Postgraduates & Researchers: Poster Presentation Skills

As part of your degree or when participating in a conference, you may be asked to create and present a poster on your research. This guide aims to explain some general aspects of posters and signpost you to further sources of information and support. However, if you are creating a poster as part of your degree, you should check your programme's Moodle site and assessment guidelines for degree-related requirements. Conferences will also have their own poster guidelines, which you should check carefully. Your tutor may also have examples of well-designed posters from your discipline.

What is a poster?

An academic poster is a visual guide to your research, designed to share key findings and spark discussion with your audience.

Why are they a useful way to share research?

Posters are often used in conferences, seminars or exhibitions as a means of sharing research projects. They can help researchers connect with others, refine their ideas, and improve their communication skills.

What do I need to consider when creating a poster?

The most important thing to remember when designing your poster is clarity. Rather than trying to include all the details of your research, focus on the core messages or on one aspect of your research that relates to the conference type or assessment brief. Mention at what stage of the research process you are at, as this helps to pre-empt the question.

The design of your poster is also important. You need to ensure that your poster is easy to read even from a distance by leaving visual space and ensuring the text is large enough, that the information is structured in a logical order (subheadings can help with this) and that it is visually appealing.

Adding a touch of creativity will attract an audience, so consider the use of colour and the inclusion of images to make your poster stand out. 

You should also consider your audience. If the poster is intended for non-specialists you will need to explain the context and content of your research clearly, and ensure you remove any unnecessary jargon.

• Practice summarizing your research clearly, anticipate potential questions, and prepare responses to reduce nerves.
• Be prepared to welcome critiques about your research processes and acknowledge feedback that might help inform your work. 
• It is normal to feel nervous before a poster presentation. Remember that this is your research and your opportunity to share it and try to enjoy it! Postgraduate study can sometime feel isolating but presenting your work can help generate useful conversations and lead to new associations.
• Make the most of the hard work you have put into creating your poster. Remember to share images of your poster on social media and add details of your poster presentation to your CV.

Appeal

 Would you stop to look at this poster at a poster session?

Is the title short and attention grabbing?

Is the subject matter clear?

Is the layout visually appealing and does it guide the audience?

Is the poster well organised?

Message

Is the poster easy to scan-read?

Is the information and purpose immediately apparent?

Would you read the text on this poster?

Have you considered your audience requirements?

Is the title clear and informative?

Are the aims and conclusions clear?

Poster presentations

Is the subject matter clear and concise (text short, content rich)?

Is there a logical flow to the information?

Can you find relevant information easily?

Is the text readable (linguistic difficulty / does it have too much jargon)?

Is the text legible (font, size, colour and spacing)?

Is there too much/little data?

Does the title bar include the authors’ names, and the University identifier?

Visuals

Are the key graphics large enough to be seen from 3 meters away?

Are the graphics attractive, relevant and appropriate?

Is there adequate clear space?

Are sections clearly defined?

Have items been aligned?

Have you considered: number of graphics, use of colour, font size and type