Presenting the poster - How to prepare a poster - Conference communications

How to write and publish a scientific paper - Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day 2022

Presenting the poster
How to prepare a poster
Conference communications

A poster presentation is, as its name says, both poster and presentation. Typically, for some of the time the poster is on display, one or more of the authors accompany and discuss it. Thus, creating a well-designed poster constitutes only part of a successful poster presentation.

Leave your shyness behind when you accompany a poster. Now is not the time to hide behind the poster or stare at your shoes. Think ahead about questions you might be asked and, verbally and otherwise, show a readiness to answer them. If the occasion arises, ask questions as well. Take advantage of the chance for feedback. Also, take advantage of the chance to network. Those talking with you might well include potential collaborators or employers.

What should you wear when presenting a poster? At some conferences, poster presenters typically wear suits. At others, they usually dress more casually. If in doubt, ask a mentor or colleague who knows the norms. A lighthearted report of a very small study (Keegan and Bannister 2003) suggests that wearing colors that coordinate with those of a poster might increase the number of visitors to the poster. A photo of a presenter wearing clothes color-coordinated with his poster appears on the web page Designing Conference Posters (colinpurrington.com/tips/poster-design), which presents extensive advice on preparing and presenting posters; scroll down patiently to find this photo, for this web page is extensive, even containing templates for poster design. Another source of extensive advice on posters is the book Better Posters (Faulkes 2021), which includes many visuals and has an informal, sometimes irreverent style.

As noted, consider having handouts available that present your work in more detail; remember to include your contact information. Also consider having, or providing access to, printouts of your poster and copies of papers describing related research you have done. If you run out of handout materials or wish to share materials that you did not bring, obtain email addresses and send the materials as attachments. Perhaps have business cards available too. And if, for example, you are seeking a postdoctoral fellowship or a job, perhaps have copies of your curriculum vitae or résumé on hand.

In short, take advantage of the interactive opportunities of the poster session. As your professional community comes to you, present your work—and yourself—at their best.