Evaluation and Awards

Finalists will be invited to showcase their videos during the 2026 Webb-Donnell Communication Competitions, where winners will be recognized for outstanding communication skill and creativity. Selected videos may also be featured on the Woodruff School’s website and social media channels to highlight the role of engineers as public communicators.

Use of AI and Presentation Modes

To recognize the diverse communication strengths of engineering students, the Explain It! competition allows flexibility in how competitors design and deliver their videos. Students may choose the presentation mode that best supports their message and comfort level while maintaining authenticity and ethical standards.

Competitors may select one of the following modes:

• Presenter Mode
  • The competitor appears on camera as the explainer. Visual aids, props, sketches, or on-screen graphics may be used to clarify or emphasize key ideas.
    • The speaker’s face and voice must appear in the final video.
    • All narration and editing must be original to the student.
• Designer Mode
  • The competitor may use generative AI tools—such as Sora, Runway, Pika, D-ID, or similar platforms—to create animations or scenes that visualize their explanation.
    • The narration, concept selection, and script must be entirely student-created.
    • The student’s own likeness and voice must be used. Videos that depict or clone another person’s appearance, identity, or voice are not permitted.

All entries that incorporate AI tools must include a brief disclosure statement in their submission form. Example:

“I used Sora to generate the animation of fluid flow. The narration, likeness, and voice are my own.”