What happens at Audition and Competition?

Rules

You have 3 minutes to present any scientific, engineering, mathematical or medical topic of your choice. This can be a scientific concept, an innovative idea, or even your research.
No PowerPoint, other electronic presentation, or audio recordings allowed.
You can only use the props that you can carry onto stage yourself.
Thai language can be used for VDO audition entry only, participation in other sessions must be in English.
If you make it through the Thailand Final Competition, you will have to prepare a different presentation.

British Council reserves the right to change these rules at any time without prior notice. In the event that any changes are made, the revisions shall be posted on this website immediately.

What happens at the competition?

VDO Audition

Candidates entering through VDO audition must:

Upload a 3-minute VDO on Youtube or Vimeo and set to public.
VDO editing (adding special effects, shortening, or speeding-up) is not permitted.
Either Thai or English can be used in the VDO audition.

Virtual Heats

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to compete in the Virtual Heats in front of the judges. We will also be requesting you to do a recording of yourself at the same time while competing.

Present your topic in under 3 minutes in English, which can be the same as your VDO audition.
After the presentation, the judges may ask questions and also give feedback where possible.
Should you be selected, your performance will be recorded and promoted for a chance to win the People's Choice Award.

Thailand Final Competition

Once you have completed the Masterclass, this will be the chance for you to show your refined skills to the judges and the public.

Present your topic in under 3 minutes in English, which must be different from your prior performances.
After the presentation, the judges may ask questions and also give feedback where possible.
All winners will be announced at the end of the Final Competition.

Judges assessment

Judges can come from a range of disciplines and backgrounds including Science, Science Communication, and Media.

Candidates will be scored against 3Cs – Content, Clarity and Charisma

Content

The content of the presentations MUST be scientifically accurate. If the topic chosen has controversy or uncertainty around it, then the presentation must acknowledge the opposing views. The scientific topic presented should be well chosen to suit the audience.

Clarity

Clarity is critical for effective science communication. The structure of the talk is important; as well as making sure the audience and judges can follow the talk and are left with an understanding of the scientific concept chosen. The talk should be aimed at an adult, lay audience.

Charisma

The audience and judges should be left inspired and enthused about science. The presenter must have that hard-to-describe but unmistakable quality of charisma. The winner will be the one who makes the science easy to listen to, entertaining and exciting. Who is not only able to communicate the science but who can share their passion for it.