degree requirements before the Ontario competition. Am I eligible to enter?
A – Yes. If you are eligible at the time of your university’s competition, you will remain eligible for the Ontario competition, regardless of your program status.
Q – I have participated in the 3MT before. Can I participate more than once?
A – As long as you didn't win our university-wide final you are welcome to enter again. We encourage you to compete again and consider updating your presentation.
Q – Can I present my 3MT presentation virtually?
A – No, you must give your 3MT presentation in person.
Q – Can I present my presentation in an alternative style (e.g. poem, song)?
A – No, 3MT is primarily about developing students’ presentation skills.
Q – Can I use a laser pointer, note cards or props?
A – No, laser pointers, note cards and/or props are not allowed.
Q – Does my slide have to be in PowerPoint?
A – No, however it is the preferred format as all slides will be collated into a single PowerPoint presentation for the competition.
Q – How many transitions or animations can I have in my slide?
A – None, the slide must be static and not change in any way during the presentation. Your slide must be displayed for the duration of your presentation.
Q – Do I have to use a slide?
A – Yes, the slide is not optional, it is a major component of the judging criteria.
Q – May I use another person's image on my slide?
A – Yes, but as much as possible use public domain or your own image(s). If you are using someone else's image, data, figures, charts, etc. you must ensure that you have permission from the source (email is fine) and you must note the source on the bottom of your title slide.
Q – What happens if my presentation is longer than 3 minutes?
A – Presenters who go over 3 minutes will be quietly disqualified – if you go over, keep talking! A countdown timer will be visible to the speaker at the 3MT university final.
Q – Is there a dress code?
A – There is no stipulated dress code to participate. “Business casual” is recommended as you will be giving a public presentation. Please wear whatever is comfortable for you and consider whether you will be wearing a microphone, on a stage or networking with other attendees. No costumes (including hats, masks, etc).
Q – Will my 3MT presentation be recorded? Can I opt out of this?
A - All faculty heats and the university-wide finals will be recorded. There is no option to opt out. 3MT presentations will be publicly available. Review confidentiality and intellectual property details, if you have concerns or questions.
Q – Will I be able to see a countdown-timer during my 3MT presentation?
A – Should you advance to the university final, a countdown timer will be visible. Presence of a countdown timer at faculty heats should be confirmed with your faculty heat coordinator.
Q – Can I win more than one category?
A – Yes, it is possible to win a place (1st, runner up etc) and win the People’s Choice Award (or for the Ontario competition, the Participants’ Choice Award).
Q – What happens if I cannot attend the final?
A – The winner of each heat or final is expected to represent their school/institute/faculty/university at the next stage of the competition. If the winner is unable to attend the final, the runner-up will proceed to the next round.
Q – Will I receive feedback from the judges on my 3MT presentation?
A – Judges will not provide feedback; however, all 3MT presentation are open to the public and will be recorded so that you may review your own presentation or solicit feedback from other sources. The Writing and Communication Centre (WCC) can also video record your presentation, and a Writing and Multimodal Communication Specialist can offer feedback and strategies to help you give a successful presentation.
Q – Will the ranking / score be shared with participants?
A – No, the 3MT is a competition and the judges’ scores are confidential. Only the winners will be announced.
Q – Will any support be available to me if I advance to the university final?
A – All university finalists will receive:
- A one-on-one coaching session with experts
- Detailed notes from their individual coaching session
- The opportunity to practice their 3MT in the final competition space
- An invitation to a networking dinner after the 3MT university final