3MT Resources and FAQ

• 3MT Virtual Competitor Guide from The University of Queensland
  • 3MT Drafting/Writing
  • 3MT Slide
  • 3MT Presentation
• 3MT Recording*
  • Zoom: see how to record yourself via Zoom
  • Lighting: Watch this tutorial for more information
• 3MT Submission (coming soon)

*Please note that CWRU is recommending that all videos be recorded on Zoom

• 3MT In-Person Competition Guide from The University of Queensland
  • 3MT Drafting/Writing
  • 3MT Slide 
  • 3MT Presentation

CWRU Resources

• The CWRU Writing Resource Center (WRC)
  • Provides support for writers across the university. Our writing consultants provide individualized, hands-on instruction specific to each writer’s goals.
  • Writers may receive up to 120 minutes of writing instruction per week in either 30- or 60-minute increments. Writers may make one appointment per day.
  • Make an appointment here

• CWRU Spoken English Language Partner (SELP) Program
  • Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who want to practice pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and other spoken English skills can sign up for Spoken English Tutoring through our Spoken English Language Partner (SELP) program.
  • Make an appointment at tutortrac.case.edu.

External Resources

• De-Jargonizer: An automated jargon identification program aimed at helping scientists and science communication trainers improve and adapt vocabulary use for a variety of audiences.
• 3MT: Three Tips to Help You Prepare a Winning Presentation, Australian National University 
• 3MT: The Three Most Common Mistakes, Australian National University
• The University at Buffalo:
  • 3MT the PhD Pitch
  • 3MT Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
  • Communicating to a Non-Specialist Audience
     

Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) winners’ videos:

• MAGS 2021 
  • 1st Place – Ali Rassi, University of Oklahoma
  • 2nd Place – Vishakh Iyer, Indiana University
  • 3rd Place – Sai Siva Kare, University of Illinois Chicago 
• MAGS 2020
  • 1st Place – Megan LaFollette, Purdue University 
  • 2nd Place – Varadha Balaji Venkadakrishnan, Cleveland State University
  • 3rd Place – Amber Urban, Ball State University 

• Who is eligible to participate in the 3MT competition?
  • CWRU students enrolled in either a Master’s or Doctoral program with an original research project may compete. 
  • IGS and BS/MS students in the graduate phase of their program are eligible to participate. 
  • Undergraduate students are not eligible to participate.
• Does my slide have to be in PowerPoint?
  • No, not for the first round of the competition.
• How many transitions or animations can I have in my slide?
  • None, it must be a static slide.
• What happens if my presentation is longer than three minutes?
  • You will be disqualified. 
• How long can the video submission be?
  • Less than or exactly 3 minutes; submissions with a time stamp of 3:01 will be disqualified.
• Is background music during the video presentation allowed?
  • No.
• How can I ensure that I am sufficiently prepared for the first round?
  • Watch the recording from the virtual CWRU Research Communications Workshop for tips.
  • Review the 3MT tips and resources shared here.
  • Practice, practice, practice!
  • Get feedback from faculty, peers, friends, and family.
• What is the judging criteria going to be like?
  • Please review the judging criteria here.
• How do I submit my video?
  • An email (from 3mt@case.edu) with the video submission form link has been sent to registered participants. If you did not receive this email, please email us at 3mt@case.edu.
• I have questions that are not covered in the FAQs; whom should I contact?
  • Please send an email to 3mt@cwru.edu.

• Can I use a laser pointer?
  • No.
• Can I refer to notes during the competition?
  • No.
• Does my slide have to be in PowerPoint?
  • Yes, to standardize the format of the competition.
• How many transitions or animations can I have in my slide?
  • None, it must be a static slide.
• Will I be able to see a countdown timer during my presentation?
  • Yes, during the final round of the competition.
• What happens if my presentation is longer than three minutes?
  • You will be disqualified.
• Is there a dress code?
  • There is no strict dress code. Please dress professionally and comfortably. No costumes or props are allowed.
• Will my presentation be video recorded?
  • Yes, to post on the CWRU 3MT website.
• Can I win more than one category?
  • Yes, it is possible to win the First/Second/Third place and receive the People’s Choice Award.