Titan Grad Slam 2023

Interested in presenting your thesis or research? The Grad Slam event showcases and celebrates the wide array of excellent research and creative activity taking place at the graduate level. During the competition, participants are allowed 3 minutes and one PowerPoint slide to present their research to a non-expert audience. Enter our annual Titan Grad Slam now!

Titan Grad Slam ApplicationOpens in new window

Want to present but need assistance? You can see what these 3-minute talks look like from last year's competition here.

Important Dates

  • Titan Grad Slam submission deadline - April 4, 2023 5:00 PM
  • Titan Grad Slam – April 12, 2023, 3:00-4:00pm - Register to attend now! (Live virtual event)
  • CSU Grad Slam – May 5, 2023 (Live virtual event)

Titan Grad Slam Cash Prizes

  • $500 for first-place winners
  • $200 for second-place winners
  • $100 for third-place winners

Presentation Format - Submission Instructions

  • In order to submit, you must fill out the application form and include an abstract (100 words or fewer) describing your work.
  • Presentations have to be spoken word (no song, rap, poem, or dance) and should not exceed three minutes.
  • Students can use one static slide to accompany their presentation. You may not use any animations, movements, videos, sound, or other electronic media.
  • Your personal background may be a neutral background or a solid color.
  • No props can be used.
  • You must use original work from your thesis, dissertation, graduate project, or any other research, or creative projects. The topic can focus on the development of new ideas, methods, or products, or it may focus on the application and revision of current methods or models. Students in MFA or other creative degree programs should focus on how their creative work applies to the broader exchange of ideas and the role it plays in providing new perspective or changing attitudes.
  • If you have any questions about the Titan Grad Slam submission requirements, please contact gradstudiesrecept@fullerton.edu.

Titan Grad Slam Event

  • If you are selected to participate, you will present your three-minute talk in a live virtual event on April 12, 2023 from 3:00-4:00pm.
  • The timer begins when you engage the audience. If you exceed your three minutes, you will be disqualified.
  • Judges will rate each competitor with a common rubric and winners will be announced at the end of the event. In the event of a tie, a representative from Graduate Studies will break the tie.
  • The two first-place winners will move on to the live virtual CSU Grad Slam.

Titan Grad Slam Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

  1. Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance of the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
  2. Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
  3. Did the presenter follow a clear and logical sequence?
  4. Was the research communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
  5. Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their research? Did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement and Communication

  1. Did the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
  2. Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for the research? Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
  3. Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience’s attention?
  4. Did the speaker have vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and demonstrate confidence?
  5. Did the slide enhance the presentation? Was the image clear, properly-sized and concise?

Tips for an Extra Slammin’ Talk

  • A web search for “Grad Slam winners” will reveal excellent examples of successful talks for your reference.
  • Keep your language simple and accessible for someone outside of your field.
  • Think of it like telling a short story with an introduction, middle, and end.
  • Write a script to guide your thinking. Practice and revise until you can give your talk without the script. When you record or present, don’t read directly from the script, since it will not feel as natural and engaging. Look and talk directly at your camera.
  • If you need assistance with your presentation, you can request a session with the CSUF Graduate Studies leadership team! Email gradstudiresrecept@fullerton.edu and we will schedule a meeting with you.

Titan Grad Slam Judges

Titan Grad Slam Judges  to be announced in the Spring!