Poster

Presentations
“It takes intelligence, even brilliance, to condense and focus
information into a clear, simple presentation that will be read
and remembered.”

Mary Helen Briscoe

Todays’ learning
objective
1. Understand the techniques and aesthetics
behind an effective poster presentation.
2. Learn how to create a poster using a PowerPoint
slide.
3. Critique some existing posters in NREL.
 The goal
of a Poster Presentation

A visual presentation of your research.

As an opportunity to effectively share research results
and engage in scientific dialog with colleagues
Feedback received can help in refining your research
and preparing it for publication
Components
for Research Poster

1 Title
5 Result

2 Abstract
6 Conclusion

3 Introduction
7 Acknowledgement

4 Methods
8 References
 Components
for Research Poster

1 Title
• Make it simple but attractive to the readers
• Include authors below the title
• Add a footnote for affiliations of the authors

2 Abstract
• Summarize the research project
• Include the study’s objective(s), design, results and
conclusion(s)
Components
for Research Poster

3 Introduction  Include the rationale and importance of study

 State the hypothesis or research question that
was tested

4 Methods
 Provide sufficient information to judge the
validity of the study
 Include sample size, study design, data
collection and analytic methods, outcome
and exposure measures
 Flow diagrams work well here.
 Components
for Research Poster

5 Result
 Present your key findings using mainly tables and figures
 Keep the results as simple as possible
 Arrange in a logical order so conclusions naturally follow.

6
 Interpret your results in the context of your study as
Conclusion well as the literature
 Link the results to the hypotheses.
 Provide readers with what is new from your study
Components
for Research Poster

7 Acknowledgement  collaborators and grant support.

8
 Keep to a minimum.
References
 Only cite critical references to your project.
Technical
considerations
 Concise and focused (not a long presentation of your life’s
work!)
 Explains your research using schematics, graphs, and
other visual strategies, with a minimum of supporting
text.
 Uses various strategies to attract viewers and stimulate
conversation.
 Keep the color scheme simple and consistent throughout
 Keep it Simple
Technical
considerations
 Poster should be easily seen from at least 3 feet
 Use fonts that are easy to read and use no more than two fonts
Headings → Arial
Text → Times
 Remember to Spell Check
 Don’t use ALL CAPITALS
 Bold is used for emphasis
 Italics de-emphasize
 Use active verbs
 Use color
Key points of a poster
layout

1 Background
4 Graphs/Tables

2 Text
5 Balance

3 Pictures
Backgrounds
 Use background/foreground contrasts.
 Dark backgrounds are easier on the eye but use more dye.
Colored backgrounds can often break the monotony of a sea of white
posters, thus attracting a viewer.
 Be careful in using photographs as backgrounds
lose resolution when blown up (pixelation).
 Avoid fill patterns.
Text
 Should be able to read anything from 4’- 6’ away.
 Establish a hierarchy of importance using the font size:
Title: 65-108 pts
Subheadings: 36-54 pts
Body text: 18-27 pts

 AVOID USING ALL CAPS (has the effect of yelling)

 Double-space all text, unless font size is large enough to read
comfortably single-spaced.
 Use shorter sentences than you might otherwise use.
 Text
 Use left justification (easier to read).
 Use sans serif fonts, Times New Roman, Arial
 Be consistent in font type and size
 Use bold, italics, or underline to emphasize words.
oDon’t change fonts to emphasize a word.
oDon’t use all three. Overkill!
 Check your spelling.
Recommended font sizes
Title → at least 72 point

Headings → 36-48 point

Text → at least 24 point

Chart labels → 24 point

Pictures
 JPEG, bitmap, or TIFF formats are easiest to use.
 Stay within 150-300 dpi resolution.
 Use light backgrounds with dark photos and vice versa.
 Neutral/gray backgrounds enhance color photos while
white backgrounds reduce their impact.
 4”x5” photos are a good minimum size.
 Fluorescent lighting can change the color.
Graphics and Resolution Tips
 Print formats: 600-1200 DPI (dots per inch)
TIFF, EPS, WMF, JPG?
 Screen formats: 72 DPI (dots per inch)
GIF, JPG, WMF
 Scan new color graphics at 150-200 DPI
Higher for black and white
Graphs/Charts
 Make sure that the text on axes and legends adhere to the
minimum font size.
 Few lines on a graph - label directly.
 Multiple lines on a graph - use a legend.
 Try to make all graphs and figures the same size for consistency.
 Make lines in the graphs thick enough to see from 4’- 6’ away.
 Use different colors for different groups, and maintain same color
groups throughout poster.
 Type of chart
Chart type Best use for
Bar charts Show comparisons
Horizontal bars Only used to show time
Line charts Illustrate trends
Pie charts Relationship to whole – big picture (%)
Text The last resort
Balance
 Easiest layout involves boxes in 3-5 columns.
 Is one side text- or graph-heavy?
 Use of contrasting or complementary colors.
 Even margins and spaces between boxes?
 General rule of thumb: 20% text, 40% graphics, and 40%
empty space.
 Where does the eye go? Does the poster have flow?
 Would this poster make you want to stop and read it?
 How to make
a Poster Presentation
in PowerPoint
Using PowerPoint
Before you start…
◦ What are the maximum allowable poster dimensions for
the symposium/conference?
◦ Take a look around at other posters and get an idea of
what grabs you.
◦ Decide on your poster dimensions (max. 36” height is
typical for plotters).
◦ Type text into Word and create graphs in Excel.
◦ Plan layout on paper before using PowerPoint.
Starting a new presentation
Open Powerpoint and click on “File, New…”
Choose a “blank” slide presentation.
Go to “File, Page setup…”
◦ choose custom layout
◦ choose orientation (usually landscape)
◦ choose dimensions in inches (36” height maximum)
Scaling
◦ May scale poster down by 33% or 50% (change dimensions
accordingly). Then print by doubling or tripling scale in the print job.
◦ Actual size (easiest). Everything at 100%. Fonts actual size on screen.
See effect of pixelation on photos.
Poster Margins
The Easy Way: Set up margins by adding a box of
known dimensions and center it on the slide.
Double-click on the box to get to properties.
◦ Color tab: remove fill color.
◦ Size tab: insert poster dimensions minus the margin space.
◦ Position tab: insert margin space from top and side, and
choose “top left corner” for alignment.
Use box to line up additions.
Remove when finished.
Layout of sections
 Decide on the number of columns
 Do the math to come up with the width of boxes, minus the
margin spaces (around and between boxes).
 After adding text or graphic boxes, use the properties to adjust
the width.
 Nest a text box within a graphic box, so text will be outlined as
well.
 Height of boxes may be variable, so try to leave same space
between boxes vertically using properties.
In other words, the math has to be done for each box.
 May remove graphic boxes after alignment, but boxes around text
are a must.
Adding material
Draw a text box on the slide.
◦ Cut/paste text from Word into text box.
◦ Change the font size after transfer.
◦ Always check spelling before pasting text!

May also cut/paste graphs from Excel in same

manner.
◦ If not using Excel, then try cut/pasting object as an image
into Word.
◦ If succeeds, then may transfer to PowerPoint.
◦ Resolution problem as an image.
Wrap-up
 Review poster by looking at issues of balance.
 Review layout tips given earlier in this seminar.
 Check for spelling and other errors.
 Print slide to 8.5”x11” paper (scaled to fit) for final
proofing.
 May create a PDF version.
oWhat you see is what you get.
oMay be easier to send to the printer/plotter.
 May print several proofs to hand out at the symposium.
Printing Considerations
 Leave a white border (for push-pins)
 Remember to spell check
 Check every inch and check again
 Ask a colleague to proof the poster
Poster Templates
 Poster title goes here, containing strictly
only the essential number of words...

Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here
Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here

Introduction Method Results Printing and Laminating…

Once you have completed your poster, bring it down to
First… Tips for making a successful poster… Importing / inserting files…
MIU for printing. We will produce a A3 size draft print
Check with conference organisers on their  Re-write your paper into poster format ie. Images such as photographs, graphs, diagrams, logos, for you to check and proof read. The final poster will
specifications of size and orientation, before you start Simplify everything, avoid data overkill. etc, can be added to the poster. then be printed and laminated.
your poster eg. maximum poster size; landscape,
 Headings of more than 6 words should be in upper To insert scanned images into your poster, go through Note: Do not leave your poster until the last minute.
portrait or square.
and lower case, not all capitals. the menus as follows: Insert / Picture / From File… then Allow at least 5 working days before you need to use it.
The page size of this poster template is A0 find the file on your computer, select it, and press OK.
 Never do whole sentences in capitals or underline to Simply highlight this text and replace.
(84x119cm), landscape (horizontal) format. Do not
stress your point, use bold characters instead. The best type of image files to insert are JPEG or TIFF,
change this page size, MIU can scale-to-fit a smaller or
JPEG is the preferred format.
larger size, when printing. If you need a different shape  When laying out your poster leave breathing space
Cost…
start with either a portrait (vertical) or a square poster around you text. Don’t overcrowd your poster. Be aware of the image size you are importing. The
template. average colour photo (13 x 18cm at 180dpi) would be For poster-printing and laminating charges contact to
 Try using photographs or coloured graphs. Avoid
about 3Mb (1Mb for B/W greyscale). Call MIU if unsure. MIU
Bear in mind you do not need to fill up the whole space long numerical tables.
allocated by some conference organisers (eg. 8ftx4ft in Do not use images from the web.
 Spell check and get someone else to proof-read.
the USA). Do not make your poster bigger than
necessary just to fill that given size.
Captions to be set in Times or
Times New Roman or Notes about graphs…
equivalent, italic, between 18
and 24 points. For simple graphs use MS Excel, or do the graph
Left aligned if it refers to a
figure on its left. Caption starts
directly in PowerPoint.
right at the top edge of the
picture (graph or photo). Graphs done in a scientific graphing programs (eg.
Sigma Plot, Prism, SPSS, Statistica) should be saved
as JPEG or TIFF if possible. For more information see
MIU.
Conclusion
For more information on:
Aim Poster Design, Scanning and Digital Photography,
Captions to be set in Times or Captions to be set in Times or
How to use this poster template… Times New Roman or Times New Roman or and Image / file size.
equivalent, italic, between 18 equivalent, italic, between 18
Simply highlight this text and replace it by typing in your and 24 points. Right aligned if and 24 points.
own text, or copy and paste your text from a MS Word it refers to a figure on its right. Left aligned if it refers to a
Caption starts right at the top figure on its left. Caption starts
document or a PowerPoint slide presentation. edge of the picture (graph or right at the top edge of the
Contact:
photo). picture (graph or photo).
The body text / font size should be between 24 and 32 Medical Illustration Unit
points. Arial, Helvetica or equivalent. Prince of Wales Hospital
Keep body text left-aligned, do not justify text. Ph: 9382 2800
The colour of the text, title and poster background can Email: [email protected]
be changed to the colour of your choice. Web: http://miu.med.unsw.edu.au

Acknowledgements
Just highlight this text and replace with your own text.
Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to
Replace this with your text.
the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width. the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width.
 Poster title goes here, containing strictly
only the essential number of words...
Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here
Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here

Introduction Method Results Printing and Laminating…

Once you have completed your poster, bring it down to
First… Tips for making a successful poster… Importing / inserting files…
MIU for printing. We will produce a A3 size draft print
Check with conference organisers on their  Re-write your paper into poster format ie. Images such as photographs, graphs, diagrams, logos, for you to check and proof read. The final poster will
specifications of size and orientation, before you start Simplify everything, avoid data overkill. etc, can be added to the poster. then be printed and laminated.
your poster eg. maximum poster size; landscape,
 Headings of more than 6 words should be in upper To insert scanned images into your poster, go through Note: Do not leave your poster until the last minute.
portrait or square.
and lower case, not all capitals. the menus as follows: Insert / Picture / From File… then Allow at least 5 working days before you need to use it.
The page size of this poster template is A0 find the file on your computer, select it, and press OK.
 Never do whole sentences in capitals or underline to Simply highlight this text and replace.
(84x119cm), landscape (horizontal) format. Do not
stress your point, use bold characters instead. The best type of image files to insert are JPEG or TIFF,
change this page size, MIU can scale-to-fit a smaller or
JPEG is the preferred format.
larger size, when printing. If you need a different shape  When laying out your poster leave breathing space
Cost…
start with either a portrait (vertical) or a square poster around you text. Don’t overcrowd your poster. Be aware of the image size you are importing. The
template. average colour photo (13 x 18cm at 180dpi) would be For poster-printing and laminating charges contact to
 Try using photographs or coloured graphs. Avoid
about 3Mb (1Mb for B/W greyscale). Call MIU if unsure. MIU
Bear in mind you do not need to fill up the whole space long numerical tables.
allocated by some conference organisers (eg. 8ftx4ft in Do not use images from the web.
 Spell check and get someone else to proof-read.
the USA). Do not make your poster bigger than
necessary just to fill that given size.
Captions to be set in Times or
Times New Roman or Notes about graphs…
equivalent, italic, between 18
and 24 points. For simple graphs use MS Excel, or do the graph
Left aligned if it refers to a
figure on its left. Caption starts
directly in PowerPoint.
right at the top edge of the
picture (graph or photo). Graphs done in a scientific graphing programs (eg.
Sigma Plot, Prism, SPSS, Statistica) should be saved
as JPEG or TIFF if possible. For more information see
MIU.
Conclusion
For more information on:
Aim Poster Design, Scanning and Digital Photography,
Captions to be set in Times or Captions to be set in Times or
How to use this poster template… Times New Roman or Times New Roman or and Image / file size.
equivalent, italic, between 18 equivalent, italic, between 18
Simply highlight this text and replace it by typing in your and 24 points. Right aligned if and 24 points.
own text, or copy and paste your text from a MS Word it refers to a figure on its right. Left aligned if it refers to a
Caption starts right at the top figure on its left. Caption starts
document or a PowerPoint slide presentation. edge of the picture (graph or right at the top edge of the
Contact:
photo). picture (graph or photo).
The body text / font size should be between 24 and 32 Medical Illustration Unit
points. Arial, Helvetica or equivalent. Prince of Wales Hospital
Keep body text left-aligned, do not justify text. Ph: 9382 2800
The colour of the text, title and poster background can Email: [email protected]
be changed to the colour of your choice. Web: http://miu.med.unsw.edu.au

Acknowledgements
Just highlight this text and replace with your own text.
Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to
Replace this with your text.
the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width. the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width.
 Poster title goes here, containing strictly
only the essential number of words...

Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here
Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here

Introduction Method Results

First… Tips for making a successful poster… Importing / inserting files… Printing and Laminating…
Check with conference organisers on their  Re-write your paper into poster format ie. Images such as photographs, graphs, diagrams, logos, Once you have completed your poster, bring it down to
specifications of size and orientation, before you start Simplify everything, avoid data overkill. etc, can be added to the poster. MIU for printing. We will produce a A3 size draft print
your poster eg. maximum poster size; landscape,  Headings of more than 6 words should be in upper for you to check and proof read. The final poster will
To insert scanned images into your poster, go through
portrait or square. and lower case, not all capitals. then be printed and laminated.
the menus as follows: Insert / Picture / From File… then
The page size of this poster template is A0  Never do whole sentences in capitals or underline to find the file on your computer, select it, and press OK. Note: Do not leave your poster until the last minute.
(84x119cm), landscape (horizontal) format. Do not Allow at least 5 working days before you need to use it.
stress your point, use bold characters instead. The best type of image files to insert are JPEG or TIFF,
change this page size, MIU can scale-to-fit a smaller or JPEG is the preferred format. Simply highlight this text and replace.
larger size, when printing. If you need a different shape  When laying out your poster leave breathing space
start with either a portrait (vertical) or a square poster around you text. Don’t overcrowd your poster. Be aware of the image size you are importing. The
template.  Try using photographs or coloured graphs. Avoid long average colour photo (13 x 18cm at 180dpi) would be Cost…
numerical tables. about 3Mb (1Mb for B/W greyscale). Call MIU if unsure.
Bear in mind you do not need to fill up the whole space For poster-printing and laminating charges contact
allocated by some conference organisers (eg. 8ftx4ft in  Spell check and get someone else to proof-read. Do not use images from the web. MIU.
the USA). Do not make your poster bigger than
necessary just to fill that given size.
Captions to be set in Times or Notes about graphs…
Times New Roman or
equivalent, italic, between 18 For simple graphs use MS Excel, or do the graph
and 24 points.
Left aligned if it refers to a
directly in PowerPoint.
figure on its left. Caption starts
right at the top edge of the Graphs done in a scientific graphing programs (eg.
picture (graph or photo). Sigma Plot, Prism, SPSS, Statistica) should be saved
as JPEG or TIFF if possible. For more information see
MIU.
Conclusion
Aim For more information on:
Captions to be set in Times or
Times New Roman or
Captions to be set in Times or Poster Design, Scanning and Digital Photography,
How to use this poster template… equivalent, italic, between 18
Times New Roman or
and Image / file size.
equivalent, italic, between 18
and 24 points. Right aligned if and 24 points.
Simply highlight this text and replace it by typing in your it refers to a figure on its right. Left aligned if it refers to a
own text, or copy and paste your text from a MS Word Caption starts right at the top figure on its left. Caption starts
document or a PowerPoint slide presentation. edge of the picture (graph or right at the top edge of the Contact:
photo). picture (graph or photo).
The sub-title text boxes can be moved up or down Medical Illustration Unit
depending on how big or small your ‘Introduction’, Prince of Wales Hospital
‘Aim’, ‘Method’, ‘Results’ and ‘Conclusion’ are. Ph: 9382 2800
The body text / font size should be between 24 and 32 Email: [email protected]
points. Arial, Helvetica or equivalent. Web: http://miu.med.unsw.edu.au
Keep body text left-aligned, do not justify text.
The colour of the text, title and poster background can
be changed to the colour of your choice.

Acknowledgements
Just highlight this text and replace with your own text.
Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to
the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width. the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width.
Replace this with your text.
 Poster title goes here, containing strictly
only the essential number of words...
Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here, Author’s Name/s Goes Here
Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here, Address/es Goes Here

Introduction Method Results

First… Tips for making a successful poster… Importing / inserting files… Printing and Laminating…
Check with conference organisers on their  Re-write your paper into poster format ie. Images such as photographs, graphs, diagrams, logos, Once you have completed your poster, bring it down to
specifications of size and orientation, before you start Simplify everything, avoid data overkill. etc, can be added to the poster. MIU for printing. We will produce a A3 size draft print
your poster eg. maximum poster size; landscape,  Headings of more than 6 words should be in upper for you to check and proof read. The final poster will
To insert scanned images into your poster, go through
portrait or square. and lower case, not all capitals. then be printed and laminated.
the menus as follows: Insert / Picture / From File… then
The page size of this poster template is A0  Never do whole sentences in capitals or underline to find the file on your computer, select it, and press OK. Note: Do not leave your poster until the last minute.
(84x119cm), landscape (horizontal) format. Do not Allow at least 5 working days before you need to use it.
stress your point, use bold characters instead. The best type of image files to insert are JPEG or TIFF,
change this page size, MIU can scale-to-fit a smaller or JPEG is the preferred format. Simply highlight this text and replace.
larger size, when printing. If you need a different shape  When laying out your poster leave breathing space
start with either a portrait (vertical) or a square poster around you text. Don’t overcrowd your poster. Be aware of the image size you are importing. The
template.  Try using photographs or coloured graphs. Avoid long average colour photo (13 x 18cm at 180dpi) would be Cost…
numerical tables. about 3Mb (1Mb for B/W greyscale). Call MIU if unsure.
Bear in mind you do not need to fill up the whole space For poster-printing and laminating charges contact to
allocated by some conference organisers (eg. 8ftx4ft in  Spell check and get someone else to proof-read. Do not use images from the web. MIU
the USA). Do not make your poster bigger than
necessary just to fill that given size.
Captions to be set in Times or Notes about graphs…
Times New Roman or
equivalent, italic, between 18 For simple graphs use MS Excel, or do the graph
and 24 points.
Left aligned if it refers to a
directly in PowerPoint.
figure on its left. Caption starts
right at the top edge of the Graphs done in a scientific graphing programs (eg.
picture (graph or photo). Sigma Plot, Prism, SPSS, Statistica) should be saved
as JPEG or TIFF if possible. For more information see
MIU.
Conclusion
Aim For more information on:
Captions to be set in Times or Captions to be set in Times or
Times New Roman or Times New Roman or Poster Design, Scanning and Digital Photography,
How to use this poster template… equivalent, italic, between 18 equivalent, italic, between 18
and 24 points. Right aligned if and 24 points. and Image / file size.
Simply highlight this text and replace it by typing in your it refers to a figure on its right. Left aligned if it refers to a
Caption starts right at the top figure on its left. Caption starts
own text, or copy and paste your text from a MS Word edge of the picture (graph or right at the top edge of the
document or a PowerPoint slide presentation. photo). picture (graph or photo). Contact:
The sub-title text boxes can be moved up or down Medical Illustration Unit
depending on how big or small your ‘Introduction’, Prince of Wales Hospital
‘Aim’, ‘Method’, ‘Results’ and ‘Conclusion’ are.
Ph: 9382 2800
The body text / font size should be between 24 and 32 Email: [email protected]
points. Arial, Helvetica or equivalent. Web: http://miu.med.unsw.edu.au
Keep body text left-aligned, do not justify text.
The colour of the text, title and poster background can
be changed to the colour of your choice.

Acknowledgements
Just highlight this text and replace with your own text.
Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to Captions to be set in Times or Times New Roman or equivalent, italic, 18 to 24 points, to
the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width. the length of the column in case a figure takes more than 2/3 of column width. Replace this with your text.
 Title that hints at the underlying issue or question and is formatted in “sentence case”
This means only the “t” in
Thisgets
“title” means only the “t” in
capitalized.
Maintain a good amount of space “title” gets capitalized.
Maintain a good amount of space
between your columns. Although
between your columns. Although
you could squeeze them right up
you could squeeze them right up

Your name(s) here

against each other, the poster’s
against each other, the poster’s
aesthetics would suffer.
aesthetics would suffer.

Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081

Make sure the edges of your
Make sure the edges of your
columns are aligned with
columns are aligned with
adjacent columns. Don’t trust
adjacent columns. Don’t trust
This is a header. If you your eyes: select the columns,
This is a header. If you your eyes: select the columns,
make the font size large, then “Align” with the proper tool
make the font size large, then “Align” with the proper tool
and then add bolding…there
and then add bolding…there
is no need to also apply
is no need to also apply
underlining or italicization.
underlining or italicization. If you can orient your label

Introduction Results If you can orient

horizontally,
horizontally,
fused
fused
your
viewers label
with
viewers with
neck musculature
necktomusculature
are
are
Rats with brains navigate mazes faster Conclusions
more likely read it.
This is a Microsoft Powerpoint template that has column The overall layout for this section can, and probably more likely to read it. You can, of course, start your conclusions in column #3 if
widths and font sizes optimized for printing a 36 x 56” should, be modified from this template, depending on the Brainectomized your results section is “data light.”
poster—just replace the “tips” and “blah, blah, blah” size and number of charts and photographs your specific
The first sentence of
repeat motifs with actual content, if you have it. Try to experiment generated. You might want a single, large Time (s)
Conclusions should not be mere reminders of your results.
The first sentence of
the first paragraph
the first paragraph keep your total word count under 500 (yea, this suggestion column to accommodate a large map, or perhaps you Instead, you want to guide the reader through what you
does not need to be
does not need to be
indented. applies to everyone, even you). More tips can be found at could arrange 6 figures in a circle in the center of the Control (brain intact) have concluded from the results. What is the broader
indented.
the companion site, “Advice on designing scientific poster: do whatever it takes to make your results significance? Would anyone be mildly surprised? Why
posters,” at the Swarthmore College Biology Department graphically clear. To see examples of how others have should anyone care? This section should refer back,
Maze difficulty index
web site. abused this template to fit their presentation needs, explicitly, to the “burning issue” mentioned in the
This paragraph has “justified” margins, but be aware perform a Google search for “powerpoint template for introduction. If you didn’t mention a burning issue in the
Figure 4. Avoid keys that force readers to labor through
that simple left-justification (other paragraphs) is infinitely scientific posters.” introduction, go back and fix that -- your poster should
complicated graphs: just label all the lines (or bars) and then delete
better if your font doesn’t “space” nicely when fully Paragraph format is fine, but sometimes a simple list the silly key altogether. The above figure would also be greatly have made a good case for why this experiment was
justified. Sometimes spacing difficulties can be fixed by of “bullet” points can communicate results more improved if I had the ability to draw mini rats with and without brains. worthwhile.
manually inserting hyphens into longer words. effectively: I would then put these little illustrations next to the lines they
represent.
(Powerpoint doesn’t automatically hyphenate, by the way.) Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah,
Your main text is easier to read if you use a “serif” • 9 out of 12 brainectomized rats survived blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah,
font such as Palatino or Times (i.e., people have done • Control rats completed maze faster, on average, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.
experiments and found this to be the case). Use a non- than rats without brains (Fig. 3b) (t = 9.84, df = Be sure to separate figures from other figures by Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah,
serif font for your title and section headings. 21, p = 0.032) generous use of white space. When figures are too blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah,
(a) (b) (c)
cramped, viewers get confused about which figures to blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.
read first and which legend goes with which figure. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.
Figures are preferred but tables are sometimes
unavoidable. A table looks best when it is first composed Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah,
within Microsoft Word, then “Inserted” as an “Object.” If blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah,
you can add small drawings or icons to your tables, do blah. Blah, blah, blah.
Materials and methods so! Remember: no period after
Remember: no period after
Be brief, and opt for photographs or drawings whenever journal name.
journal name.
possible to illustrate organism, protocol, or experimental
design. Viewers don’t actually want to read about the
Figure 3. Make sure legends have enough detail to fully explain to
Literature cited
gruesome details, however fascinating you might find the viewer what the results are. Note that for posters it is good to put Bender, D.J., E.M Bayne, and R.M. Brigham. 1996. Lunar condition
them. some “Materials and methods” information within the figure legends or influences coyote (Canis latrans) howling. American Midland
onto the figures themselves—it allows the M&m section to be shorter, Naturalist 136:413-417.
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Brooks, L.D. 1988. The evolution of recombination rates. Pages 87-105 in
and gives viewer a sense of the experiment(s) even if they have
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, skipped directly to figures. Don’t be tempted to reduce font size in The Evolution of Sex, edited by R.E. Michod and B.R. Levin. Sinauer,
blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, figure legends, axes labels, etc.—your viewers are probably most Sunderland, MA.
blah. interested in reading your figures and legends! Scott, E.C. 2005. Evolution vs. Creationism: an Introduction. University
of California Press, Berkeley.
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Society for the Study of Evolution. 2005. Statement on teaching evolution.
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, < http://www.evolutionsociety.org/statements.html >. Accessed 2005
blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, Aug 9.
blah. Often you will have some more text-based results between
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah,
This area blah,space”
is “white blah. that your figures. This text should explicitly guide the reader Abutting these last sections can save you a little
Abutting these last sections can save you a little
Blah, blah, blah. Ipresented
Blah,
sure wish I’d blah, blah.adds
Blah, blah, blah.to the
tremendously through the figures. space, and subtly indicates to viewers that the
my
theory with a readability of your poster. Acknowledgments space, and subtly indicates to viewers that the
contents are not as important to read.
contents are not as important to read.
poster before I
wrote my book. Resist the urge to fill it with We thank I. Güor for laboratory assistance, Mary Juana for seeds, Herb
text. Yea, this means you. Blah, blah, blah (Figs. 3a,b). Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, Put a figure here
Isside for applying the greenhouse stress treatment, and M.I. Menter for
blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. that explores a
statistical advice and scintillating discussions. Funding for this project was
statistical result
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. provided by the Swarthmore College Department of Biology, a Merck
Figure 1. Photograph or drawing of summer stipend, and my mom. [Note that people’s titles are omitted.]
organism, chemical structure, or
whatever. Don’t use graphics from Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, This is the gene
the web (they look terrible when blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. of interest!

printed). Blah, blah, blah (Fig. 3c). Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah,
blah, blah (data not shown).
Same for this space.

Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah,
Figure 5. You can use connector lines and arrows to visually guide For further information
viewers through your results. Making logical points this way is much, Please contact [email protected]. More information on this and
blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. much better than making it in the text section. These lines can help related projects can be obtained at www.swarthmore… (give the URL for
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah (God, viewers read your poster even when you’re not present. general laboratory web site). A link to an online, PDF-version of the
Figure 2. Illustration of important piece of poster is nice, too.
equipment, or perhaps a flow chart personal communication).
summarizing experimental design. If you just must include a pretentious logo,
Scanned, hand-drawn illustrations are hide it down here. But don’t include a pretentious logo.
usually preferable to computer-generated
Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah. However, blah, blah, blah.
Use the space for something else.
ones.
 This is the Title of Your Presentation
Your Name, Title, Affiliation

Introduction and Objectives Methodology Study conclusions and ideas for new
Lay in your introduction research
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Population Studied
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Discussions
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 Resources
Shelledy DC. How to Make an Effective Poster, Respiratory Care,
October 2004, 49(10):1213-1216
Hess G., Tosney K., Liegel L. Creating Effective Poster Presentations.
http://www.ncsu.edu/project/posters
Additional material was adapted from K. Hackett. Creating Poster
Presentations.
Additional Resources:
http://www.training.nih.gov/careers/careercenter/publish.html
http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/speaking/poster/index.cfm

Poster Templates:
http://www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/posteradvice.htm
http://depts.washington.edu/mphpract/ppposter.html
http://miu.med.unsw.edu.au/downloads.htm#Scientific%20poster%20templates