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Unit 11: Oral Communication - Poster presentations

Poster text

Double-space all text, using left-justification; jagged right sides are easiest to read. The text should be large enough to be read easily from at least 2 metres away.

  • Section headings (Introduction, Methods, and so on): use bold, 36 point.
  • Supporting text (Introductory text, figure captions, and so on): use 24 point (bold, if appropriate).
  • If you must include narrative details, keep them brief. They should be no smaller than 18 point in size, and printed in plain text. You might consider using a larger size (36 pt) for the Conclusion text, and a smaller size (18 pt) for Methods text. Try to fit blocks of text onto a single page: This simplifies cutting and pasting when you assemble the poster.
  • For the same reason, consider using 11 x 14 inch paper in landscape mode when printing text blocks on laser printers.

Be consistent. Choose one font and use it throughout the poster. Add emphasis by using bold, underlining, or colour; italics are difficult to read.

Illustrations

Since a poster is a visual presentation its success depends on how clear the illustrations and tables are.

  • Use diagrams, flow charts, arrows, and other strategies to direct the viewer. Do not just use text.
  • The graphics should be self-explanatory and make up most of the project.
  • Text materials should add to the graphic materials.
  • Use empty space between text to separate and stress your ideas.
  • Graphic materials should be seen easily from a distance of 1.5 metres.
  • Use two or three colours.

Still confused? Visit your Learning Development Centre to discuss your ideas.

Creative Commons License
SMILE - Oral communication - Poster presentations by EBE Learning Development Centre, modified by Marion Kelt, Glasgow Caledonian University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/ebe/ldc/supportforstudents/academicstudiessupport/speakingandpresentations/