1	"Tom Lang MA" Tom Lang MA Tom Lang Communications
2	Functions of a Scientific Poster • To disseminate scientific information by highlighting a research study Journal articles document research studies; posters announce them
3	Functions of a Scientific Poster • To summarize a scientific study Details should be presented in a handout or in conversation.
4	Functions of a Scientific Poster • To promote the investigators and their institution The quality of the poster reflects on you, your research, and your institution
5	Human Factors in Poster Viewing • Within 3 seconds readers decide whether to read the poster • Within 30 seconds they either grasp the message or move on • After 90 seconds most have moved on
6	Human Factors in Poster Viewing • Most posters are read from about 4 feet away • Text is most easily read between waist-level and 1 foot above eye level • The title should be legible from at least 15 feet
7	Writing the Text GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS • Start early! Most errors are from last-minute efforts • Follow the sponsor’s Instructions for Presenters • Think of the poster as a structured abstract, not as a journal article
8	Writing the Text GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS • Give major points and few details • Prefer figures to words; posters are more visual than textual and are viewed, not read
9	Writing the Text GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Proofread, proofread, proofread! Or it will be wrong with YUOR NAME on it!
10	Writing the Text TITLE • Most important part of the poster: often the only part read • Shorter is better! • Consider having fun with it—but consider possible reactions
11	Writing the Text CREDITS • Researchers’ names, highest degree, and institutional affiliation • Criteria for authorship used by journals apply to posters • Funding source, if applicable
12	Writing the Text HEADINGS Include at least: Background: define the nature and importance of the problem; state the specific research question; identify populations, settings, and circumstances
13	Writing the Text HEADINGS Methods: briefly describe the methods and strategies used to address the problem; give measurements and endpoints; describe controls for error, confounding, and bias
14	Writing the Text HEADINGS Results: report the primary outcomes of the study; prefer figures to tables or text; keep details to a minimum
15	Writing the Text HEADINGS Conclusions: list the conclusions and state the implications of the study; do not repeat the results
16	Writing the Text è An abstract is unnecessary; the poster is an abstract è A discussion section is often unnecessary; readers won’t read it è A reference list is rarely necessary; readers won’t remember the details
17	Writing the Text ILLUSTRATIONS • Have charts, graphs, illustrations, and photographs prepared by a professional • Use color if permitted and when possible, but use it wisely!
18	Writing the Text OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • If the details of a discussion or the references are necessary, include them in a handout, along with an abstract and your contact information
19	Designing the Layout GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS • Think of the poster as a billboard, not a printed page • Prefer illustrations to text • NEVER post manuscript pages! • Everything on a poster must be large— except the number of words!
20	Designing the Layout TEXT • Keep text to a minimum • Use short, indented paragraphs separated by spaces • Use ragged-right (unjustified) columns
21	Designing the Layout TEXT • Use lines no longer than two alphabets (52 characters of the typeface used). • Use bulleted lists when possible.
22	Designing the Layout TYPE • Use sans serif (Arial), not serif, fonts (Times New Roman) • Type size can be varied to fit different amounts of text
23	Designing the Layout TYPE • Title: use at least 72-point type (1-inch high letters) • Headings: use at least 48-point type • Body copy: use 36-point type (1/2- inch high letters) if possible.
24	Designing the Layout TYPE • Never use anything less than 18-point type. • Use boldface type to add emphasis and visual texture.
25	Designing the Layout ILLUSTRATIONS • Use at least one image! • Use dramatic or appealing images to attract attention . . .
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27	Designing the Layout ILLUSTRATIONS • Even topics with no visual aspects can be accompanied by otherwise unrelated images and tied to the text with a good caption: be creative. . .
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29	Designing the Layout • Make sure the smallest image is visible from 4 feet • Captions should identify the data in the figure • Avoid “horse captions” (labeling a photo of a horse as a photo of a horse . . .)
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31	Designing the Layout ILLUSTRATIONS • Have all figures prepared by a graphic artist • Use color to improve the clarity of the message
32	Designing the Layout OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • If the poster must be numbered, leave space in the designated area • The progression from panel to panel should be clear. Panels may be numbered, connected with a string, or arranged so that the order is clear.
33	Designing the Layout OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • Consider including a rack for handouts or your business cards • Consider having a sheet for visitor’s names and addresses or an envelope to collect their business cards
34	Manufacturing the Poster • Have the poster professionally rendered • Maximum size will be specified by the sponsoring agency • Choose background and trim colors that will not conflict and will not detract from the text and visuals
35	Transporting the Poster • Stand-alone Foam core panels, carried in a portfolio case, set up on a table • A laminated sheet, carried rolled in a tube, pinned to a bulletin board
36	Transporting the Poster • A series of poster board panels, carried in a suitcase, pinned to a bulletin board (sketch the display plan in advance)
37	Setting Up the Poster • Just in case, have with you: masking tape, Scotch tape, rubber cement, scissors, matt knife, art gum eraser, white mailing labels, black felt pen, and white correcting fluid
38	Setting up the Poster • Tacks or pushpins (long ones); take lots if the poster has been rolled up for a long time • Extra copies of vulnerable segments (handouts, photographs)
39	Presenting the Poster • Wear your nametag • Stand next to—not in front of—your poster • Be prepared to answer questions • Attend to interested readers, not to friends or other presenters
40	Presenting the Poster • It’s ok to stand quietly while people read and then move on without comment • Ask questions to encourage discussion, but avoid arguments
41	Presenting the Poster • Remove your poster promptly after the meeting. Leave no trace of your presence!
42	Guide to Type Sizes 72 points = 1 inch; type size is the height of the font's lower-case “x:” BxT
43	Guide to Type Sizes 120-point Good for titles
44	Guide to Type Sizes 96-point Good for credits
45	Guide to Type Sizes 72-point Minimum size for titles
46	Guide to Type Sizes 48-point Minimum size for headings
47	Guide to Type Sizes 36-point Best size for body copy
48	Guide to Type Sizes 24-point Ok for body copy, but . . .
49	Guide to Type Sizes 18-point Only if you’re really desperate.
50	Guide to Type Sizes 14-point Don’t even think about it.
51	Guide to Type Sizes 12-point You’ve got to be kidding.
52	Guide to Type Sizes 10-point You have lost all touch with reality.
53	The Secret to Good Communication Have something to say. Say it. Stop!