Three Minute Research Safety Poster Competition Rules and Judging Criteria

Competition Rules

• A single static slide is permitted in the presentation (no slide transmissions, animations, or "movement" of any description). Students must share their webcam and their laptop screen with their slide throughout their presentation
• Videos must meet the following criteria
  • filmed on the horizontal
  • filmed on a plain background
  • filmed from a static position
  • filmed from one camera angle
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted
• Use a minimum 24-point font size and a sans serif font type
• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified
• Presentations are to be spoken word (i.e. no poems, raps, or songs)
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final

Judging Criteria

Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance of safety in the research, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of safety, including conclusions and outcomes?

Comprehension

• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the topic, significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize the safety in their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their topic?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?

Communication

• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize the safety in their research?
• Did the speaker have sufficient eye contact, vocal range while maintaining a steady pace?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation; was it clear, legible, and concise?

Presentation Format Recommendations

• Introduction
  • capture the audience's attention at the start with a hook (e.g. ask a question, tell a story, give a contemporary example)
  • introduce yourself briefly after your hook
• Body (your research but the focus of the poster should be on safety)
  • provide context/background of safety in your research
  • keep the messages simple
  • articulate the importance of safety in your research
  • use examples that the audience will relate to
• Conclusion
  • return to your introduction to close your talk
  • end on a high note
  • thank the audience