3MT Competition Rules and Tips

Guidelines for 3MT competitions are established by the University of Queensland, which originated the 3MT competition. 

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts speaking.
• All presentations must be made from the front of the room (for the preliminary rounds) or the stage (for the final). All event spaces will be accessible for those with mobility issues. 
• A single static slide is permitted in the presentation (e.g. no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any kind on the slide). 
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• All decisions of the judges are final. 

Looking for more info? The University of Queensland has compiled a series of Competitor Guides to help you prepare your slide and spoken presentation.