• Active Doctoral and Thesis based candidates are eligible to participate. A competitive candidate should have a well-conceived dissertation or thesis project, compelling data collected and a novel story to share. Graduates of Colorado School of Mines are not eligible.
• All competitors must be able to attend each competition in person. No exceptions will be made.

• Presentations are limited to three minutes and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified. A single static slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description).
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, animated backgrounds) are permitted.
• 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 speech.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the video recording.
• Presentations will be given live via Zoom, using a format in which the speaker and their slide are visible side-by-side on the audience/judges’ screens.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

At each competitive event, a panel of 3-5 judges (e.g. faculty, staff, university leaders and graduate students) will evaluate each talk based on the following criteria. Peoples’ Choice awards (voted by audience members) are also given.

Engagement and Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact, and vocal range; maintain a steady pace; and have a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible and concise?

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusion and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance, and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of the presentation- or did he/she elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Mines competition:

• Winner: $500
• Runner-up: $250
• People’s Choice Winner: $250
• Top 10: $50

Statewide competition: To be announced; prizes will be similar at state level and university level.