3MT: How To Present Your Research in 3 Minutes | PhD Tips

Summary

In this video, Chitra provides tips on effectively presenting research, particularly in the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. She explains the importance of structuring your presentation into three parts: a captivating hook to engage the audience, a clear and concise explanation of your research without technical jargon, and a strong take-home message. The video emphasizes the significance of knowing your audience, practicing thoroughly, and refining your presentation style for maximum impact. With these strategies, you can effectively communicate your research to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Effective presentations are crucial throughout a PhD journey, as they allow you to showcase your research to a variety of audiences.
• 😀 3MT (3-Minute Thesis) is a competition designed to help PhD students develop their communication and presentation skills by condensing years of research into just three minutes with a single slide.
• 😀 The three key parts of a presentation are: the beginning (hook), the middle (engage), and the end (take-home message).
• 😀 The beginning (hook) should focus on grabbing the audience’s attention by explaining why your research matters, ideally within the first 30 to 45 seconds.
• 😀 You can hook your audience using different techniques like belief statements, shock statements, questions, or even stories that connect emotionally.
• 😀 The middle (engage) forms about 50% of your presentation and should explain the core aspects of your research, offering solutions without overwhelming the audience with technical details.
• 😀 Avoid using jargon or complex academic terms during the presentation, but if necessary, introduce them briefly and clearly.
• 😀 The end (take-home message) should be concise, impactful, and focus on what you want the audience to remember.
• 😀 Always tailor your presentation to your audience, as the level of technical detail required varies depending on whether you are presenting to experts or non-experts.
• 😀 Practice is key to a successful presentation: rehearse with friends, family, or colleagues, and refine your delivery based on feedback to improve your performance.

Q & A

What is the 3MT competition, and when was it introduced?

The 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) competition is an event where postgraduate and higher degree research students present their research in just three minutes using a single static slide. It was introduced by the University of Queensland in 2008.

What are the three key parts of an effective presentation as described in the script?

The three key parts of an effective presentation are the beginning (the hook), the middle (the engage), and the end (the take-home message).

How should you start the beginning of your presentation to capture the audience's attention?

You can start with various types of statements to hook the audience, such as a belief statement, a surprise or shock statement, a thought-provoking question, or a story.

Why is the beginning of the presentation important, and what should it focus on?

The beginning is crucial because the first 30 to 45 seconds are vital to engage the audience. It should focus on explaining the significance of your research and why the audience should care about it.

What should the middle part of the presentation (the engage) contain?

The middle part should explain the core research and proposed solutions to the identified problem. It should avoid excessive technical details and academic jargon, focusing on just two or three main points.

How long should the middle part of the presentation last?

The middle part should form 50% of the talk and last approximately 90 seconds.

What is the purpose of the end (the take-home message) in the presentation?

The purpose of the end is to leave a lasting impact on the audience. It should summarize the key message, focusing on what the audience should remember, and can be concluded with a key statement or a question.

What is the importance of knowing your audience before a presentation?

Knowing your audience is crucial as it helps tailor the level of technical detail in your presentation. For instance, presenting to a scientific audience may involve more technical content, while presenting to a non-technical audience requires simpler language and concepts.

What advice does the script provide for preparing and delivering your presentation effectively?

The script advises practicing extensively, rehearsing the talk with friends or family, and incorporating their feedback. It also emphasizes the importance of practicing the script, refining expressions, voice tone, and presentation style.

How can a presenter make their research engaging for a non-technical audience?

To engage a non-technical audience, the presenter should avoid using technical jargon, focus on the significance of the research, and present the key points in a clear and relatable manner, using simple language and examples.