Presentation and Poster Resources
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What Students say...
I have learned how to prepare and present for poster sessions and have even learned to overcome my previous fear of public speaking (well a little bit!) at the two paper sessions I have presented at.
- Sarah Wittg Galgano - ICRU Fellow - Sociology and Pscyhology Major
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General information about posters for ICRU research events:
- Poster size – Horizontal - generally 4 feet wide X 3 feet tall
- Should include your name (with additional authors, mentors, etc, research department area(s), and institution.
- ICRU will provide tacks, etc to attach posters.
- ICRU will provide numbers for each poster (these correspond to the numbers in the program)
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A Good Poster Will:
- Summarize your work
- Convey a message visually
- Be readable from about 4 feet away
- Be clearly organized
Poster Design Tips:
- Use large text (your text should be at least 18-24 pt)
- Do not use more than 2-3 font styles total
- Use fonts that are easy to read
- Avoid too much text (no more than 800 words max)
- Organize your content with columns, sections, headings, and blocks of text
- Choose a title that illustrates what your poster is about. Your title should be at least twice the size of your regular text.
- Choose colors carefully and pay attention to contrast. If in doubt, dark print on light background is best.
- Selectively incorporate charts, graphs, photographs, and other graphics that support the theme of your poster
- Avoid fuzzy images; make sure all graphics are high-resolution and easily visible
- Edit your poster carefully before the final print-out
- After you've created your poster - before you print it - proof it! This is a good basic checklist.
Templates
Examples
- University of Texas Poster Samples for the sciences, social sciences, and humanities
- Flickr Poster Sessions Group
- PhD Poster Gallery
Poster Preparation Resources
- College of Medicine Poster Resource
- Advice on Designing Scientific Posters from Swarthmore College
- Academic Posters from Edinburgh Napier University
- The Basics of Poster Design from the Washington Space Grant Consortium
- Creating Effective Posters from North Carolina State University
- Creating a Poster in Adobe Illustrator (PDF) from Penn State University
- How to Make an Effective Poster by David Shelledy
- Preparing a Poster Presentation from Northeastern University via the WebGuru
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Where do I print my poster?
- Many students ask where to print their posters. Here are some resources. Contact your mentor and/or department to discuss printing options and costs. ICRU is unable to sponsor funding for printing posters.
- Remember that size matters for pricing. A 3’ x 4’ poster = 12 sq ft.
- UI Printing and Mailing Services
- Check here for poster pricing
- They accept University IDs, cash, checks, UI requisitions, and “m-numbers” (standing accounts) as payment.
- Design Center in the Department of Internal Medicine at the UIHC is also able to provide poster printing for students (as well as faculty and staff).
- $7.00/sq ft for color
- Glossy paper (usually does not need lamination) or Matte finish
- They accept cash, check and University MFK accounts as payment. Poster files can be emailed or brought directly to their office on a memory stick or CD. Formatting is charged by the hour.
- approx. 24-48 hour turnaround time
- Copy Works (Coralville)
- (319) 338-5050
- $4.95/sq ft for color
- Lamination is $2.00/linear ft
- approx. 24 hour turnaround time
- (319) 351-3500
- $ 7.50/sq ft. for color
- $ 0.45/sq ft for black and white (not recommended)
- Lamination is $1.00/sq ft and $2.00 trimming fee
- approx. 48 hour turnaround time
- (319) 338-5050
- The following offices have printers and can print them if you are in their department only. Departments would need to provide an MFK Number to the Primary Investigator and prior approval is needed. They do not take cash. Prices may vary - Rough Draft paper $20-$30 Glossy Paper $50.00+
- Microbiology
Anatomy and Cell Biology
Bio Chemistry
Pharmacology
Psychology
Geography - Check with your home department for printing availability.
- Microbiology
What do I wear?
- Professional Attire and Grooming
- Appropriate but Comfortable Shoes
What To Bring to the Event?
- Poster
- Optional
- Copies of your completed paper (or anything else that will help with your presentation)
- Resume
- Bring a pen to write down any contacts, good questions, etc.
What is the schedule for the event?
- Each research conference is different. Check the schedule to find out more information.
What do I do/How do I talk about my research?
- Stand by your poster to answer questions/talk about your research.
- Having fun is the most important objective for the day
- Your poster is a vehicle for conversation.
- Minimize the writing and maximize the visual impact on your poster - make it interesting. Have ONE basic sentence to explain your project.
- Try to engage the viewer – Ask them questions too. This is a conversation!
- People will probably know very little about your topic. Take an elementary approach at first. Then beef it up if they want to know more!
- Steer away from words/jargon that are too “Profession specific.” Technical terms sound good, but may lose the viewer. Find a way to relate your project to the person you are talking too. Smile, Relax, Enjoy
- If appropriate, connect with the viewer by asking for a business card, etc.
What did I forget to ask?
- Add this to your resume!
- Talk about this experience in your Interview conversations
- Ask for Business cards of people that you would like to contact again!
- Send thank you notes! (Thank you notes are a nice touch, especially to your mentor, and anyone who you had a good conversation with – don’t forget this is networking too!)