Preparing and Presenting Posters

 

A Checklist for Preparing Posters

  • Includes name, institution, title, and contact information

  • Tells a story and makes a case for your work

  • The question, materials and methods, and key conclusions are stated clearly

  • Is visually appealing and guides the eye logically from idea to idea

  • Visuals add information and illustrate ideas, they don't just fill space

  • Data is presented graphically whenever possible

  • Provides a variety of image information and text information

  • Each visual or textual element presents a single concept

  • Text pieces are short and easy to read from a distance

  • Color, text, image, and other choices support rather than distract from the poster

  • Use of bold, underline, italics, color is consistent and provides emphasis

  • Font/color choices are limited and chosen for maximum readability

  • Center, left, right justification chosen to suit the needs of the reader and the work

  • References or literature review are cited only if vitally important


    • Things to Think About For Your Poster Presentation

  • Stand by your poster throughout the session, make yourself available for dialogue with your audience

  • Allow those reading your poster time to read your poster; don't rush your audience into responding before they are ready to do so

  • Engage your audience with as much interest and attention as you are giving your project; listen actively

  • Refer to your poster when you address questions and requests for information from your audience

  • Ask questions of your audience regarding your work and the way it is presented

  • Make connections between your work and the work of other campuses

  • Have additional materials available (if you have them), but don't push paper on your audience (if they are interested in more information you will know)