Research poster presentations are a common way for students to share their findings and knowledge with peers and faculty members. Whether you are presenting at a conference, a poster session, or a class project, it's essential to be well-prepared to make the most of this opportunity. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how students can prepare for their first research poster presentation.
1. Plan ahead
Work with your mentor! Start your preparation well in advance. Procrastination can lead to stress and a rushed presentation. Here's a suggested timeline:
- Months before: Determine the presentation date and guidelines. Choose your research topic and gather data.
- Weeks before: Create an outline and design your poster. Begin drafting content and figures.
- Days before: Finalize your poster and practice your presentation.
Description of the video:
SPEAKER: Like one of the important things is working with your mentors and having them double check your work. Going through and reading a lot of different studies also helped me to get some background in the area of research. I'm relatively new to this area of research, so I didn't have a lot of information.
So just looking at various studies, maybe-- even if they're not directly related to what you're looking at just helps you develop some of that background knowledge necessary for the research. And then, like I said, working with your mentor really helps a lot.
2. Design a clear and engaging poster
Layout and Format
- CRL provides a poster template.
- Email ugrindy@iu.edu for poster design advice.
Content
- Divide your poster into sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.
- Include visuals like charts, graphs, images, and diagrams to illustrate your points.
- Write concise text with bullet points or short paragraphs. Avoid dense blocks of text.
3. Craft a strong headline and abstract
Your poster's headline and abstract are the first things viewers will see. Make them attention-grabbing and informative. The headline should summarize your research, while the abstract should provide a brief overview of your study's objectives, methods, and findings.
4. Practice your presentation
Practice is key to a successful presentation. Here's how to go about it:
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Know your content well enough to discuss it without reading directly from the poster.
Description of the video:
SPEAKER: I would say, first start by practicing in your bedroom. If you're uncomfortable just reading it when nobody's around, how are you going to read it in front of other people. If you can go to your labmates and have them ask questions, if you can go to other people that are just on campus, maybe studying for a class, and say, hey, I have this presentation, could I practice with you? Odds are they won't be that busy, they'll be able to help you out.
Just practice, practice, practice. You'll still be surprised by some of the questions people ask, but you'll definitely be more comfortable just talking in front of other people.
5. Prepare for questions
Be ready to answer questions about your research. Understand your methodology, results, and the broader implications of your study. If you don't know the answer to a question, it's okay to admit it and offer to follow up with more information later.
Description of the video:
SPEAKER: The hardest part about presenting research is probably knowing exactly what questions to expect. So you never know what somebody's background is and how they're going to interact with your poster. So someone with a strong background in materials science is going to come up and have very distinct material science questions, and other people who have a background in the humanities are just going to be interested in the fact that this is something entirely different and new. So in order to get past that, what I like to do is engage in a conversation, find out the background of the person asking the questions so that how to tailor your answers to best explain your poster.
6. First impressions matter
Your audience will form an initial impression within the first few moments of your presentation. An engaging elevator pitch can captivate them and encourage them to explore your poster further.
- Clarity is key: Research can be complex, and not everyone in your audience will be experts in your field. An elevator pitch helps you communicate your research in a clear and understandable manner.
- Time-efficient: In a busy conference or event, attendees may have limited time to visit each poster. An elevator pitch allows you to make the most of those fleeting moments.
Description of the video:
SPEAKER: Yeah, so I think that some of the major challenges of putting together a poster and presenting it concern figuring out what is going to be the most salient, and what you want people to take away from your poster. And then figuring out how to make that an overarching theme throughout your entire poster, so that if someone comes by, and they're just going to listen for a few seconds, what can you really have as your primary driving take-home points, what can you have folks remember, after they leave here today.
7. Dress and act professionally
Dress appropriately for the occasion. Business casual attire is usually a safe choice. Maintain eye contact, be polite, and engage with viewers who show interest in your poster. Networking is a valuable part of the experience.
8. Bring necessary supplies
Don't forget to pack essential items for the presentation, including:
- Your printed poster
- A notebook and pen for jotting down feedback and contacts
- Handouts or additional materials if needed
9. Seek feedback
Before the actual presentation, share your poster with peers, advisors, or mentors for feedback. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
10. Stay calm and confident
On the day of the presentation, try to relax and stay confident. Remember that you are the expert on your research, and you have valuable knowledge to share. Take deep breaths, stay positive, and enjoy the experience.
In conclusion, preparing for your first research poster presentation can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these steps and planning, you can create a compelling poster, deliver a confident presentation, and make a lasting impression on your audience. Good luck with your presentation!