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3MT® Competition Rules & Judging Criteria

The 3MT® is a global competition developed and branded by the University of Queensland (UQ). Therefore, presentation rules and requirements, as well as the judging criteria have been determined by UQ to ensure equity in judging.

University of Queensland

Presentation Rules and Requirements

  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Presentation Judging Criteria

Judges are educated professionals in a variety of positions in corporate, government, and non-profit industries. Judges will use a 1-7 scale (1 is worst, 7 is best) for two categories that are added together to produce a presenter’s score (14 is highest possible score). Judges’ scores for each presenter are averaged and those with the highest average in the Heats move on to the final round. The Finals will use the same evaluation scale process, and the person with the highest average receives the first place award, while the person with the second-highest average receives the second place award. Also, in the Finals, the audience will vote to determine the People’s Choice award (this person may also win the first or second place award). The two categories of presentation evaluation and their criteria are:

Comprehension and content

  • Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question.
  • Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.
  • Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research.

Engagement and communication

  • The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
  • The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
  • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.