Public speaking is a skill that requires practice, and we have workshops and resources to help you succeed. Whether you participate in Grad Slam or are preparing for a class presentation or poster session, we can help you build confidence and refine your public speaking abilities.
In addition to the training opportunities we offer, it is highly recommended that students familiarize themselves with the Grad Slam competition format, rules, and judging criteria while preparing their talk.
All information sessions are offered via Zoom. The link will be provided after registration. An overview of the competition structure and expectations will be presented in addition to general question and answer.
Information Sessions
All students may attend the workshops for free. Participation in Grad Slam is not required to attend the training opportunities or access the online resources. The public speaking training focuses on how to utilize the COMPASS Message Box for public speaking, communicating research, and explaining the importance of your project. Communication strategies from other sources such as Toastmasters, theater, and journalism will be incorporated into the workshop series.
Presentation Training and Rehearsal Day, January 30, RSVP
Grad Slam Resources and Materials Shared Folder. You will need to login using your NetID and password.
Presentation Training Day and Online Resources Themes
Tailoring Your Presentation to a Non-Specialist Audience
Learn strategies for considering non-specialist audience needs and identifying presentation goals to suit the presentation genre.
Crafting a Memorable Message
Learn strategies for making presentations to diverse audiences memorable.
Visual Design Considerations
Learn and apply strategies for creating slides and figures for public talks.
Presentation Confidence, Body Language, and Vocal Variety
Learn how to mitigate presentation anxiety and strategies for using body language and vocal variety.
COMPASS Message Box Workbook - A great resource for helping you communicate to a variety of audiences.
UArizona Toastmaster Clubs- Communities where you can refine your communication and leadership skills. The University has five groups to choose from.
How to Give a Killer Presentation: Lessons from TED by Chris Andersen, Harvard Business Review, June 2013
Giving an Academic Talk by Jonathan Shewchuk, Associate Professor in Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley
Giving Oral Presentations from English Communication for Scientists by Jean-luc Doumont (ed.), Nature (2010)
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds
Making the Most of Your Three Minutes for 3MT: The Three Minute Thesis by Simon Clews, Director, Writing Centre, University of Melbourne
10 Hints for Improving Presentations for the Three Minute Thesis Competition by Danielle Fischer, Charles Darwin University
TED Talks: A direct link to the TED talk site with the 0-6 minute duration selected.
PhD Comics Two-Minute Thesis: PhD Comics challenged graduate students to explain their work in two minutes; the best have been turned into videos!
3 Minute Thesis Competition Presentations: Top presentations from a multi-university thesis competition in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the South Pacific
Watch past Grad Slam finalists and semi-finalists for inspiration.
Check out the Arizona 3-Minute Grad Slam participant videos. The event is similar to Grad Slam and features presenters from the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona State University.
TED Talks: A direct link to the TED talk site with the 0-6 minute duration selected.
PhD Comics Two-Minute Thesis: PhD Comics challenged graduate students to explain their work in two minutes; the best have been turned into videos!
3 Minute Thesis Competition Presentations: Top presentations from a multi-university thesis competition in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the South Pacific