Posters for Presentation:an overview

Using PowerPointPresentation Software

To Create a Poster

Instructor: Gerald Natal, MLISgerald.natal@utoledo.edu

419.383.4227 Rev. 10/13

Objectives

• List the basic guidelines to follow when creating a poster with PPT

• List the basic elements of a structured abstract

• Demonstrate use of PowerPoint software for creating posters

• Provide a list of resources to aid in poster creation

Types of Presentations

•Verbal (papers, grand rounds)

•Print (posters)

Why a Poster?

Can be viewed in an informal atmosphere

Allows for colleagues to have discourse at conferences/meetings

Audience can contemplate information at their own pace

Efficiency of communication

Take up little space/no technology needed

Poster should:

Contain major elements of study/paper

Summarize and Illustrate

Use key words and phrases

Contain tables, graphs and photos

Poster size – 4’ x 4’ to 4’ x 8’

Fonts – visible 15-25 feet away

Title – 25 feet or 72 point (2”)

Headings – 36 point (1”)

Text – 4-6 feet or 20-24 point

Layout:

Keep it simple…

Use simple fonts like Ariel, Tahoma, Helvetica, Times New Roman

Use all caps and italics only when required

More than 20 continuous lines too much

Use bulleted lists

Be careful with

color…

Red BlueBlue Blue

Title: short and simple with authors and institutional affiliations

Flow from left to right: intro upper left, conclusion bottom right

Use a scaled template

Balance visual, oral, and written elements…

Tables, Graphs & Charts

Table: for making exact comparisons of specific data (e.g. numerical)

Bar chart: dramatic comparison (size, magnitude, amounts)

Pie chart: percentages (best when limited number of slices)

Line graph: movement, change, trends

Tips and tricks…

Make text more readable: change spacing of letters/paragraphs/textboxes

Cut and paste or manually enter data into Excel to create charts/graphs

Cut and paste graphics into the poster template (Google, Access Medicine)

Working with images:

Image resolution at least 150 – 200 dpi 3’ x 5’ @ 150 dpi = 450 x 750 image

Vector (lossless) vs. bitmap (lossy) Images from the Internet:

remember copyright and dpi! Go to View/Toolbars/Picture to

access crop tool

Tips and tricks…

Copy and paste UT Logo:

http://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/lec/logos/index.html

Cropping Graphics…

Crop in PowerPoint by clicking on picture to get to Picture Tools/Format Tab/Crop

Capture images from computer screen with the PrtScn/SysRq button on the keyboard

Snapshot Tool in Adobe Reader Jing

Available PowerPoint poster templates:http://www.makesigns.com/SciPosters_Templates.aspx

Utilize the structured abstract (IMRAD) in poster layout

Be visually appealing…

Standard used by many journals Often required for poster

presentations SocINDEX Example:

“Characteristics of Emergency Department Visits by Older Versus Younger Homeless Adults in the United States.” Accession # 89864858

Structured Abstract

Introduction (Objective) Methods

Design, Setting, Patients/Participants, Interventions, Main outcome measurement

Results Discussion

IMRAD

How do I print my poster?

Check for graphics or marketing department at your institution

Kinkos NewFax

Handouts at the Session

Business cards Abstract of poster Condensed version of

poster List of references Table or figure

QR

CODE

Additional Resources

Designing conference posters (Colin Purrington):http://colinpurrington.com/tips/academic/posterdesign

Questions/Comments?

References:

Portney, L. & Watkins, M. (2009). Foundations of clinical research. New Jersey : Prentice Hall. W20.5 P853F 2009

Davis, M. (2005). Scientific papers and presentations. San Diego : Academic Press.WZ345 D261s 2005