Texas State 3MT® Instructions

Preliminary Round Video Guidelines

• Rules

  • you must memorize your presentation; you are not allowed to use aids during the recording of your video (this includes the use of signs, notes, computers, laptops, phones, or anything else that allows you to see the text of your presentation. In addition, you cannot have anyone else in the room with you during your recording (not for coaching and not for support)
  • if we detect that you have used aids or human assistance during your recording, we will reject the recording, and you will not be able to compete in 3MT®
  • your video presentation must be continuous; you will only be allowed to trim the beginning and end to remove the parts of the video where you are not presenting
  • you CAN edit when you are walking into the room and setting up your Zoom recording, but you cannot edit the three-minute presentation itself
  • no additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, notes, laser pointers) are permitted.
  • presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum
    • any presentation that exceeds 3 minutes will be disqualified
  • presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., 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
  • for your 3MT® presentation, you are only permitted one static PowerPoint slide
    • watch the “How to Compete in the 3MT Preliminary Round” video below for a full explanation and an example
  • each student is expected to create the presentation videos without substantive assistance from others

• Tips

  • General

    Remember that the University community (faculty, friends, colleagues, and staff) and judges will be able to see your video during the Preliminary Round of People’s Choice selections. Thus, it is important to pay attention to all of the details below! You want to make the best recording possible. Refer to the evaluation criteria. Record your presentation on a newer computer if you can. While the judges are not evaluating the quality of the video, a low-quality video that is visually unappealing or hard to hear will not showcase your presentation well. We want your video to highlight YOU and your research. 

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    Wear professional, comfortable clothing for your preliminary round video recording. If you need assistance finding professional attire, check out TXST Career Services’ Career Closet service. You can borrow professional clothing for this special event and then bring it back free of charge.

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    Choose the room where you present very carefully. Is there enough light? Is it soundproof? Is anyone going to walk in and accidentally interrupt you? Are there any distractions in the room (e.g., posters, etc. that will discourage people from focusing on the presentation or that might unintentionally negatively bias people watching the presentation?) The fewer distractions, the better. Turn off fans in the room. Turn off radios or televisions. And be sure to silence your notifications. Although our pets can be comforting, please find a room without pets to decrease any potential distractions or interruptions. 

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    See the judging criteria and presentation rules to ensure your speech follows the guidelines. Watch previous 3MT® Texas State winners to see how they organized and delivered their presentations. Register for our Shop Talk, “3MT® Orientation and Tips.”

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    PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Practice with friends, family, colleagues, your mirror, etc.!

  • The Static Slide

    • one slide is required for your presentation
    • only one single static PowerPoint slide is permitted - no slide transitions, animations or “movement” of any description are allowed
    • the static slide is to be presented from the beginning to the end of the oration
    • you may include images, diagrams, or text to help illustrate your thesis or dissertation research; if you are unsure if an image is copyrighted, check with your committee chair or a TXST librarian
    • no additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted
    • the static slide must include your name, program (e.g., MS Biology, PhD, Geographic Education), and presentation title (not in all CAPS)

    You must submit your static slide on the 3MT® Canvas course (you will be added 24 hours after registering). This slide is due on September 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

    Tips

    • “less is more” – don’t overcomplicate your slide
    • the slide should illustrate an important point, but don’t make it so complicated that the audience is figuring out the slide instead of listening to you
    • if you are using an analogy in your talk, you may want to represent the analogy on the slide
    • think of the slide not as the main part of your presentation but as a supporting visual aid

  • Recording Software

    We recommend creating your Preliminary Round Three-Minute Thesis video using Zoom. For instructions on how to install and set up Zoom, refer to the Texas State Zoom Support page. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Carrington the Student Development Specialist II for Retention Initiatives at amc189@txstate.edu. 

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    If you would prefer to use a campus resource to create your recording, you can reserve a space in the YouStar Studios in Alkek One. YouStar is a recording studio on the San Marcos campus where you can record your video with professional lighting and video equipment. A USB is required for recording and saving your video at YouStar Studios. Please note that Graduate College staff cannot help you with anything concerning YouStar Studios (including technical questions, room reservations, or how the equipment works). For assistance with YouStar, please contact Kira Wright, kirawright@txstate.edu. Refer to the YouStar webpage to reserve a studio or make an appointment for help with your video recording.