The 3-minute talk

A common format of scientific public speaking might be the 3-minute talk. You may have heard it called the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) or a Shot of Science but they all follow a similar premise.

This premise might be obvious from the title, but you only have 3 minutes to explain your research, or an aspect of it, to a lay audience. Not a second more. You are often also forbidden from props or Powerpoint.

Only the power of your verbal communication is judged.

Why might you want to do this?

  1. Communication skills - these events challenge researchers to distill complex scientific concepts into clear and engaging messages that can be understood by a general audience. The time constraint forces you to refine your communication skills and present your work in a concise and accessible manner
  2. Public engagement - engaging with the public is crucial for fostering a better understanding of science and its relevance to everyday life. By participating in these events, you can reach a broader audience beyond your academic peers, contributing to science communication and public awareness
  3. Science advocacy - in a world where science faces skepticism and misunderstanding, scientists taking part in public engagement events contribute to science advocacy. By demystifying complex topics and presenting them in an accessible manner, researchers can help build trust in the scientific community
  4. Networking opportunities - these events often attract diverse audiences, including fellow researchers, science enthusiasts, and individuals from various backgrounds. Participating in such events can provide you with opportunities to network, share ideas, and potentially collaborate with individuals who may have different perspectives or expertise
  5. Promoting research impact - the ability to communicate research effectively is key to maximizing its impact. The concise format of these events allows you to highlight the significance of your work and its potential applications in a way that resonates with a wider audience
  6. Professional development - engaging in these events is a valuable form of professional development. It challenges scientists to think creatively about how to communicate their work, which can benefit them in various aspects of their careers, from grant applications to conference presentations
  7. It’s fun. People love taking part.

How to succeed

  • Don’t try to say too much
  • Deliver the speech slowly
  • Have expression (pauses, rises, falls and stresses)
  • Include a story, metaphor or emotional element
  • Give concrete examples
  • Tell the audience things they don’t expect to hear about the topic.

Some great resources can be found online:

A good way to develop your talk is to watch short Ted Talks or watch the winners of previous FameLab or 3MT competitions on Youtube. This will give you a sense of what is successful. Once you are practicing your speech, time yourself. You must come in at under 3 minutes.

For those applying to take part in Pint of Science or FameLab, there will be training provided before the event.

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