UCalgary 3MT Participant Information

UCalgary 3MT schedule

This schedule provides a general sense of the timing of 3MT events and deadlines. 

Feb.

UCalgary 3MT registration is open from February 1 to March 1, 2023.

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. 

Workshop registration opens on February 1.

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. Details have not been released for 2023.

The National Championship is a digital submission and does not require travel.

 

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.

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 workshops

Workshop registration opens Feb. 1.

Designing Your 3MT Presentation:

  • In person: Feb. 9, 12-2 pm
  • Online: Feb. 14, 4-6 pm

Designing Your 3MT Slide:

  • In person: Feb. 16, 12-2 pm
  • Online: Feb. 24, 12-2 pm

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 7-14.

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!

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

After finals, all 3MT finalists will have the choice of recording their own video of their talk, or of having a video recorded for them by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. These videos will be posted on the My GradSkills website.

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?