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.
UCalgary Virtual 3MT registration
Registration for the UCalgary 3MT normally occurs during the month of February.
UCalgary 3MT schedule
This schedule is meant to give you a general sense of the 3MT timing. The exact is listed below:
Feb.
UCalgary 3MT registration typically opens February 1.
Feb.
Check out the "All you need to know about the 3MT*" resource and read the UCalgary 3MT webpages to ensure you are eligible and to learn more about the competition.
Feb.
Attend workshops in February to help you prepare. Workshops include Designing Your 3MT Talk, and Designing Your 3MT Slide.
Check out all the resources and sign up for feedback sessions on the UCalgary 3MT D2L course (all participants are registered).
March
UCalgary 3MT heats take place mid-March, with all participants registered in the UCalgary 3MT D2L course for tips and resources.
April
The UCalgary 3MT Finals typically takes place in early April.
The winner advances to the Western Finals (typically in April).
June 1
The winner of the Western Finals goes on to the National Championship. The 2020 competition was postponed due to COVID-19. Details have not been released for 2021.
The National Championship is a digital submission and does not require travel.
2021 3MT Important Dates and Deadlines
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REGISTER
Registration dates: Feb 1 - Mar 1
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PREPARE WITH WORKSHOPS & FEEDBACK
Designing Your 3MT Talk (zoom)
Designing Your 3MT Slides (zoom)
Feedback sessions will be held virtually the week of March 1 - 5, 2021. Registrants will be sent more info through the UCalgary 3MT D2L course.
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COMPETE
Heats: March 2020 (done virtually through the UCalgary 3MT D2L course)
UCalgary Finals: April 19, 2021 (done virtually)
Western Finals: TBD (UCalgary winner only)
National Finals: TBD (Top 4 Western Finalists)
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!
2021: this workshop will be presented as a virtual resource.
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.
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 and 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 2-5, 2021 via zoom (sign up through the UCalgary 3MT D2L online course).
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 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!
2021: Heats will be held virtually through the UCalgary 3MT D2L course. Participants will submit pre-recorded videos to the UCalgary 3MT D2L course. Do you have out-takes or bloopers? Be sure to submit them too for a chance to be featured in the final event!
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.
2021: Finalists will have their pre-recorded videos played at the April 16 finals event (held via zoom webinar). Finalists will be interviewed live.
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.
2021: Finalist's pre-recorded videos will be posted.
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?