23. Concise Communication: Dr Agnes Mukurumbira on winning the 3MT Asia-Pacific

StorytellingTalks and presentationsRepresenting your audience's POVMaking your work relatableCommunicating in different formats/mediumsYour pitch
Written By Chris Pahlow

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Episode show notes

Let's take a deep dive into the art of condensing complex research into presentations that are both concise and compelling. Dr. Agnes Mukurumbira — winner of the 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Asia-Pacific Final and People's Choice — shares her journey to success and breaks down her winning presentation.

Agnes is the co-founder of the startup Food Protect and a researcher at Deakin University's CASS Food Research Center. She discusses how winning the 3MT has opened doors and shaped her career, and takes us through the storytelling techniques that have helped with her 3MT and beyond. We break down her 3MT moment-by-moment, pulling out practical takeaways you can apply to your own research communication.

Whether you're preparing for a competition like the 3MT, honing your elevator pitch, or simply looking to communicate your research more effectively to laypeople, this episode offers invaluable insights on making your work more accessible.

Our conversation covers:

  • The impact of winning the 3MT on Agnes's career and visibility as a researcher

  • Agnes’ process of preparing for the 3MT, including key storytelling techniques

  • Strategies for explaining complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences

  • How to structure a compelling short presentation

  • The importance of relatability and using analogies in science communication

  • Balancing technical details with broader impact in presentations

  • Tips for presenting to both live audiences and on camera

  • The value of the competitions like the 3MT in developing crucial science communication skills

Find Dr Agnes Mukurumbira online:

Practical tips from this episode:

  • Crafting your presentation:

    • Structure your presentation with a clear narrative arc, including characters (even non-human ones like packaging materials) and tension

    • Use relatable analogies to explain complex concepts (e.g., Agnes' chocolate truffle analogy for encapsulation)

    • Balance technical details with the 'why' of your research - focus on what's most relevant to your audience

    • Acknowledge the contributions of others, including historical figures, in your field

  • Targeting your comms/engagement:

    • Tailor your communication style to your audience, whether it's technical or non-technical

    • Use simple, familiar language and explain technical terms when necessary

    • Practice explaining your work to non-specialists, like family members, to gauge understanding

  • Presentation skills:

    • Adapt your presentation style for both live audiences and recorded settings

    • When presenting on camera, imagine an engaged audience to help maintain energy and enthusiasm

Credits:

  • Host & Producer: Chris Pahlow

  • Edited by: Laura Carolina Corrigan

  • Consulting Producers: Maia Tarrell, Michelle Joy

  • Music by: La Boucle and Blue Steel, courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Chris Pahlow
Chris Pahlow is an independent writer/director currently in post-production on his debut feature film PLAY IT SAFE. Chris has been fascinated with storytelling since he first earned his pen license and he’s spent the last ten years bringing stories to life through music videos, documentaries, and short films.
http://www.chrispahlow.com
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