3MT: the three most common mistakes

Summary

In this presentation, Inga Muga, Director of Research Training at the Australian National University, shares insights on the three most common mistakes research students make during the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. She highlights the importance of connecting research to a broader context, engaging the audience's curiosity, and utilizing visuals effectively. Muga emphasizes overcoming the 'curse of knowledge' to make research relatable, the value of a clear, impactful slide, and how these strategies can elevate a presentation. The key takeaway is to engage deeply with your audience and present your research in a way that grabs their attention and imagination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Failure to connect research to a bigger picture is a common mistake in 3MT presentations.
• 😀 Research should always be framed in terms of its broader impact, like solving climate change or disease.
• 😀 One way to address this is by visualizing future applications of the research (e.g., invisibility cloaks or energy-efficient manufacturing).
• 😀 Many students struggle to engage audience curiosity about their research.
• 😀 The 'curse of knowledge' makes it difficult for students to recognize what’s truly interesting about their own research.
• 😀 Students should speak to people outside their field to help identify what is genuinely surprising or intriguing about their work.
• 😀 The visual component of the presentation should not be an afterthought; it’s integral to the overall impact.
• 😀 The one-slide rule in 3MT is challenging but should be approached with simplicity and focus.
• 😀 A strong visual can help convey the central message of the research more effectively (e.g., a simple image to illustrate a complex idea).
• 😀 Successful 3MT presentations often use a ‘hero shot’—one powerful, impactful image on the slide.
• 😀 Mistakes are part of the learning process, and students should embrace the opportunity to improve rather than avoid making mistakes.

Q & A

What is the most common mistake that research students make in the 3MT competition?

The most common mistake is failing to connect their research to a bigger picture. Students often don't explain why their research is important or how it contributes to larger global challenges, like climate change or disease prevention.

How can students address the mistake of not connecting their research to a bigger picture?

Students should try to lift themselves up and take a 'helicopter view' of their research, considering how it could contribute to larger societal issues. This broader perspective helps highlight the significance of their work.

Can you provide an example of how connecting research to a bigger issue helped a student in the competition?

One example is a student researching the physics of light who connected her work to the creation of an invisibility cloak. This imaginative connection captured the audience's attention and helped her place second in the competition.

What is the second most common mistake students make in their 3MT presentations?

The second most common mistake is not engaging the audience's curiosity. Students often fail to make their research interesting and relevant to the audience by not highlighting what is truly fascinating about their work.

What is the 'curse of knowledge' and how does it affect students in the 3MT?

The 'curse of knowledge' refers to students forgetting what it's like not to know the details of their research. As a result, they struggle to identify the most interesting and unexpected aspects of their work, which can make it difficult to engage the audience.

What can students do to overcome the curse of knowledge and make their research more engaging?

Students should talk to people who are unfamiliar with their research, such as family members or friends. By explaining their research in simple terms and observing others' reactions, students can identify what aspects of their work are most intriguing to others.

How does focusing on what’s interesting in their research help students improve their presentations?

Focusing on what is unexpected or intriguing in their research helps students create a more engaging and memorable presentation. It draws in the audience by making the research feel relevant and exciting, even if it’s a technical or specialized subject.

What is the third most common mistake students make in their 3MT presentations?

The third most common mistake is neglecting the visual component of the presentation. Many students treat the single slide as an afterthought, but the visual can play a crucial role in making the presentation clear and impactful.

How important is the visual slide in the 3MT presentation, and what are some tips for creating a good slide?

The visual slide is crucial as it complements and enhances the spoken content. Tips for creating a good slide include using simple, clean visuals, avoiding clutter, and sticking to two fonts. If possible, students should focus on one key impactful image that can serve as the 'hero shot' for their research.

Can you describe an example of a student effectively using a visual component in their 3MT presentation?

One student, Rosanna Stevens, used a completely white slide to represent the invisibility of certain issues, like whiteness. Later, she added a black background, symbolizing the impact on indigenous culture. This creative use of visuals effectively communicated her message and kept the audience engaged.