Designing the poster

Use a brief title : a sub-title can help describe what the poster is about
The title needs to accurately reflect the content of the poster. Be creative and capture viewer's imaginations! A TITLE ALL IN CAPITAL CASE IS DIFFICULT TO READ. A Title Using Title Case or A title using sentence case will be easier to read.

A great poster catches your eye, and is:

• clear and simple
• easy to read
• organised with a logical flow
• relevant to viewers in its content
• taking advantage of the visual medium
• providing viewers with 1 or 2 main messages.

Sub-headings should be descriptive
Headings are navigational tools: they help viewers to scan and identify what each section of the poster is about.

Use succinct text in ‘bite size chunks'
Keep all text (headings and body text) to a minimum. Posters are often viewed during conference breaks or during busy sessions so viewers don't have much time to read a lot. ‘Chunk' text into digestible-bites using small paragraphs, bullet lists, or text boxes. Bullet lists do not always need the 'ands' and 'thes'.

Graphics convey your message quickly
Posters are a visual medium and should include graphics. Graphics not only catch people's eye and draw viewers in for a closer look... they are understood more quickly than text so are valuable tools for communicating of your main messages. Use photos, cartoons, figures, tables, diagrams. Label them if necessary.

Colour also helps viewers quickly understand
For example, colour can be used for emphasis:

Compulsory content

• author's name/s
• author's organisation/s
• organisation's logo/s
• contact details (website, email, phone, postal)
• poster publication date.

Focus on 1 or 2 main messages and do NOT overcrowd the poster
Keep it simple. What are the main messages you want to convey? A poster is not the medium to convey everything about your project or program. Prepare handouts to accompany the poster that can include more information.

Font size ? Bigger is best !
Ensure fonts are large and easy to read. The words need to be legible from 1.5 metres away. Recommended sizes: Title: 72 pt; Headings: 48-60 pt; Body text: 24-48 pt. Sans-serif fonts (without the bits on the ends) are clearer to read from a distance. Can you still read the text if you are reproducing the poster on an A4 handout?

Presenting the poster

Some conferences include précis-presentation sessions where poster authors talk about their poster to delegates for 3-5 minutes.

Before you get there

• find out who the audience will be: what will they already know, what new information will they be interested in?
• clarify your purpose: to inform, inspire, persuade, or...?
• practice: time yourself, record it on tape and listen to yourself
• rehearse in front of colleagues and ask for constructive feedback
• check with conference organisers: how/where your poster will be hung/displayed, poster size guidelines and handout guidelines
• prepare handouts.

Take with you

• materials to hang your poster (if required): pins, velcro dots, tape
• your handouts
• a plastic sleeve to hang your handouts up with your poster
• business cards to hand out
• an electronic copy of the poster (some conferences display the winning poster on a screen).

During the presentation

• do not stand in front of the poster and block it from the audience
• make eye contact with audience members and speak clearly
• use plain language and avoid using jargon
• state why the research/project is important and relevant to the audience
• don't read directly from the poster: talk about your work and bring it to life
• you may wish to point to a key point on the poster, for people to peruse later
• SMILE! Relax (breathe!) and enjoy sharing your knowledge.