Poster Presentation Ideas for Young Researchers

For any researcher, getting an opportunity to present their research at a prestigious conference is an opportunity that they look forward to all their lives. Give yourself a pat on your back if you have already been part of a poster presentation opportunity in recent times. Now, if you are a young researcher who is soon going to be presenting at a poster session for the first time, you might want to sit down for this one. 

Showcasing your research poster at a conference is a great way to connect with your peers or seniors and open doors for future collaborations. This is the reason knowing how to conduct your poster presentation is essential. An effective presentation allows you to highlight your research findings and shows your ability to think critically. 

We have discussed some valuable ideas to present your poster at conferences with confidence. 

Determine the Purpose of Presenting Your Poster

Depending on the nature and status of your work that you’re going to present, the purpose may vary. Some posters are prepared to be used multiple times in different conferences. Then there are other posters that are presented once at a conference and then find a permanent place in the laboratory. 

Before you begin the preparations, ask yourself these questions: What you want the audience to do while passing by your poster? Engage in a discussion about the content? Want to collaborate? You need to present your poster accordingly. 

Start a Conversation

We know it’s easier said than done, but starting a conversation works in favor of your poster presentation. Once you see someone showing interest in your poster, allow them a little time to read your title and get some idea. Ask them whether they’d like you to run them through your poster. Treat it like a window shopping experience, giving them time to decide whether they want to learn more about your research. 

A person’s body language is another great indicator to understand if someone is interested in your poster. For instance, if someone walks around your poster with a conference booklet opened to your conference abstract, it’s safe to assume they want to learn more. If they pass by and barely pause at your poster, then that’s not your audience. 

To encourage interaction and continue a fulfilling discussion, don’t forget to ask open-ended questions like: 

• • What are your thoughts on this approach? 
  • Have you come across similar challenges in your own work? 
  • Listen to their ideas carefully and show genuine interest while doing so. 

Fight for the Audience’s Attention

Sounds a little aggressive, but just think about it for a second. Some conferences have hundreds of posters on display, so you must find a way to catch the attention of attendees. The first impressions of attendees matter when looking at your presentation and hearing you present it. And the truth is, you must know how to sell your work. 

Start with a decisive question and then move on to address that decisive question. As you continue to explain, make sure you’re addressing the topic in a concise manner. 

Your Poster’s Title Matters a Lot

The title helps you hold the attention of your audience quicker than your poster itself. That’s the first thing that conference attendees notice before they reach out to take a closer look. 

The title should compel the audience to know more about your research. Decide on a title that shows the scope of the research, hints at a new finding or raises a decisive question. Additionally, the title needs to be short and coherent for most of the attendees. Treat the title of your research poster like a newspaper headline. 

Prepare for Questions 

The people looking at your poster will most likely have questions about your presentation. To answer these questions, you need to brainstorm the possible questions you may get asked and practice answering them. If you are presenting your poster in a professional setup with researchers and experts from the specific discipline, expect more technical questions. Some basic questions you may get asked are:

• • What intrigued you about this topic? 
  • Why was this method/theory the most suitable for your research project? 
  • What was the most challenging part of this research? 

Regardless of the questions that come your way, make sure to pause and think before starting to answer them. Your response should come across as focused and appropriate for the audience. 

Poster sessions offer a scope to engage in a dialogue about your research work. Highlighting research findings is one of the main advantages of organizing poster presentations. 

Utilize Storytelling for Your Presentation 

Studies have shown that people often remember information that is shared with them in the form of a story. Stories often engage the parts of the brain that help with establishing emotional connections. This, in turn, helps with memory retention. 

Stories help maintain a logical flow to your presentation, which makes it easier for your audience to understand your research better. Combining facts and figures with storytelling means your audience is going to remember what you tried to convey long after the presentation is over. 

Never Confuse Acceptance with Endorsement

The acceptance of our poster doesn’t automatically mean your work is successful. Conferences need to accept posters to ensure their financial sustainability. Many attendees cannot justify attending a conference unless they are presenting for financial reasons. The speaking slots are usually limited compared to the number of attendees. 

Poster sessions solve this problem as it allows many people to present their research at once. 

Use Proper Formatting and Layout For Your Poster

As a presenter, your objective is always to guide your readers through your poster and make it easy for them understand. This is where formatting and layout gain importance. 

Use arrows or numbering to get the audience to move from one logical step to the next. Take inspiration for appropriate layouts from other posters you may have come across during your research. Another useful tip, never use less than 24-point font and ensure the main points of your poster can be seen at eye level. 

Share Contact Details Clearly

Include your contact details and a picture of yourself to help people identify and follow up with you afterwards. Additionally, including your university email ID and LinkedIn profile link is a great way to build a strong network. Consider printing out A4-sized mini posters to hand out at the conference. This is specifically effective in case of larger academic events, where not everyone will have time to stand and take a closer look at your poster. 

Wrapping Up

Presenting a poster at a conference isn’t just about discussing your research findings. It involves significant presentation, communication and an impactful design to garner the right kind of attention from your audience.  

Poster presentations are most effective when they are structured, clear,  and interactive. Additionally, it helps to maintain a welcoming body language and communicate your ideas and findings confidently. Following the strategies outlined above ensures a fulfilling poster presentation. 

Conferences today employ event management software like Dryfta that helps host engaging poster sessions, both in-person and virtually. Our all-in-one event platform provides a host of features that enhance the overall conference experience for presenters and attendees alike. Get a sneak peek into what Dryfta has to offer for your events by opting for a free demo of our services.