Graduate Researcher KnowHow

Scenario

You’re at a BBQ when someone comes up to you and says: “You’re doing a PhD? How interesting! What’s it about?” You answer: “Well, it’s like…it’s about…umm…it’s complicated…umm, can I get you something to eat?” Does this dialogue sound familiar? Do you find it difficult to talk about your research? If you do, it’s time to find ways to talk about your research that will captivate your audience.

Check out the information on this page:

• Watch the PowerPoint presentation on Beyond the BBQ Statement to learn how to map your research argument. The advice is also useful for the three-minute thesis competition and for formal presentations for PhD milestones.

• Consider observing or entering the three-minute thesis competition. The aim is to explain your research to a general university audience in no more than three minutes, using only one, non-animated presentation slide. Here are some useful resources:
  • Listen to Chen Zhao talk about her three-minute thesis experience.
  • Read information about applying to participate in RMIT’s three-minute thesis competition.
  • Watch YouTube examples of RMIT and ANU research students presenting their three-minute theses:
    • Justin Hung Nguyen, School of Economics, Finance and Marketing
    • Hua Qian Ang, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
    • Kiara Bruggeman, ANU winner, Medical Technology, 2015
    • Noorazah Mohd Noor, ANU College of Asia-Pacific, Urban Design