Tips for Effective Poster Presentations:
Layout – Plan your poster early. Create an initial sketch of your layout first. Focus your attention on a few key points. What needs to be expressed in words? Posters should stimulate discussion. Keep text to a minimum, but make certain the poster is understandable without oral explanation. Text should be readable from a distance of five feet.
Balance – Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon. Use a consistent font throughout. Place related materials and photographs together. The movement of the eye over the poster should be natural, down columns or along rows. Is there spatial balance? Size attracts attention. Is the pathway through the poster clear? Arrows, pointing hands, numbers, and letters can help clarify the sequence.
Simplicity – When choosing a background color, remember that neutral or gray colors will be easier on the eyes than a bright color. Resist the temptation to overload the poster. More material may mean less communication.
Presenting – Prepare a five minute chat during which you explain the key concepts and give examples of facts/statistics to reinforce the concepts. You may utilize handouts to supplement your poster. |
General Guidelines
