How to present a poster Sabrice Guerrier SPGRE Program 2007

adapted from GMU writing center Papers vs. Posters Papers appeal to editors of journals and meet organizational and informational requirements of publication Posters appeal to peers and colleagues at a conference and meet the organizational and display of a conference

adapted from GMU writing center Papers vs. Posters continued The audience of a paper is a person whereas the audience for a poster are people Posters allow for idea exchange and question and answers A paper presents ALL the information whereas a poster presents the most important information

adapted from GMU writing center Elements of Your Poster Title Abstract Introduction Methods Data/Results Conclusions Acknowledgements References

adapted from GMU writing center Title –Catchy, simple, encapsulate main finding, able to be seen from far away Authors –This can vary. Use previous conference poster as guideline. Use first and last names. Institution –Use superscripts to denote both institutions and departments next to the names of each author. Include city and state as well.

adapted from GMU writing center Abstract/Introduction Follow APA guidelines (for social sciences) Should provide: –the rationale for your question –Your hypothesis –The overall experimental design –The key findings –Conclusion and overall impact If written well, you should not need an introduction

adapted from GMU writing center Introduction Follow APA guidelines (for social sciences) Less in depth than introduction for a paper Highlight and focus on: - question raised and answered by previous work - the question you are asking and why you are asking it

adapted from GMU writing center Methods Follow APA guidelines (for social sciences) Present the basic techniques so that people can understand the overall experiment Alternative to actual methods section is to describe methods in figure legends Identify –Demographic of your subjects –Type of measurement

adapted from GMU writing center Data/Results Use graphic or visual elements - Graphs - Tables - Pictures - Charts If you are using pictures be sure they are clear, demonstrate your finding and are representative of your overall results Include a heading describing the graphic Below the graphic, include a brief written description of the of the graphic and an interpretation of data it within it.

adapted from GMU writing center Conclusions Be clear and concise Highlight: -what you found -Its importance -Relationship with previous work -Future directions If possible, include a model that summarizes your results and hypothesis

adapted from GMU writing center Acknowledgments Thank your preceptor and anyone that contributes directly to your research Thank any funding institutions that allowed you to perform this research

adapted from GMU writing center References Use the same references from your research paper, but this list is much shorter

adapted from GMU writing center Programs for designing a poster Quark express Posters can be printed on campus or at places like Kinko's. Ask preceptors for preference. PowerPoint Adobe Illustrator

adapted from GMU writing center Organization and Layout TITLE Abstract Intro and methods Results- charts, Graphics, etc. Conclusions acknowledgments

adapted from GMU writing center Organization and Layout: Logistics Poster size is typically 3 feet by 4 feet, but can vary. Font size should be readable from 6ft. away. -font of text should be the same size throughout the poster -Title should be readable from 20 feet away and larger than rest of text -Add emphasis by bolding, underlining, italics or color Make section headings distinct so reader can follow flow of poster. Use colors wisely. When used effectively, it can add emphasis, but reckless use can be a distraction. Use no more than 2 to 3 colors.

adapted from GMU writing center Loose Ends….. Use contrasting colors for readability and a professional look. (i.e. gold section headings, white text) Use space wisely. Don’t cram things into small space. Space each section evenly. Might be a good idea to bring extra data that is not on your poster. Bring your business cards.