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Poster Presentation

Poster Presentation

Poster presentations provide visual representation of a student’s scholarship. It should offer a snapshot of the research by using text, photographs, artwork, or any other visuals warranted. The posters can be positioned in any orientation (i.e., vertical or horizontal) but should not exceed 32” x 40”. Students are allowed to organize their poster as they deem appropriate as long as it fits within the space provided at the Forum (i.e. students can either make one large poster, or numerous smaller posters). During the period that the poster is being presented the student researcher is required to stand near his or her poster for the allotted time to answer questions posed by judges and colleagues.

Students who choose to display his or her work through a poster presentation will convene in the Ballroom of the Union the day of the event. Because the room is often quite crowded and there are many posters competing for attention, it is important to create an eye-catching, informative poster. A 32” x 40” foam-core board and binder clips will be provided for students to hang their posters. Only one poster per submission is allowed.

To get started on your presentation:

  1. Review and consider the requirements for UURAF poster presentations as stated above.
  2. Sketch it Out! Consider the information that you want to present to the audience. A typical presentation consists of a title and author(s) across the top,
    Poster Example
    introduction and research questions/purpose statement in the upper left corner, conclusions and implications in the lower right corner, and methodology and results fill the remaining space. Please see the example of a poster format to the right. If appropriate, include references at the end of the poster. Your faculty mentor is a great resource as you begin to prepare.
  3. Gather the information you want to present on your poster and start generating a rough draft. The poster should not require a verbal explanation to communicate your information. Most posters are created in Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe InDesign.
  4. Once you have finalized the content on the poster, focus on making it aesthetically pleasing. Remember you want it to look professional and communicate the main focus of your research.
  5. Edit.
  6. Take it to the printer!
  7. While there are many ways to prepare for your poster presentation, one option is to create a single, large poster. The MSU Main Library and FedExKinkos on Michigan Avenue adjacent to campus are the two locations on or near campus with the lowest rates and most convenient hours.

Helpful Hints:

  • Keep empty space. Do not put so much information on the poster that it is overwhelming and difficult to read.
  • Text and graphic materials should be easily readable from a minimum distance of 6 feet. The title should be readable from 15-20 feet away.
  • The text should be written in active voice.
  • Use abbreviations where possible.
  • Use short, succinct statements and bullets to illustrate discrete points.
  • Use graphics or images to communicate your message.
  • Use font size to emphasize important information. For example, your title should have the largest font; section headings should have medium size font, etc.
  • Use 2 – 3 colors for emphasis purposes only.
  • Have someone else look at your poster for errors. Consider going to the writing center for tips and advice.
  • Practice verbally discussing the content of your poster.