Prizes, Rules, and Criteria

Prizes, Rules, and Requirements

Prizes 

  1. First Place: $1000 

  2. Second Place: $750 

  3. Third Place: $500 

Rules and Requirements 

  • Presentations exceeding 3 minutes in length will be disqualified.

  • Presentations must commence from the stage. Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts the 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 props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.

  • Presentations must be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).

  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. 

Required for George Mason University Winners 

To ensure strong representation at the Regional Competition, if the First-Place Finalist wishes to receive travel funding to the regional competition, they must meet the following requirements: 

  • Have attended at least 3 Communication Academy workshops in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 before the trip takes place. 

  • Attend up to two private training sessions offered by the Graduate Division after their performance in the final round. 

Bet on your success! Prepare by attending Communication Academy workshops in Fall 2025. 

Judging Criteria

A panel of three to five qualified judges will evaluate the students’ presentations on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in the areas of Comprehension & Content and Engagement & Communication. These criteria are based on the official 3MT judging criteria from the University of Queensland. For more information for Judges, please see the judging information page.

Content and Comprehension 

  • The student provided clear background and motivation for the research topic and its methods/design. 

  • The student clearly described the significance, results, and/or impact of their research. 

  • The presentation followed a clear, logical sequence and adequately managed the time provided. 

  • Oration avoided jargon or explained terminology appropriate to a non-specialist audience.  

Engagement and Communication 

  • The presenter captured and maintained the audience’s attention. 

  • The presentation made the audience want to know more about the research topic.  

  • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm and maintained an engaging stage presence in terms of eye contact, vocal range, and stance. 

  • The slide enhanced the presentation and was clear, legible, and concise.

General Tips to Prepare

Drafting your Presentation

  • Avoid jargon and overly academic language. 

  • Sufficiently contextualize and explain any concepts, methods, or people important to understanding your research. 

  • Highlight the desired outcomes and the actual outcomes of your research. 

  • Focus on the big picture and the importance of your research. 

  • Convey your excitement and enthusiasm for your subject. 

  • Tell a story: you may like to present your 3MT as a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end. For example, include a catchy opening to draw in attention, highlight your different points, and then finally restate the importance of your work. Consider making your research topical, using a case study, telling a story, finding an emotional angle, or incorporating humor to engage your audience. 

  • Proofread your 3MT presentation by reading it aloud to yourself, to your friends, and to family. Ask for their feedback and if they can explain what they understood. 

  • Avoid introducing yourself or acknowledging funding or other group members. 

Designing your slide

  • Ensure your slide meets the criteria listed in the competition rules and requirements. 

  • Usually, less is more! Text and complicated graphics can distract your audience; you don’t want them to read your slide instead of listening to you. There should not be too much detail to where you would need to point to any part of your slide.  

  • Ensure that your slide is legible, clear, and concise. 

  • Avoid using your dissertation thesis title as the title of the presentation: it should be catchy and in plain language, like a newspaper headline. 

  • Proofread the slide and ensure any images are high quality. 

  • Additional Guidance: Submit your file as: First and Last Name-Title of Thesis-2025-3MT, Use the standard PowerPoint slide size. 

Preparing to present

  • Practice, practice, practice! Gauge the timing of your presentation to ensure that it is in the time limit and that you can present with confidence and clarity. 

  • Memorize your 3MT presentation. Although notecards and notes are acceptable, using this option may detract from your delivery and is not recommended. 

  • Use a variety of speaking rhythms (fast/slow, loud/soft). 

  • Speak clearly and do not rush. Build in pauses to give the audience time to think. 

  • Use confident body language: stand straight, make eye contact, and hold your head up. 

  • Practice your hand movements; you are welcome to move around energetically or deliver the presentation from a single spot on the stage.  

  • Record and listen to your presentation to make any improvements. 

  • Avoid common presentation mistakes: using vocal fillers such as “um” and “uh,” rolling back and forth on your heels, pacing, or playing with your hair.  

3MT Contestant Trainings and Resources

The Graduate Division and other offices on campus provide several programs and support opportunities for contestants interested in competing in the 3MT.  

  • Communication Academy provides virtual workshops designed to help you improve your research communication skills and to succeed at 3MT. Since Communication Academy began, all 3MT First Place winners attended at least one Communication Academy workshop! Register for each workshop on Mason360.

Other Resources

FAQs

Further Information

For questions, contact Alyssa Bivins, Graduate Professional and Career Development Program Coordinator for the Graduate Division: abivins2@gmu.edu.