Giving an Effective Poster Presentation

Summary

In this informative video, George Hess offers essential tips for presenting a poster at academic conferences. He advises against reading directly from the poster, emphasizing the importance of using it as a visual aid and engaging with viewers. Hess also stresses the need to be prepared with a concise presentation and to have supplementary materials on hand for detailed inquiries. He provides guidance on handling common situations, such as answering questions beyond the scope of the research or directing viewers to contact information for follow-up. The video underscores the importance of prioritizing viewer interactions and maintaining a professional demeanor during poster sessions.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Don't read your poster word-for-word; use it as a visual tool to guide the conversation.
• 🤝 Engage with your audience by pointing to graphs, maps, and other graphics on your poster.
• 📈 Be prepared to answer questions about your poster and have a brief presentation ready in your mind.
• 📑 It's acceptable to bring supplemental material to support your answers if needed.
• 📊 Use your poster to highlight key findings and data, but don't overcrowd it with information.
• 💡 When asked a question you can't answer, offer to follow up after the session or suggest future research.
• 👥 Prioritize your audience over socializing or other activities during the poster session.
• 📝 Have a business card or contact information ready to share with interested viewers.
• 🤔 If a question is beyond the scope of your research, admit it and discuss potential avenues for further exploration.
• 🏆 Remember that poster sessions are interactive and social, but always keep your audience as the top priority.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a poster session?

A poster session is a social and interactive event where participants present their research visually through a poster and engage in discussions with viewers.

Why should you not read your poster during a presentation?

Reading your poster can make the presentation less engaging. Instead, you should use the visual elements of the poster to guide the conversation in a less formal manner.

What is the importance of being prepared at a poster session?

Being prepared ensures that you can confidently answer questions about your research and effectively communicate your findings to viewers.

How should you interact with your poster during the presentation?

You should use your poster as a visual tool, pointing to graphs, maps, and other graphics to guide the conversation and maintain viewer engagement.

What is the significance of having a two to three-minute presentation prepared?

Having a short presentation ready allows you to quickly and effectively summarize your research when asked, which is especially useful for questions like 'What was your poster about?' or 'What were the results?'

Why is it beneficial to have handouts or supplemental material available?

Handouts and supplemental material provide additional information that supports your main points and can be referred to when answering detailed questions that may not be fully covered on the poster.

What should you do if you don't know the answer to a question about your research?

If you don't know the answer, it's acceptable to tell the viewer that you will get back to them after the session or suggest future research that could address the question.

How should you handle questions that are beyond the scope of your research?

For questions beyond the scope of your research, it's best to admit your limitations and possibly discuss potential research directions or collaborations to address the question.

Why is it crucial to prioritize viewer interactions during a poster session?

Prioritizing viewer interactions ensures that you are available to answer questions and engage with potential collaborators, judges, or grant providers, which can be vital for your research's future.

What is the role of the title in your poster presentation?

The title should succinctly convey the essence of your research and grab the viewer's attention, setting the stage for the discussion.

How can you make your poster presentation more engaging?

To make your presentation more engaging, speak informally, maintain eye contact, and use interactive elements like pointing at graphs and asking viewers questions.