How to Create a Poster Presentation

Although many poster sessions only involve informal oral presentation and conversation with your viewers, some sessions or class assignments may involve a more formal presentation to an audience. Be sure you know which you need to prepare, although some tips for preparing a regular talk will also be useful for an informal presentation.

Preparing for an informal poster presentation:

• allow plenty of preparation and rehearsal time
• identify the main points you want your viewers to take away
• prepare a brief (1-2 min.) standard talk that explains your poster and the take-away message
• anticipate questions and prepare answers
• understand the background behind your work, the methodology, how calculations were made, etc.
• rehearse your presentation

During the poster session:

• stand by your poster, but avoid blocking a view of it
• be ready to engage with interested viewers; don't get lost in other activities
• speak to passers-by, but don't corral them into spending time
• ask an introductory question to gauge how much interest or background the viewer has in your subject
• don't monopolize viewers' time going into details when they really want the big picture
• don't allow one viewer to monopolize your time and exclude other interested viewers

The following articles provide insight into the experience of presenting a poster, including reactions from undergraduates who just presented at a national conference.

• Surviving Your First ACS Undergraduate Poster Experience

  Practical tips on what to expect and do during a poster session.

• Voices of Experience

  Reactions from four students after presenting at their first poster session.