The California State University Grad Slam showcases and celebrates a wide array of excellent research and creative activity that takes place at the graduate level across the CSU. Participating CSU campuses nominate two graduate students to compete for a chance to win cash prizes. During the competition, participants are allowed 3 minutes and one static PowerPoint slide to present their research to a non-expert audience. Graduate students across the California State University system will compete live in the virtual CSU Grad Slam to be held on May 3, 2024, hosted by CSU Long Beach.
Grad Slam Info Session
Thursday, March 21, 2024
12:00 p.m.
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Eligibility
Competitors must be currently enrolled in a graduate program at a CSU campus.
Presentation Guidelines
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes. The timer will begin immediately when the presenter starts speaking. Competitors who exceed 3 minutes are disqualified.
A single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted using a template. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration. No slide transitions, animations, or electronic media (e.g., sound or video files) are permitted. If photos, graphics, graphs, or illustrations are included on the slide not solely created by the presenter, a reference to the original source must be included at the bottom of the slide. No props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
Judging Criteria
Clarity: Did the speaker provide adequate background knowledge to make the talk and the importance of the project understandable?
Organization: Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Language matches audience: Was the topic and its significance communicated in a language appropriate to an interested, but non-specialist audience? (For example, did the speaker avoid or explain discipline-specific jargon?)
Significance: Did the presenter explain why the project mattered, addressing the impact and results of the research?
Delivery: How was the delivery, including pace, enthusiasm, confidence, body language, and dynamism of vocal delivery?
Visual: Did the slide enhance the presentation and help to emphasize the primary points of the talk? Was the slide well-designed, clear, legible, and concise?
Engagement: To what extent did the talk speak to your intellectual curiosity? Did it make you want to learn more about the topic?
Examples of Presentations from Previous Competitions