2020 UCalgary 3MT registration

Learn about 3MT timing, events, and judging.

Register for 3MT UCalgary 3MT finals

UCalgary 3MT schedule

This schedule is meant to give you a general sense of the 3MT timing. The exact is listed below:

Feb.

2020 3MT registration opens Feb 1

Register here

Feb.

Register for the "All you need to know about the 3MT" workshop in February on both the main and foothills campuses.

March

Attend workshops in March to help you prepare. Workshops include Vocal Skills (main campus), Effective Presentation Skills (main and foothills campus), Designing your slides (main campus).

March

UCalgary 3MT heats take place mid to late March on both the foothills and main campus.

Register here

April

The UCalgary 3MT Finals takes place in early April. The winner then goes on to the Western Finals later in the month.

April 21

The winner of the Western Finals will go on to the National Championship in June. The National Championship is a digital submission and does not require travel.

 

2020 3MT Important Dates and Deadlines

Due to the situation around COVID-19, The 2020 UCalgary Three Minute Thesis Competition has been postponed until further notice.

  1. REGISTER

    Registration dates: Feb 1 - Feb 24

  2. ATTEND AN INFO SESSION

    All you need to know about the 3MT workshop:

    • February 11th (main campus) | 12pm-1:30pm | Register
    • February 12th (foothills) | 12pm-1:30pm | Register

     

  3. PREPARE WITH WORKSHOPS

    Effective Presentation Skills

    • March 9th (foothills)| | 12pm-1:30pm | Register
    • March 10th (main campus) | 1pm-2:30pm | Register

    Designing your slides

    • March 16th | 3:00pm- 4:30pm | Register

     

  4. COMPETE

    Heats:TBD

    See the MyGradSkills calendar for heat dates and times.

    UCalgary Finals: TBD

    Western Finals: TBD (UCalgary winner only)

    National Finals: TBD (Top 4 Western Finalists)

Register for the UCalgary 3MT

Ready to master the art of communication?

Time to show the world what you got!

Attend an information session and learn the basics

The first of our amazing 3MT workshops is called "All You Need to Know About the 3MT". This workshop is offered on the main and Foothills campuses in early February.

Learn all about the 3MT, ask a few questions and get to know some of your fellow participants!

Sign up

You've learned about the 3MT, you know you're eligible, you've talked to your friends, family, colleagues and supervisor, and everyone agrees. You need to sign up for this amazing experience!

This part is easy: come up with a catchy title and send in your registration.

Register here

Start practicing!

It takes time, careful editing and lots of practice to pull off a great 3MT talk. Time management is essential, since you're doing this alongside your other obligations.

In time, you'll need to memorize your talk. Practice with family, friends, a mirror, or try recording yourself.

Sign up for a feedback session and more workshops

My GradSkills offers 3MT workshops on vocal skills, presentation skills and slide design. Sign up for some or all of them. Dates and registration links are above.

Sign up for a feedback session to get one-on-one advice on your talk and slide. Pro tip: most past finalists attended a feedback session. Feedback sessions will take place March 17-20, 2020. Register for feedback in the 3MT registration form.

Keep practicing!

You've done some workshops, attended a feedback session and you've got your talk memorized. Time to put your feet up and relax? No way! Keep practicing. Have you tried your talk while in the shower? On the train? Driving to work? Feeding the ducks? Practice, practice, practice. 

Attend your 3MT heat

This is it! You'll be in a heat of around 15 students. Heat audiences are usually small, so don't stress. Besides, you've been practicing like crazy! Have fun and give yourself a pat on the back - this is a big accomplishment. And remember to make some noise for your competitors!

Going to finals

The top two finishers from each heat go to finals, which usually takes place about two weeks after the heats. We offer finalists another feedback session to really hone the small details. Make sure you keep practicing!

The winner of the finals represents UCalgary at Westerns.

Video sessions and outreach

All 3MT finalists will have their talks recorded by one of our sponsors, NUTV. Recordings will take place after finals, and the videos will be posted on the My GradSkills website.

Finalists and others may have opportunities to present their talks at community events.

How is the UCalgary 3MT judged?

Heats and finals are judged according to three criteria, each of which is given equal weight. Note that each criterion has an emphasis on the audience.

Communication style

  • Was the topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate for non-specialists?
  • Did the speaker maintain good eye contact and vocal range, a good pace and a confident stance?
  • Did the talk avoid jargon, explain terminology, and provide background information to illustrate points?
  • Did the speaker spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation? Did they rush or elaborate for too long?
  • Did the slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?

Comprehension

  • Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
  • Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of the research?
  • Was the significance of the presenter's research clearly outlined?
  • Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?

Engagement

  • Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?
  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or 'dumb-down' the research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
  • Did the presentation make me want to know more about the speaker's research?