STUDYSmarter
SurvivalGuide
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Poster presentations are a method of Communication:
presenting research to an audience in a A poster is usually portrait and A3 to A1
visual format. The presenter typically stands in size. Posters are usually viewed from
by the poster display while conference at least 1.5m away so you need to design
participants come and view the presentation it so that important information is
and interact with the author. readable from a distance.
Your poster needs to effectively
Why present a poster? communicate the research. Focus on the
To communicate your research. central question and message (use
To capture interest and reach a large keywords).
number of people. Some text can be replaced by graphics -
To generate enquiry, initiate discussion you can use graphs, images, photos,
and obtain feedback from your audience. tables, charts, etc.
Contents: Planning your poster:
Title - short and enticing Identify the key concepts and limit text.
Researcher’s name(s) Determine the elements you need (i.e.,
University and major data and graphics).
Thesis or hypothesis statement Use clear and appropriate language.
Background – justification for study Use bullet points or simple sentences.
Objectives – purpose of study
Consider the order of your information.
Methods
Analysis
People read left to right in English so you
Results – usually use figures rather than
should design your poster so they can
tables; if used, tables should be simple scan from top left to bottom right.
Conclusion Consider where to place your references
subtly (e.g. smaller font at the bottom).
The contents will vary depending on your
Title
topic and discipline. But you can use this as
a guide and discuss with your tutor/
supervisor. Try to find examples of posters Introduction
from your field.
TIP
Infographic designs can make your work Conclusion
more visually appealing and engaging. Layout:
Short and interesting title across the top.
Try to create your own visuals. If you need A brief introduction at the upper left.
to use content that is not your own, State the conclusions at the lower right.
reference it. Methods, results and analysis fill the
remaining space.
Organise text into vertical columns (2 or
3 depending on the size of the poster).
Presenting 2
Use text boxes and graphics. Software:
Font: For editing photos or creating your own
Use 2-3 fonts maximum. visuals — Adobe Photoshop or Gimp
Sans serif fonts are recommended (i.e., For creating vector graphics or editing
Arial and Helvetica) typography — Adobe Illustrator
Use bold for title or headings. For laying out the poster — PowerPoint
Do not underline. or Adobe InDesign
For creating charts/tables — Excel
Font size:
For an A3 poster begin with the following: TIP
Title - 120-200 point Unless you are using a borderless printer
Sub-headings - 48 point you will end up having a white trim around
Main text - at least 36 point your poster. Consider this in your design.
Graphs - 24-26 point
Acknowledgements - 24 point
TIP Testing:
Negative space helps for work to be read Experiment with different layouts.
more easily. So try not to overfill your Check spelling and grammar.
poster with content. Check the alignment of text and images
(use digital rulers).
Check text is broken up with visuals.
Check that you have used visual
Colour: hierarchy to differentiate between
Should not detract from the message. information.
Use light rather than dark backgrounds. Consider the paper stock you are printing
Avoid light colours for text. on — larger posters need thicker stock.
Use contrasting colours. Print a draft copy before the final print to
Try not to use too many colours, unless check layout and see if everything is
you have a specific purpose. included. Pay close attention to how
Use colours to link information to themes. colours print out and adjust as needed.
Use colours to guide your readers eyes. Pin up a printed copy (to size) and walk
Colours can also help create hierarchy. past it. Does the presentation attract you?
TIP TIP
Find visual inspiration online to guide your Leave a boarder so that the printer does not
I_________II____________I
colour scheme. cut off your work.
Like this Survival Guide? Why not check out more of our guides...
Presenting to an Audience, Structure Your Presentations, On the Spot Speaking, Managing Presentation Nerves
and Video Presentations.
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