Research Methods Laboratory
Lammers' Tips for the Poster Presentation
Purpose
of poster sessions
Poster sessions provide yet another way for researchers to disseminate information and are a common feature at scientific conferences. Normally, poster sessions last about one hour and there may be 50 other posters set up in the same room. One or all of an author remains with the poster during the session. Attendees will often peruse the poster titles and stop at those that arouse interest. Because at least one author is present, poster sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with the researcher.
Sections
of the poster
Although APA guidelines do not apply to posters, the sections are often the Same as a research report. Thus, most posters include introduction, method, results, and discussion sections. Because there is limited space and because an author is available to fill in details, the actual text in each section is much more concise.
Layout
of the poster
The layout of the poster should be user-friendly and should maintain a professional appearance. The title should be clearly visible from a distance and should be descriptive. The poster should include the authors, their affiliations, section headings, and visual aids. The main text should be in a large font size (16-18 pt) so that it is readable from a distance of three feet. Each section should be positioned on the poster so that there is a clear flow from the left side of the poster to the right side.
Researcher’s
role during the session
As
mentioned above, at least one of the researchers should stand with the poster.
When someone approaches the poster, the researcher should introduce him/herself,
offer to provide a summary, offer to provide a handout, and offer to answer any
questions. This is a more proactive approach than most presenters take, but we
believe that it makes a positive impression and encourages interaction among
researchers.
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Quick Tips for an Effective Poster Presentation |
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1. provide a descriptive title |
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2. clearly label all sections of the poster |
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3. use a large font size (16-18 pt.) |
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4. make the text concise |
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5. use graphs and tables to show results |
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6. use a professional look |
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7. have handouts available |
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8. be prepared to summarize your study |
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9. be prepared to discuss your study with others |