1. Developing Effective Posters
April 18, 2017

2. What is a Poster? A formal type of scientific presentation
A way to present information visually
An opportunity to share your knowledge with peers and colleagues at a scientific conference or public display
An interactive presentation tool
Conference presentations
Not a paper stuck on a wall; shows, not tells

3. An Effective Poster… Conveys a clear, coherent message; Tells a story
Clearly presents objective and main points
Is visually appealing
Is well organized and draws viewer from left to right
Balances text and graphics

4. Design Tips Leave adequate white space
Ensure it is readable from 4-6 feet away
Choose fonts carefully
Don’t use too many
Serif font for text; sans serif for titles / headings
Column format works well
Design the poster so it can be read from a distance of 4' to 6'. To accomplish this, lettering has to be at least 1" high. The title should be readable from 15' to 20' away, with letters 2" to 3" high. Try to have high contrast between the back- ground and text. Generally, a lighter background with darker text is easier to read.

5. Research Posters Title / Student name & affiliation
Name of Field Placement/Name of Field Instructor
Introduction
Objective of research or experience
Background/literature (include a brief description of what problem is being addressed)
Theoretical Framework/Theory/Conceptual framework (brief explanation) – if appropriate
Methods – Describe setting of study, sampling of target population, define variables (themes if qualitative) and analysis strategies
Data/Results – tables or charts or diagrams help.
Quantitative: Sample statistics, bivariate/multivariate results, statistical models, etc.
Qualitative: Describe sample, themes and provide quotes that summarize themes
Strengths/Limitations of research methods and findings
Conclusions - What are the implications of your results and recommendations?
Acknowledgments - Partners, colleagues, mentors, etc.
References – Should be provided but may be on a different sheet.

6. Program / Project Posters
Title / Student name & affiliation
Name of Field Placement/Name of Mentor
Introduction
Objective of the program or your experience
Background/literature to support the reason for the program (include a brief description of what problem is being addressed)
Theoretical Framework/Theory/Conceptual framework (brief explanation)  Consider a diagram to help (if appropriate)
Program or process strategy if different than framework (i.e. CBPR Principles, RE- AIM, Intervention Mapping or other development framework) (if appropriate)
Process Evaluation or other results of evaluation if conducted.
Strengths/Limitations or the program or experience
Conclusions - What are the implications of your experience and recommendations?
Acknowledgments - Partners, colleagues, mentors, etc.
References – Should be provided but may be on a different sheet.

7. Evaluation Criteria Clear objective Good general knowledge
Appropriate research methodology / comprehensive project description and rationale
Strengths and limitations of study/project
Clear presentation of results
Appropriateness of conclusions and recommendations
Clarity of poster presentation
Clarity of oral presentation