UNH Today

Sure, you understand how your work can impact society, but for it to make that impact, you must be able to explain it to a general audience.

“We do a lot of incredibly intense and very detailed work here at the university but we also have to be able to explain to stakeholders, taxpayers, neighbors, family and friends what is it we’re doing here, because this level of science and research has to inform decisions that will be made outside of the institution,” said Interim Dean of the UNH Graduate School Cari Moorhead.

If you still need to develop this skill, you might want to consider participating in the Graduate School’s 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Challenge, in which graduate students describe their research in three minutes or less to a general audience using only one static PowerPoint side. The first rounds occur Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, in MUB Theaters I & II, and the top 6 from each day will move on to the final round scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, in MUB Theater II. A panel of judges will decide the winners, who will receive cash prizes (first place $300, second place $150, third place $50, People’s Choice $200).

Some past participants have used language developed via the 3MT for proposals, grants and applications, while others have used their 3MT videos to promote their work on personal websites and social media. The competition also acts as an opportunity to practice public speaking and remember why your work matters.

“I really appreciate having had this opportunity to share my work with a general audience,” said Te-Hsin Chang, a Ph.D. Candidate in Education. “The 3MT sparked conversations about my research, which in turn, reignited my passion for my work.”

There’s a 3MT practice round Wednesday, February, 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Flight Coffee Co. (spots are filled, but there is a wait list), and the Graduate School is hosting a series of 3MT workshops throughout the semester to help students prepare.

Register for 3MT Workshops

Where: Thompson Hall, G16

It’s All About Presentation: Wednesday, February 13, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Past 3MT participants will discuss their experiences with the 3MT and a public speaking expert will talk about the ways to improve your onstage presence and how to connect with your audience.

3MT Fast Feedback: Tuesday, February 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Bring a written draft to read aloud in a supportive group setting and receive feedback on your 3MT. (The draft can be from a paragraph to a page long.)

Editing Your 3MT: Thursday, February 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m. In this workshop we will discuss tactics on editing your 3MT so that each word is powerful and effective.

Register for the 3MT Competition

Rounds 1 & 2: Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7, in MUB Theaters I & II

Final: Wednesday, April 3, in MUB Theater II

3MT Practice Round

Where: Flight Coffee Co.

When: Wednesday, February 20, from 4 to 6 p.m.