Home Blog Design How to Design a Winning Poster Presentation: Quick Guide with Examples & Templates

How to Design a Winning Poster Presentation: Quick Guide with Examples & Templates

Cover for how to design a poster presentation

How are research posters like High School science fair projects? Quite similar, in fact.

Both are visual representations of a research project shared with peers, colleagues and academic faculty. But there’s a big difference: it’s all in professionalism and attention to detail. You can be sure that the students that thrived in science fairs are now creating fantastic research posters, but what is that extra element most people miss when designing a poster presentation?

This guide will teach tips and tricks for creating poster presentations for conferences, symposia, and more. Learn in-depth poster structure and design techniques to help create academic posters that have a lasting impact.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

  • What is a Research Poster?

Why are Poster Presentations important?

Overall dimensions and orientation, separation into columns and sections, scientific, academic, or something else, a handout with supplemental and contact information, cohesiveness, design and readability, storytelling.

  • Font Characteristics
  • Color Pairing
  • Data Visualization Dimensions
  • Alignment, Margins, and White Space

Scientific/Academic Conference Poster Presentation

Digital research poster presentations, slidemodel poster presentation templates, how to make a research poster presentation step-by-step, considerations for printing poster presentations, how to present a research poster presentation, final words, what is a research poster .

Research posters are visual overviews of the most relevant information extracted from a research paper or analysis.   They are essential communication formats for sharing findings with peers and interested people in the field. Research posters can also effectively present material for other areas besides the sciences and STEM—for example, business and law.

You’ll be creating research posters regularly as an academic researcher, scientist, or grad student. You’ll have to present them at numerous functions and events. For example:

  • Conference presentations
  • Informational events
  • Community centers

The research poster presentation is a comprehensive way to share data, information, and research results. Before the pandemic, the majority of research events were in person. During lockdown and beyond, virtual conferences and summits became the norm. Many researchers now create poster presentations that work in printed and digital formats.

Examples of research posters using SlideModel's templates

Let’s look at why it’s crucial to spend time creating poster presentations for your research projects, research, analysis, and study papers.

Summary of why are poster presentations important

Research posters represent you and your sponsor’s research 

Research papers and accompanying poster presentations are potent tools for representation and communication in your field of study. Well-performing poster presentations help scientists, researchers, and analysts grow their careers through grants and sponsorships.

When presenting a poster presentation for a sponsored research project, you’re representing the company that sponsored you. Your professionalism, demeanor, and capacity for creating impactful poster presentations call attention to other interested sponsors, spreading your impact in the field.

Research posters demonstrate expertise and growth

Presenting research posters at conferences, summits, and graduate grading events shows your expertise and knowledge in your field of study. The way your poster presentation looks and delivers, plus your performance while presenting the work, is judged by your viewers regardless of whether it’s an officially judged panel.

Recurring visitors to research conferences and symposia will see you and your poster presentations evolve. Improve your impact by creating a great poster presentation every time by paying attention to detail in the poster design and in your oral presentation. Practice your public speaking skills alongside the design techniques for even more impact.

Poster presentations create and maintain collaborations

Every time you participate in a research poster conference, you create meaningful connections with people in your field, industry or community. Not only do research posters showcase information about current data in different areas, but they also bring people together with similar interests. Countless collaboration projects between different research teams started after discussing poster details during coffee breaks.

An effective research poster template deepens your peer’s understanding of a topic by highlighting research, data, and conclusions. This information can help other researchers and analysts with their work. As a research poster presenter, you’re given the opportunity for both teaching and learning while sharing ideas with peers and colleagues.

Anatomy of a Winning Poster Presentation

Do you want your research poster to perform well?  Following the standard layout and adding a few personal touches will help attendees know how to read your poster and get the most out of your information. 

The anatomy of a winning poster

The overall size of your research poster ultimately depends on the dimensions of the provided space at the conference or research poster gallery. The poster orientation can be horizontal or vertical, with horizontal being the most common.  In general, research posters measure 48 x 36 inches or are an A0 paper size.

A virtual poster can be the same proportions as the printed research poster, but you have more leeway regarding the dimensions. Virtual research posters should fit on a screen with no need to scroll, with 1080p resolution as a standard these days. A horizontal presentation size is ideal for that.

A research poster presentation has a standard layout of 2–5 columns with 2–3 sections each. Typical structures say to separate the content into four sections; 1. A horizontal header 2. Introduction column, 3. Research/Work/Data column, and 4. Conclusion column. Each unit includes topics that relate to your poster’s objective.  Here’s a generalized outline for a poster presentation:

  • Condensed Abstract 
  • Objectives/Purpose
  • Methodology
  • Recommendations
  • Implications
  • Acknowledgments
  • Contact Information 

The overview content you include in the units depends on your poster presentations’ theme, topic, industry, or field of research. A scientific or academic poster will include sections like hypothesis, methodology, and materials. A marketing analysis poster will include performance metrics and competitor analysis results.

There’s no way a poster can hold all the information included in your research paper or analysis report. The poster is an overview that invites the audience to want to find out more. That’s where supplement material comes in. Create a printed PDF handout or card with a QR code (created using a QR code generator ). Send the audience to the best online location for reading or downloading the complete paper.

What Makes a Poster Presentation Good and Effective? 

For your poster presentation to be effective and well-received, it needs to cover all the bases and be inviting to find out more. Stick to the standard layout suggestions and give it a unique look and feel. We’ve put together some of the most critical research poster-creation tips in the list below. Your poster presentation will perform as long as you check all the boxes.

The information you choose to include in the sections of your poster presentation needs to be cohesive. Train your editing eye and do a few revisions before presenting. The best way to look at it is to think of The Big Picture. Don’t get stuck on the details; your attendees won’t always know the background behind your research topic or why it’s important.

Be cohesive in how you word the titles, the length of the sections, the highlighting of the most important data, and how your oral presentation complements the printed—or virtual—poster.

The most important characteristic of your poster presentation is its readability and clarity. You need a poster presentation with a balanced design that’s easy to read at a distance of 1.5 meters or 4 feet. The font size and spacing must be clear and neat. All the content must suggest a visual flow for the viewer to follow.

That said, you don’t need to be a designer to add something special to your poster presentation. Once you have the standard—and recognized—columns and sections, add your special touch. These can be anything from colorful boxes for the section titles to an interesting but subtle background, images that catch the eye, and charts that inspire a more extended look. 

Storytelling is a presenting technique involving writing techniques to make information flow. Firstly, storytelling helps give your poster presentation a great introduction and an impactful conclusion. 

Think of storytelling as the invitation to listen or read more, as the glue that connects sections, making them flow from one to another. Storytelling is using stories in the oral presentation, for example, what your lab partner said when you discovered something interesting. If it makes your audience smile and nod, you’ve hit the mark. Storytelling is like giving a research presentation a dose of your personality, and it can help turning your data into opening stories .

Design Tips For Creating an Effective Research Poster Presentation

The section above briefly mentioned how important design is to your poster presentation’s effectiveness. We’ll look deeper into what you need to know when designing a poster presentation.

1. Font Characteristics

The typeface and size you choose are of great importance. Not only does the text need to be readable from two meters away, but it also needs to look and sit well on the poster. Stay away from calligraphic script typefaces, novelty typefaces, or typefaces with uniquely shaped letters.

Stick to the classics like a sans serif Helvetica, Lato, Open Sans, or Verdana. Avoid serif typefaces as they can be difficult to read from far away. Here are some standard text sizes to have on hand.

  • Title: 85 pt
  • Authors: 65 pt
  • Headings: 36 pt
  • Body Text: 24 pt
  • Captions: 18 pt

Resume of font characteristics a winning poster presentation must follow

If you feel too prone to use serif typefaces, work with a font pairing tool that helps you find a suitable solution – and intend those serif fonts for heading sections only. As a rule, never use more than 3 different typefaces in your design. To make it more dynamic, you can work with the same font using light, bold, and italic weights to put emphasis on the required areas.

2. Color Pairing

Using colors in your poster presentation design is a great way to grab the viewer’s attention. A color’s purpose is to help the viewer follow the data flow in your presentation, not distract. Don’t let the color take more importance than the information on your poster.

Effective color pairing tactics for poster presentations

Choose one main color for the title and headlines and a similar color for the data visualizations. If you want to use more than one color, don’t create too much contrast between them. Try different tonalities of the same color and keep things balanced visually. Your color palette should have at most one main color and two accent colors.

Black text over a white background is standard practice for printed poster presentations, but for virtual presentations, try a very light gray instead of white and a very dark gray instead of black. Additionally, use variations of light color backgrounds and dark color text. Make sure it’s easy to read from two meters away or on a screen, depending on the context. We recommend ditching full white or full black tone usage as it hurts eyesight in the long term due to its intense contrast difference with the light ambiance.

3. Data Visualization Dimensions

Just like the text, your charts, graphs, and data visualizations must be easy to read and understand. Generally, if a person is interested in your research and has already read some of the text from two meters away, they’ll come closer to look at the charts and graphs. 

Tips for properly arranging data visualization dimensions in poster presentations

Fit data visualizations inside columns or let them span over two columns. Remove any unnecessary borders, lines, or labels to make them easier to read at a glance. Use a flat design without shadows or 3D characteristics. The text in legends and captions should stay within the chart size and not overflow into the margins. Use a unified text size of 18px for all your data visualizations.

4. Alignment, Margins, and White Space

Finally, the last design tip for creating an impressive and memorable poster presentation is to be mindful of the layout’s alignment, margins, and white space. Create text boxes to help keep everything aligned. They allow you to resize, adapt, and align the content along a margin or grid.

Take advantage of the white space created by borders and margins between sections. Don’t crowd them with a busy background or unattractive color.

Tips on alignment, margins, and white space in poster presentation design

Calculate margins considering a print format. It is a good practice in case the poster presentation ends up becoming in physical format, as you won’t need to downscale your entire design (affecting text readability in the process) to preserve information.

There are different tools that you can use to make a poster presentation. Presenters who are familiar with Microsoft Office prefer to use PowerPoint. You can learn how to make a poster in PowerPoint here.

Poster Presentation Examples

Before you start creating a poster presentation, look at some examples of real research posters. Get inspired and get creative.

Research poster presentations printed and mounted on a board look like the one in the image below. The presenter stands to the side, ready to share the information with visitors as they walk up to the panels.

Example of the structure of a scientific/academic conference poster presentation

With more and more conferences staying virtual or hybrid, the digital poster presentation is here to stay. Take a look at examples from a poster session at the OHSU School of Medicine .

Use SlideModel templates to help you create a winning poster presentation with PowerPoint and Google Slides. These poster PPT templates will get you off on the right foot. Mix and match tables and data visualizations from other poster slide templates to create your ideal layout according to the standard guidelines.

1. One-pager Scientific Poster Template for PowerPoint

slide presentation vs poster

A PowerPoint template tailored to make your poster presentations an easy-to-craft process. Meet our One-Pager Scientific Poster Slide Template, entirely editable to your preferences and with ample room to accommodate graphs, data charts, and much more.

Use This Template

2. Eisenhower Matrix Slides Template for PowerPoint

slide presentation vs poster

An Eisenhower Matrix is a powerful tool to represent priorities, classifying work according to urgency and importance. Presenters can use this 2×2 matrix in poster presentations to expose the effort required for the research process, as it also helps to communicate strategy planning.

3. OSMG Framework PowerPoint Template

slide presentation vs poster

Finally, we recommend presenters check our OSMG Framework PowerPoint template, as it is an ideal tool for representing a business plan: its goals, strategies, and measures for success. Expose complex processes in a simplified manner by adding this template to your poster presentation.

Remember these three words when making your research poster presentation: develop, design, and present. These are the three main actions toward a successful poster presentation. 

Summary of how to make a research poster presentation

The section below will take you on a step-by-step journey to create your next poster presentation.

Step 1: Define the purpose and audience of your poster presentation

Before making a poster presentation design, you’ll need to plan first. Here are some questions to answer at this point:

  • Are they in your field? 
  • Do they know about your research topic? 
  • What can they get from your research?
  • Will you print it?
  • Is it for a virtual conference?

Step 2: Make an outline

With a clear purpose and strategy, it’s time to collect the most important information from your research paper, analysis, or documentation. Make a content dump and then select the most interesting information. Use the content to draft an outline.

Outlines help formulate the overall structure better than going straight into designing the poster. Mimic the standard poster structure in your outline using section headlines as separators. Go further and separate the content into the columns they’ll be placed in.

Step 3: Write the content

Write or rewrite the content for the sections in your poster presentation. Use the text in your research paper as a base, but summarize it to be more succinct in what you share. 

Don’t forget to write a catchy title that presents the problem and your findings in a clear way. Likewise, craft the headlines for the sections in a similar tone as the title, creating consistency in the message. Include subtle transitions between sections to help follow the flow of information in order.

Avoid copying/pasting entire sections of the research paper on which the poster is based. Opt for the storytelling approach, so the delivered message results are interesting for your audience. 

Step 4: Put it all together visually

This entire guide on how to design a research poster presentation is the perfect resource to help you with this step. Follow all the tips and guidelines and have an unforgettable poster presentation.

Moving on, here’s how to design a research poster presentation with PowerPoint Templates . Open a new project and size it to the standard 48 x 36 inches. Using the outline, map out the sections on the empty canvas. Add a text box for each title, headline, and body text. Piece by piece, add the content into their corresponding text box.

Basic structure layout of an academic poster presentation

Transform the text information visually, make bullet points, and place the content in tables and timelines. Make your text visual to avoid chunky text blocks that no one will have time to read. Make sure all text sizes are coherent for all headings, body texts, image captions, etc. Double-check for spacing and text box formatting.

Next, add or create data visualizations, images, or diagrams. Align everything into columns and sections, making sure there’s no overflow. Add captions and legends to the visualizations, and check the color contrast with colleagues and friends. Ask for feedback and progress to the last step.

Step 5: Last touches

Time to check the final touches on your poster presentation design. Here’s a checklist to help finalize your research poster before sending it to printers or the virtual summit rep.

  • Check the resolution of all visual elements in your poster design. Zoom to 100 or 200% to see if the images pixelate. Avoid this problem by using vector design elements and high-resolution images.
  • Ensure that charts and graphs are easy to read and don’t look crowded.
  • Analyze the visual hierarchy. Is there a visual flow through the title, introduction, data, and conclusion?
  • Take a step back and check if it’s legible from a distance. Is there enough white space for the content to breathe?
  • Does the design look inviting and interesting?

An often neglected topic arises when we need to print our designs for any exhibition purpose. Since A0 is a hard-to-manage format for most printers, these poster presentations result in heftier charges for the user. Instead, you can opt to work your design in two A1 sheets, which also becomes more manageable for transportation. Create seamless borders for the section on which the poster sheets should meet, or work with a white background.

Paper weight options should be over 200 gsm to avoid unwanted damage during the printing process due to heavy ink usage. If possible, laminate your print or stick it to photographic paper – this shall protect your work from spills.

Finally, always run a test print. Gray tints may not be printed as clearly as you see them on screen (this is due to the RGB to CMYK conversion process). Other differences can be appreciated when working with ink jet plotters vs. laser printers. Give yourself enough room to maneuver last-minute design changes.

Presenting a research poster is a big step in the poster presentation cycle. Your poster presentation might or might not be judged by faculty or peers. But knowing what judges look for will help you prepare for the design and oral presentation, regardless of whether you receive a grade for your work or if it’s business related. Likewise, the same principles apply when presenting at an in-person or virtual summit.

The opening statement

Part of presenting a research poster is welcoming the viewer to your small personal area in the sea of poster presentations. You’ll need an opening statement to pitch your research poster and get the viewers’ attention.

Draft a 2 to 3-sentence pitch that covers the most important points:

  • What the research is
  • Why was it conducted
  • What the results say

From that opening statement, you’re ready to continue with the oral presentation for the benefit of your attendees.

The oral presentation

During the oral presentation, share the information on the poster while conversing with the interested public. Practice many times before the event. Structure the oral presentation as conversation points, and use the poster’s visual flow as support. Make eye contact with your audience as you speak, but don’t make them uncomfortable.

Pro Tip: In a conference or summit, if people show up to your poster area after you’ve started presenting it to another group, finish and then address the new visitors.

QA Sessions 

When you’ve finished the oral presentation, offer the audience a chance to ask questions. You can tell them before starting the presentation that you’ll be holding a QA session at the end. Doing so will prevent interruptions as you’re speaking.

If presenting to one or two people, be flexible and answer questions as you review all the sections on your poster.

Supplemental Material

If your audience is interested in learning more, you can offer another content type, further imprinting the information in their minds. Some ideas include; printed copies of your research paper, links to a website, a digital experience of your poster, a thesis PDF, or data spreadsheets.

Your audience will want to contact you for further conversations; include contact details in your supplemental material. If you don’t offer anything else, at least have business cards.

Even though conferences have changed, the research poster’s importance hasn’t diminished. Now, instead of simply creating a printed poster presentation, you can also make it for digital platforms. The final output will depend on the conference and its requirements.

This guide covered all the essential information you need to know for creating impactful poster presentations, from design, structure and layout tips to oral presentation techniques to engage your audience better . 

Before your next poster session, bookmark and review this guide to help you design a winning poster presentation every time. 

slide presentation vs poster

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15 Effective Visual Presentation Tips To Wow Your Audience

By Krystle Wong , Sep 28, 2023

Visual Presentation Tips

So, you’re gearing up for that big presentation and you want it to be more than just another snooze-fest with slides. You want it to be engaging, memorable and downright impressive. 

Well, you’ve come to the right place — I’ve got some slick tips on how to create a visual presentation that’ll take your presentation game up a notch. 

Packed with presentation templates that are easily customizable, keep reading this blog post to learn the secret sauce behind crafting presentations that captivate, inform and remain etched in the memory of your audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a visual presentation & why is it important?

15 effective tips to make your visual presentations more engaging, 6 major types of visual presentation you should know , what are some common mistakes to avoid in visual presentations, visual presentation faqs, 5 steps to create a visual presentation with venngage.

A visual presentation is a communication method that utilizes visual elements such as images, graphics, charts, slides and other visual aids to convey information, ideas or messages to an audience. 

Visual presentations aim to enhance comprehension engagement and the overall impact of the message through the strategic use of visuals. People remember what they see, making your point last longer in their heads. 

Without further ado, let’s jump right into some great visual presentation examples that would do a great job in keeping your audience interested and getting your point across.

In today’s fast-paced world, where information is constantly bombarding our senses, creating engaging visual presentations has never been more crucial. To help you design a presentation that’ll leave a lasting impression, I’ve compiled these examples of visual presentations that will elevate your game.

1. Use the rule of thirds for layout

Ever heard of the rule of thirds? It’s a presentation layout trick that can instantly up your slide game. Imagine dividing your slide into a 3×3 grid and then placing your text and visuals at the intersection points or along the lines. This simple tweak creates a balanced and seriously pleasing layout that’ll draw everyone’s eyes.

2. Get creative with visual metaphors

Got a complex idea to explain? Skip the jargon and use visual metaphors. Throw in images that symbolize your point – for example, using a road map to show your journey towards a goal or using metaphors to represent answer choices or progress indicators in an interactive quiz or poll.

3. Visualize your data with charts and graphs

The right data visualization tools not only make content more appealing but also aid comprehension and retention. Choosing the right visual presentation for your data is all about finding a good match. 

For ordinal data, where things have a clear order, consider using ordered bar charts or dot plots. When it comes to nominal data, where categories are on an equal footing, stick with the classics like bar charts, pie charts or simple frequency tables. And for interval-ratio data, where there’s a meaningful order, go for histograms, line graphs, scatterplots or box plots to help your data shine.

In an increasingly visual world, effective visual communication is a valuable skill for conveying messages. Here’s a guide on how to use visual communication to engage your audience while avoiding information overload.

slide presentation vs poster

4. Employ the power of contrast

Want your important stuff to pop? That’s where contrast comes in. Mix things up with contrasting colors, fonts or shapes. It’s like highlighting your key points with a neon marker – an instant attention grabber.

5. Tell a visual story

Structure your slides like a storybook and create a visual narrative by arranging your slides in a way that tells a story. Each slide should flow into the next, creating a visual narrative that keeps your audience hooked till the very end.

Icons and images are essential for adding visual appeal and clarity to your presentation. Venngage provides a vast library of icons and images, allowing you to choose visuals that resonate with your audience and complement your message. 

slide presentation vs poster

6. Show the “before and after” magic

Want to drive home the impact of your message or solution? Whip out the “before and after” technique. Show the current state (before) and the desired state (after) in a visual way. It’s like showing a makeover transformation, but for your ideas.

7. Add fun with visual quizzes and polls

To break the monotony and see if your audience is still with you, throw in some quick quizzes or polls. It’s like a mini-game break in your presentation — your audience gets involved and it makes your presentation way more dynamic and memorable.

8. End with a powerful visual punch

Your presentation closing should be a showstopper. Think a stunning clip art that wraps up your message with a visual bow, a killer quote that lingers in minds or a call to action that gets hearts racing.

slide presentation vs poster

9. Engage with storytelling through data

Use storytelling magic to bring your data to life. Don’t just throw numbers at your audience—explain what they mean, why they matter and add a bit of human touch. Turn those stats into relatable tales and watch your audience’s eyes light up with understanding.

slide presentation vs poster

10. Use visuals wisely

Your visuals are the secret sauce of a great presentation. Cherry-pick high-quality images, graphics, charts and videos that not only look good but also align with your message’s vibe. Each visual should have a purpose – they’re not just there for decoration. 

11. Utilize visual hierarchy

Employ design principles like contrast, alignment and proximity to make your key info stand out. Play around with fonts, colors and placement to make sure your audience can’t miss the important stuff.

12. Engage with multimedia

Static slides are so last year. Give your presentation some sizzle by tossing in multimedia elements. Think short video clips, animations, or a touch of sound when it makes sense, including an animated logo . But remember, these are sidekicks, not the main act, so use them smartly.

13. Interact with your audience

Turn your presentation into a two-way street. Start your presentation by encouraging your audience to join in with thought-provoking questions, quick polls or using interactive tools. Get them chatting and watch your presentation come alive.

slide presentation vs poster

When it comes to delivering a group presentation, it’s important to have everyone on the team on the same page. Venngage’s real-time collaboration tools enable you and your team to work together seamlessly, regardless of geographical locations. Collaborators can provide input, make edits and offer suggestions in real time. 

14. Incorporate stories and examples

Weave in relatable stories, personal anecdotes or real-life examples to illustrate your points. It’s like adding a dash of spice to your content – it becomes more memorable and relatable.

15. Nail that delivery

Don’t just stand there and recite facts like a robot — be a confident and engaging presenter. Lock eyes with your audience, mix up your tone and pace and use some gestures to drive your points home. Practice and brush up your presentation skills until you’ve got it down pat for a persuasive presentation that flows like a pro.

Venngage offers a wide selection of professionally designed presentation templates, each tailored for different purposes and styles. By choosing a template that aligns with your content and goals, you can create a visually cohesive and polished presentation that captivates your audience.

Looking for more presentation ideas ? Why not try using a presentation software that will take your presentations to the next level with a combination of user-friendly interfaces, stunning visuals, collaboration features and innovative functionalities that will take your presentations to the next level. 

Visual presentations come in various formats, each uniquely suited to convey information and engage audiences effectively. Here are six major types of visual presentations that you should be familiar with:

1. Slideshows or PowerPoint presentations

Slideshows are one of the most common forms of visual presentations. They typically consist of a series of slides containing text, images, charts, graphs and other visual elements. Slideshows are used for various purposes, including business presentations, educational lectures and conference talks.

slide presentation vs poster

2. Infographics

Infographics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. They combine text, images and graphics to convey complex concepts or data in a concise and visually appealing manner. Infographics are often used in marketing, reporting and educational materials.

Don’t worry, they are also super easy to create thanks to Venngage’s fully customizable infographics templates that are professionally designed to bring your information to life. Be sure to try it out for your next visual presentation!

slide presentation vs poster

3. Video presentation

Videos are your dynamic storytellers. Whether it’s pre-recorded or happening in real-time, videos are the showstoppers. You can have interviews, demos, animations or even your own mini-documentary. Video presentations are highly engaging and can be shared in both in-person and virtual presentations .

4. Charts and graphs

Charts and graphs are visual representations of data that make it easier to understand and analyze numerical information. Common types include bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and scatterplots. They are commonly used in scientific research, business reports and academic presentations.

Effective data visualizations are crucial for simplifying complex information and Venngage has got you covered. Venngage’s tools enable you to create engaging charts, graphs,and infographics that enhance audience understanding and retention, leaving a lasting impression in your presentation.

slide presentation vs poster

5. Interactive presentations

Interactive presentations involve audience participation and engagement. These can include interactive polls, quizzes, games and multimedia elements that allow the audience to actively participate in the presentation. Interactive presentations are often used in workshops, training sessions and webinars.

Venngage’s interactive presentation tools enable you to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact and enhance audience retention. By incorporating features like clickable elements, quizzes and embedded multimedia, you can captivate your audience’s attention and encourage active participation.

6. Poster presentations

Poster presentations are the stars of the academic and research scene. They consist of a large poster that includes text, images and graphics to communicate research findings or project details and are usually used at conferences and exhibitions. For more poster ideas, browse through Venngage’s gallery of poster templates to inspire your next presentation.

slide presentation vs poster

Different visual presentations aside, different presentation methods also serve a unique purpose, tailored to specific objectives and audiences. Find out which type of presentation works best for the message you are sending across to better capture attention, maintain interest and leave a lasting impression. 

To make a good presentation , it’s crucial to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them. Without further ado, let’s explore some of these pitfalls along with valuable insights on how to sidestep them.

Overloading slides with text

Text heavy slides can be like trying to swallow a whole sandwich in one bite – overwhelming and unappetizing. Instead, opt for concise sentences and bullet points to keep your slides simple. Visuals can help convey your message in a more engaging way.

Using low-quality visuals

Grainy images and pixelated charts are the equivalent of a scratchy vinyl record at a DJ party. High-resolution visuals are your ticket to professionalism. Ensure that the images, charts and graphics you use are clear, relevant and sharp.

Choosing the right visuals for presentations is important. To find great visuals for your visual presentation, Browse Venngage’s extensive library of high-quality stock photos. These images can help you convey your message effectively, evoke emotions and create a visually pleasing narrative. 

Ignoring design consistency

Imagine a book with every chapter in a different font and color – it’s a visual mess. Consistency in fonts, colors and formatting throughout your presentation is key to a polished and professional look.

Reading directly from slides

Reading your slides word-for-word is like inviting your audience to a one-person audiobook session. Slides should complement your speech, not replace it. Use them as visual aids, offering key points and visuals to support your narrative.

Lack of visual hierarchy

Neglecting visual hierarchy is like trying to find Waldo in a crowd of clones. Use size, color and positioning to emphasize what’s most important. Guide your audience’s attention to key points so they don’t miss the forest for the trees.

Ignoring accessibility

Accessibility isn’t an option these days; it’s a must. Forgetting alt text for images, color contrast and closed captions for videos can exclude individuals with disabilities from understanding your presentation. 

Relying too heavily on animation

While animations can add pizzazz and draw attention, overdoing it can overshadow your message. Use animations sparingly and with purpose to enhance, not detract from your content.

Using jargon and complex language

Keep it simple. Use plain language and explain terms when needed. You want your message to resonate, not leave people scratching their heads.

Not testing interactive elements

Interactive elements can be the life of your whole presentation, but not testing them beforehand is like jumping into a pool without checking if there’s water. Ensure that all interactive features, from live polls to multimedia content, work seamlessly. A smooth experience keeps your audience engaged and avoids those awkward technical hiccups.

Presenting complex data and information in a clear and visually appealing way has never been easier with Venngage. Build professional-looking designs with our free visual chart slide templates for your next presentation.

What software or tools can I use to create visual presentations?

You can use various software and tools to create visual presentations, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, Prezi and Venngage, among others.

What is the difference between a visual presentation and a written report?

The main difference between a visual presentation and a written report is the medium of communication. Visual presentations rely on visuals, such as slides, charts and images to convey information quickly, while written reports use text to provide detailed information in a linear format.

How do I effectively communicate data through visual presentations?

To effectively communicate data through visual presentations, simplify complex data into easily digestible charts and graphs, use clear labels and titles and ensure that your visuals support the key messages you want to convey.

Are there any accessibility considerations for visual presentations?

Accessibility considerations for visual presentations include providing alt text for images, ensuring good color contrast, using readable fonts and providing transcripts or captions for multimedia content to make the presentation inclusive.

Most design tools today make accessibility hard but Venngage’s Accessibility Design Tool comes with accessibility features baked in, including accessible-friendly and inclusive icons.

How do I choose the right visuals for my presentation?

Choose visuals that align with your content and message. Use charts for data, images for illustrating concepts, icons for emphasis and color to evoke emotions or convey themes.

What is the role of storytelling in visual presentations?

Storytelling plays a crucial role in visual presentations by providing a narrative structure that engages the audience, helps them relate to the content and makes the information more memorable.

How can I adapt my visual presentations for online or virtual audiences?

To adapt visual presentations for online or virtual audiences, focus on concise content, use engaging visuals, ensure clear audio, encourage audience interaction through chat or polls and rehearse for a smooth online delivery.

What is the role of data visualization in visual presentations?

Data visualization in visual presentations simplifies complex data by using charts, graphs and diagrams, making it easier for the audience to understand and interpret information.

How do I choose the right color scheme and fonts for my visual presentation?

Choose a color scheme that aligns with your content and brand and select fonts that are readable and appropriate for the message you want to convey.

How can I measure the effectiveness of my visual presentation?

Measure the effectiveness of your visual presentation by collecting feedback from the audience, tracking engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for online presentations) and evaluating whether the presentation achieved its intended objectives.

Ultimately, creating a memorable visual presentation isn’t just about throwing together pretty slides. It’s about mastering the art of making your message stick, captivating your audience and leaving a mark.

Lucky for you, Venngage simplifies the process of creating great presentations, empowering you to concentrate on delivering a compelling message. Follow the 5 simple steps below to make your entire presentation visually appealing and impactful:

1. Sign up and log In: Log in to your Venngage account or sign up for free and gain access to Venngage’s templates and design tools.

2. Choose a template: Browse through Venngage’s presentation template library and select one that best suits your presentation’s purpose and style. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for different types of visual presentations, including infographics, reports, posters and more.

3. Edit and customize your template: Replace the placeholder text, image and graphics with your own content and customize the colors, fonts and visual elements to align with your presentation’s theme or your organization’s branding.

4. Add visual elements: Venngage offers a wide range of visual elements, such as icons, illustrations, charts, graphs and images, that you can easily add to your presentation with the user-friendly drag-and-drop editor.

5. Save and export your presentation: Export your presentation in a format that suits your needs and then share it with your audience via email, social media or by embedding it on your website or blog.

So, as you gear up for your next presentation, whether it’s for business, education or pure creative expression, don’t forget to keep these visual presentation ideas in your back pocket.

Feel free to experiment and fine-tune your approach and let your passion and expertise shine through in your presentation. With practice, you’ll not only build presentations but also leave a lasting impact on your audience – one slide at a time.

How-To Geek

How to make a poster using microsoft powerpoint.

Microsoft PowerPoint isn't just for presentations--you can make posters with it, as well. Here's how.

Quick Links

Define the poster dimensions, design your poster.

Microsoft PowerPoint isn't just for presentations---it also provides all of the creative tools you need to design a beautiful poster. Just set the dimensions, design the poster, and print it out. Here's how to make a poster using PowerPoint.

Posters come in all sizes, but the first thing you need to know is PowerPoint's slide limit is 56-inches x 56-inches, so you'll need to plan accordingly. It's also important to note that you want to set your poster dimensions before you start designing your poster. Otherwise, you might end up having to rework parts of your design due to the size change.

Related: How to Reduce the File Size of a PowerPoint Presentation

Here are some of the standard poster sizes to get you started:

  • Small poster: 11" x 17"
  • Medium poster: 18" x 24"
  • Large posters: 24" x 36" or 27" x 39"

Once you've decided on your poster size, set the dimensions in PowerPoint. To do this, open PowerPoint and navigate to the "Design" tab.

Design tab in PowerPoint

In the "Customize" group, select "Slide Size."

Slide size in customize group

Select "Custom Slide Size" from the dropdown menu.

Custom slide size

The "Slide Size" window will appear. Input the width and height specifications to match your required size. Keep in mind that if your height is larger in size than your width, the orientation of the slide will automatically change to "Portrait."

When you're finished, select "OK."

Input width and height of the poster size

Once selected, a new window will appear giving you two scaling options: Maximize or Ensure Fit. If your slide already has content on it, you'll want to select "Ensure Fit."

Ensure fit

Your slide will now be resized.

Your poster design is going to depend completely on you. You'll want to pay attention to the background of the poster, text and image arrangement, font size and style, etc. Essentially, you should treat this part exactly as if you were just creating another slide for a presentation.

Because the design and process of this step is going to differ for everyone, we'd like to offer some of our previous guides to get you started in the design process:

  • Insert a picture or other object.
  • Use an image as a background.
  • Insert an image inside text.
  • Get a picture behind text.
  • Make a border or frame.

Once your design is ready, all that's left to do is print it out and hang it up!

Related: How to Troubleshoot Printing Issues in Microsoft Word

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Presentations and posters

Guidance and tips for effective oral and visual presentations.

Academic presentations

Presenting your work allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and familiarity of your subject. Presentations can vary from being formal, like a mini lecture, to more informal, such as summarising a paper in a tutorial. You may have a specialist audience made up of your peers, lecturers or research practitioners or a wider audience at a conference or event. Sometimes you will be asked questions.  Academic presentations maybe a talk with slides or a poster presentation, and they may be assessed. Presentations may be individual or collaborative group work.

A good presentation will communicate your main points to an audience clearly, concisely and logically. Your audience doesn’t know what it is you are trying to say, so you need to guide them through your argument.

There are a few key points that you should consider with any sort of presenting:

  • What is the format? Is it a poster, a talk with visual material or a video?
  • What is the purpose? Is it to summarise a topic; report the results of an experiment; justify your research approach?
  • Who is your audience? Are they from your tutorial group, course or is it a wider audience?
  • What content needs to be included? Do you need to cover everything, just one topic or a particular aspect? How much detail is expected?
  • How should it be organised? This is often the trickiest part of designing a presentation and can take a few attempts.

Planning a presentation

Different people take different approaches to presentations. Some may start by doing some reading and research, others prefer to draft an outline structure first. 

To make an effective start, check your course materials for the format you need to use (e.g. handbooks and Learn pages for style guidelines). If it is an oral presentation, how long do you have?  If it will be assessed, have a look at the marking criteria so you know how you will be marked. (If you do not use the required formatting you may be penalised.) Do you need to allow time for questions?

One way to think about the content and draft a rough structure of your presentation is to divide it into a beginning, middle and end.

  • The beginning: How are you going to set the scene for your audience and set out what they can expect to gain from your presentation? This section should highlight the key topic(s) and give any necessary background. How much background depends on your audience, for example your peers might need less of an introduction to a topic than other audiences. Is there a central question and is it clear? If using slides, can it be added as a header on subsequent slides so that it is always clear what you are discussing?
  • The middle: How are you going tell the story of your work? This section should guide your audience through your argument, leading them to your key point(s). Remember to include any necessary evidence in support. You might also want to include or refer to relevant methods and materials.
  • The end: What is your conclusion or summary? This section should briefly recap what has been covered in the presentation and give the audience the final take-home message(s). Think about the one thing you want someone to remember from your talk or poster. It is usually also good practice to include a reference or bibliography slide listing your sources.

Alternatively, you could start at the end and think about the one point you want your audience to take away from your presentation. Then you can work backwards to decide what needs to go in the other sections to build your argument.

Presentation planner worksheet (pdf)

Presentation planner worksheet (Word docx)

Presentation planner (Word rtf)

Using the right language can really help your audience follow your argument and also helps to manage their expectations.

Guiding your audience (pdf)  

Guiding your audience (Word rtf)

Oral presentations – practise, practise, practise!

Giving a talk can be daunting. If you have a spoken presentation to give, with or without slides, make sure you have time to rehearse it several times.

Firstly, this is really good at helping you overcome any nerves as you’ll know exactly what you are going to say. It will build your confidence.

Secondly, saying something aloud is an effective way to check for sense, structure and flow. If it is difficult to say, or doesn’t sound right, then the audience may find it difficult to follow what you are trying to say.

Finally, practising helps you know how long your presentation will take. If your presentation is being assessed, you may be penalised for going over time as that would be unfair to other presenters (it is like going over your word count).  

If you can, find out what resources and equipment you will have when you present. It is usually expected that presenters will wear or use a microphone so that everyone can hear. But you will still need to remember to project your voice and speak clearly. Also think about how you are going to use your visual material.

IS Creating accessible materials - PowerPoint presentations

IS LinkedIn Learning - online skills development

Making a video

There is no need to use expensive specialist equipment to make a recorded presentation. The Media Hopper Create platform allows film makers to create, store, share and publish their media content easily. You can create presentations using the Desktop Recorder on a PC or Mac.

All University of Edinburgh students are provided with an account on the Media Hopper service allowing you to record and upload media to your personal space and publish to channels. 

You can also use your mobile phone or tablet to make a video presentation. The DIY Film School is an online course covering the basics of shooting video on a mobile device, filming outdoors and indoors and how to get the best audio. Some materials from LinkedIn Learning are relevant to the DIY Film School and include editing advice.

IS Media Hopper Create

IS DIY Film School online course

IS LinkedIn Learning and the DIY Film School

Poster presentations

A poster is a way of visually conveying information about your work. It is meant to be a taster or overview highlighting your key points or findings , not an in-depth explanation and discussion. Your poster should communicate your point(s) effectively without you being there to explain it.

The trickiest thing with poster presentations can be the limited space and words you have. You will need to think critically about what it is important to present.

If the poster is assessed, or is for an event such as a conference, there may be a size and format which you need to follow (e.g. A1 portrait or A0 landscape). Your title should be clear.  Aim to make your poster as accessible as possible by considering the type size and font, colours and layout. It is usually good practice to include your name and email address so people know who you are and how to contact you.

Information Services (IS) have a range of resources including help on using software such as PowerPoint to make a poster and guides to printing one.

IS uCreate user guides and advice on poster printing

Standing up and talking can be intimidating; so can being filmed. Anxiety and stress can get in the way of performing effectively. 

The Student Counselling Service offer advice and workshops on a variety of topics. They have produced a helpful e-booklet about stress, why we need it and how to manage our stress levels to strike the right balance. 

Student Counselling service

Self-help online courses and workbooks on anxiety, stress and mental wellbeing

Stress: A short guide for students (pdf booklet)

Information Services (IS) provides access to a range of support and training for software provided by the University. This includes training and advice on LinkedIn Learning.

IS Digital skills and training

IS LinkedIn Learning

IS Microsoft Office 365 suite

Prezi is a popular alternative to PowerPoint but is often inaccessible to disabled people. Therefore, it is recommended that Prezi is not used for academic presentations. However, if you have to use Prezi, there are some steps you can take to improve your presentation.

IS PREZI and accessibility issues

If you are presenting at an external event, it may be appropriate to use University branding.

University brand guidelines and logos (Communications and Marketing)

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Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

21 Poster Presentations

Read time: 8 minutes

This section will outline how to communicate your scientific research in the format of a poster presentation, and provide guidance on designing your poster.

Sections in this chapter

Environment and audience, poster vs. talk, verbal aspect, poster design, virtual posters.

slide presentation vs poster

Many conferences have poster presentation sessions along with oral presentations. The poster presentation is a format introduced into the American Chemical Society meetings in the 1970s. This format allows more people the opportunity to present their work since many posters can be scheduled for the same time period and in one large room.

The format of a poster presentation allows for a one-on-one and in-depth discussion between the presenter and viewer. For this reason, poster sessions are often combined with social mixers, where people can walk around and browse the posters.

Theoretically, the poster audience is more broad and diverse, since many disciplines present in one large room. For this reason, your poster should be readable or understandable in less than 5 minutes by someone not in your field, who has only general knowledge of the research area. People browse posters and look for something that interests them, and on average spend around 90 seconds viewing a single poster. However, the people who actually attend your poster will likely be those who are interested in your work or work in a similar area.

Attaching business cards and one-page copies of your poster allow viewers to contact you later and get the information without having to take notes.

Table 21.1. Differences between posters and oral presentations (talks)

Posters are mostly non-verbal and visual, so most of this chapter will discuss poster design. However, the verbal aspect of the poster presentation is where many presenters struggle! The most common mistake is for presenters to launch into a detailed overview of the slides, starting at the introduction and working their way through the poster all the way to the acknowledgements. Even a 5-minute overview is too long at a poster! The issue with this approach is that the viewer cannot listen to you and think critically at the same time, and they lose the autonomy of exploring your visuals at their own pace. Follow these tips for a successful poster presentation:

  • If someone shows interest in your poster, smile and introduce yourself, then wait.
  • If they start to intently view your poster, let them do this silently without interruption.
  • If they turn to you, ask if they would like a short overview of your work.
  • Start with the key finding, from your conclusion, and state it in a single sentence.
  • Then move on to your motivation and methods and details about the results.
  • Make sure to pause and make eye contact, which will let viewers ask questions.
  • Ask your viewer questions to gauge their interest and background, and encourage discussion
  • Point to relevant things on your poster as you present.

There are some aspects of etiquette to giving poster presentations. First of all, you should be at your poster during the specified times. Socializing with friends should be a lower priority, so if your lab members are hanging around your poster you can politely ask them to give you some space. Stay tuned to social cues from your viewer, and let them view the poster silently if they seem to want that. Lastly, consider waiting until after the presentation for drinks.

Format and Size

Posters should be concise, organized, and self-explanatory: the best way to achieve this is to have a central and obvious message. Beyond that, a poster should be easy to view from 1-2 meters away, which means you should limit text to short paragraphs (<20 lines) or bullet points. Remember that you are not writing a full paper! Any text should be in a simple Sans-Serif typeface ( e.g., Arial, Verdana, Calibri) with adequate spacing, and large enough to easily read. Consider using a different font style for the title and headings than the main text. Follow this guide for minimum text sizes:

Title 100 pt (Verdana, bold)

Authors 36 pt (Arial, bold)

Headings 54 pt (Verdana, bold)

Main text 32 pt (Arial)

References 28 point (Arial)

Instead of text, use figures, graphs, and charts to visually communicate of your work. Make sure the text labels and axes are large enough to easily read, following the guide above.

Check the conference website for instructions on the acceptable dimensions for posters. The typically allowed dimensions are 90 cm (36”) high x  122 cm (48”) wide. There are two ways to create your poster (Figure 21.1): 1) print 12-20 regular slides on 8.5″ x 11″ pieces of paper, and arrange them; 2) create a single large poster sheet, either printed on paper or fabric, to fill the whole space.

slide presentation vs poster

Posters have all the components of a paper, organized into sections. These sections are not always separate on your poster (see below ‘Layout’), but they should be present in one way or another. See Table 21.2. for a list of sections and their descriptions.

Table 21.2. Poster sections

Sections in your poster are outlined by headings. Instead of using section titles like “Introduction”, use descriptive headings that tell the viewer the key message of the section (Table 21.3).

Table 21.3. Replacing poster headings with descriptive headings

Layout & design.

A thoughtful layout will provide a natural flow that guides people through your poster.  It is best to arrange your poster in blocks of columns, so that the audience reads from left to right, top to bottom using “reader’s gravity”. You can number each section block or heading to help the reader to follow the flow of the material. 

Posters with symmetric layouts and plenty of ‘white space’ are more visually pleasing, and can also help with flow. Also, place graphics and text to create a symmetrical balance.

Instead of headings like “Introduction”, use descriptive headings to clearly communicate your main points. A lack of headings, plus an asymmetric layout of the material, makes it difficult for the viewer to follow the flow or find a particular section of the poster.

slide presentation vs poster

A popular traditional poster format (see Figure 21.2) has a landscape layout and three columns: 1) Introduction and Methods, 25% width; 2) Results arena, 50% Width; 3) Conclusions and Acknowledgements, 25% width. A more modern landscape layout (Figure 21.3) was designed by Mike Morrison , [1] which features a large takeaway sidebar with the key message, and a QR code that links to the paper or a website. This modern poster format also works well in a portrait format (Figure 21.4).

slide presentation vs poster

Stick to a theme of 2 or 3 colours, using an accessible colour scheme , and be consistent with the use of colours that have meaning (e.g.,  in legends). Don’t be afraid to use b right colours to attract attention, but if you overuse them you will wear out readers’ eyes. For the body of your poster, use a light coloured background and dark coloured text. Dark backgrounds with light letters can become tiring to read but are often used for headings.

Don’t start from scratch

There are many poster templates available online! Here are some PowerPoint templates and guides:

BetterPosters.blogspot.com landscape template

BetterPosters.blogspot.com portrait template

BetterPosters.blogspot.com Twitter template

Queen’s Chemistry Landscape Poster Template

Queen’s Chemistry Portrait Poster Template

Online conferences and symposia are becoming more common, including virtual poster sessions. Virtual posters can have animations, videos, and audio narration. These posters can take many formats, but one common format is for the RSC Poster  Day on Twitter. They published this guide to creating a version of your poster on Twitter, and how to identify your work using the right hashtag ( e.g., #RSCOrganic, #RSCAnalytical).

Here are some links to the 2020 winners of #RSCPoster Day.

Super excited to share my research on the use of electrochemistry as a tool for drug detection in complex matrices as a #comicsforscience for my first #RSCPoster #RSCAnalytical #RSCPhys #electrochem @DennanyChem @PamelaAllanChem @CarnegieUni @StrathChem @StrathForensics pic.twitter.com/ISzJ55Hbqh — Kelly Brown (@kellybrown_94) March 3, 2020
Excited to share my first #RSCPoster and looking forward to interact with all the #chemtweeps to discuss magnetic photocatalysis 🧲💡 #RSCCat #RSCNano #RSCMat pic.twitter.com/XzwxnIYJyh — Julio Terra (@terra__julio) March 3, 2020
Here we go again! NEON can deny, oops I mean no-one can deny Hydrogen's BRIGHT future for renewable energy! Here is my fun twist on my LIGHT weight hydrogen storage for mobile fuel cell applications research at @lborouniversity @LboroScience #RSCEnergy #RSCPoster pic.twitter.com/8DzRUHobiA — Lizzie Ashton (@LizzieRAshton) March 3, 2020
  • " Critique: The Morrison billboard poster ", Zen Faulkes, April 11, 2019, Better Posters. Accessed 2020-08-31 ↵

Principles of Scientific Communication Copyright © 2020 by Amanda Bongers and Donal Macartney is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Conference Presentations

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This resource provides a detailed overview of the common types of conference papers and sessions graduate students can expect, followed by pointers on presenting conference papers for an audience. 

Types of conference papers and sessions

Panel presentations are the most common form of presentation you will encounter in your graduate career. You will be one of three to four participants in a panel or session (the terminology varies depending on the organizers) and be given fifteen to twenty minutes to present your paper. This is often followed by a ten-minute question-and-answer session either immediately after your presentation or after all of the speakers are finished. It is up to the panel organizer to decide upon this framework. In the course of the question-and-answer session, you may also address and query the other panelists if you have questions yourself. Note that you can often propose a conference presentation by yourself and be sorted onto a panel by conference organizers, or you can propose a panel with a group of colleagues. Self-proposed panels typically have more closely related topics than conference-organized panels.

Roundtables feature an average of five to six speakers, each of whom gets the floor for approximately five to ten minutes to speak on their respective topics and/or subtopics. At times, papers from the speakers might be circulated in advance among the roundtable members or even prospective attendees.

Workshops feature one or a few organizers, who usually give a brief presentation but spend the majority of the time for the session facilitating an activity that attendees will do. Some common topics for these sessions typically include learning a technology or generating some content, such as teaching materials.

Lightning talks (or Ignite talks, or Pecha Kucha talks) are very short presentations where presenters' slide decks automatically advance after a few seconds; most individual talks are no longer than 5 minutes, and a lightning talk session typically invites 10 or more presenters to participate over the course of an hour or two rather than limiting the presenters like a panel presentation. A lightning talk session will sometimes be held as a sort of competition where attendees can vote for the best talk. 

SIGs (Special Interest Groups) are groups of scholars focused on a particular smaller topic within the purview of the larger conference. The structure of these sessions varies by conference and even by group, but in general they tend to be structured either more like a panel presentation, with presenters and leaders, or more like a roundtable, with several speakers and a particular meeting agenda. These styles resemble, respectively, a miniconference focusing on a particular topic and a committee meeting. 

Papers with respondents are structured around a speaker who gives an approximately thirty-minute paper and a respondent who contributes their own thoughts, objections, and further questions in the following fifteen minutes. Finally, the speaker gets that same amount of time to formulate their reply to the respondent.

Poster presentations ask participants to visually display their ideas on a research poster, which is typically displayed with other research posters in a specific area at a conference. The poster needs to be understandable on its own (without the author) as viewers sometimes look through the posters outside the bounds of the poster session, which is a scheduled period of time where poster authors stand with their posters and engage viewers in conversation about the work. Research posters have long tended to follow common templates for design, but in recent years some scholars have begun challenging these templates for improved usability (for example, the Better Poster campaign as described here  or the APA template based on the original, here.

You can read more about research posters on our resource here .

Presenting the conference paper

Aim to take less time than you are given! If your presentation slot is 15 minutes, aim for 13 or 14 when you practice. A little leeway and a slightly shorter presentation is a courtesy to your audience and to your fellow presenters, and will not at all imply that you are unprepared or unprofessional — in fact, being able to keep well within your allotted time is the mark of a good presenter.

Make sure you speak slowly and clearly, using accessibility aids if available such as a microphone or closed captioning on a slide deck. Many presenters have begun bringing accessibility copies of their talks, which are printed transcripts of the talk using a larger font for audience members who need them. It is also becoming increasingly common for presenters at conferences to share their slides and copies of their talk via a shortened link or QR code found on the bottom of the slides so that audiences may access them later or even while they are in your session.

The conventions for presentation differ based on field. Some fields tend toward reading papers aloud with very little audiovisual accompaniment; others use slide decks; others speak extemporaneously. You can find out more about typical practices in your field by attending conferences yourself and by asking mentors. Generally, you will be able to improve the accessibility of your presentation if you have a visual accompaniment and prepared remarks.

Even in fields where presenters tend to read papers verbatim, it is rarely a good idea to bring a paper from a class or another research paper you have written without editing it for an oral presentation. Seminar papers tend to be too long to read in 15 minutes, and often lead to graduate students surpassing their time limits. Moreover, research papers are meant to be read — they lack the kinds of repetition and simple sentence structure that are more beneficial to listeners. Finally, conference presentations do not serve the same purposes as most class papers — typically in a class, you're expected to show that you have understood the material, but at a conference, listeners are more interested in hearing what contributions you have that might help them in their own research. It's typical to move the bulk of your literature review to an appendix or another document so that you can discuss other scholarship in the area if it comes up in the Q&A, but during your presentation you're left free to focus on your own methods and findings. (Many presenters will even say: "I'm skipping a lot of [X material] for the sake of time, but I'm happy to discuss it later with anyone who's interested.")

Since you will present your paper orally, you may repeat important points and say more about the structure of the essay than a written submission to a journal (or a paper for your undergraduate or graduate courses) would require. This often means signposting orally when you are moving to a new section of the paper or when you are shifting to a new idea. The thesis of your paper should come early in your presentation to give listeners a clear understanding of what is to follow. At this point, you may also overview or forecast your paper and tell listeners how you will move from one argument to the next. It is generally advised to quickly summarize your important points in a bulleted list at the end of your presentation to remind everyone of the two or three most essential arguments or findings.

If you use a slide presentation, you may want to follow the guidelines presented in the OWL resource, Designing an Effective PowerPoint Presentation .

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Tips for Better Visual Elements in Posters and Podium Presentations

The ability to effectively communicate through posters and podium presentations using appropriate visual content and style is essential for health care educators.

To offer suggestions for more effective visual elements of posters and podium presentations.

We present the experiences of our multidisciplinary publishing group, whose combined experiences and collaboration have provided us with an understanding of what works and how to achieve success when working on presentations and posters.

Many others would offer similar advice, as these guidelines are consistent with effective presentation.

Findings/Suggestions

Certain visual elements should be attended to in any visual presentation: consistency, alignment, contrast and repetition. Presentations should be consistent in font size and type, line spacing, alignment of graphics and text, and size of graphics. All elements should be aligned with at least one other element. Contrasting light background with dark text (and vice versa) helps an audience read the text more easily. Standardized formatting lets viewers know when they are looking at similar things (tables, headings, etc.). Using a minimal number of colors (four at most) helps the audience more easily read text. For podium presentations, have one slide for each minute allotted for speaking. The speaker is also a visual element; one should not allow the audience’s view of either the presentation or presenter to be blocked. Making eye contact with the audience also keeps them visually engaged.

Conclusions

Health care educators often share information through posters and podium presentations. These tips should help the visual elements of presentations be more effective.

Introduction

Health educators have numerous opportunities to present on clinical topics, research study findings and educational strategies. These include regional and national educational conferences, research findings offered to staff nurses at a local medical center, and health topics presented to a community audience. The ability to effectively communicate a topic to an audience in terms of an appropriate visual style is essential. Below, we offer some basic precepts to help make presentations visually coherent and effective. These precepts are consistent with the generally accepted principles of visually effective professional presentations.

There are two principal ways to present material: posters and podium presentations. A poster may need to be stand-alone (self-explanatory), or there may be an opportunity to have a narrated poster (author leads five minutes of dialog). A podium presentation goes beyond the static nature of a poster and can take many forms, such as a lecture or informal in-service. We herein focus on the most common type used by health professionals: the narrated PowerPoint slide show.

Poster Layout

Many institutions have a template—set colors, logos, and/or format—that their faculty must use for all presentations. Many institutions have also developed standard structures for posters. We recommend using Windows PowerPoint (formatted as one slide) to develop the poster. If no format is available, a website with basic templates available for downloading can be found at http://www.posterpresentations.com/html/free_poster_templates.html . Otherwise, the advice in this article can be used to develop a template.

Certain visual elements need attention in any poster: consistency, alignment, contrast and repetition 1 . Being consistent in font size and type, line spacing, alignment of graphics and text, and size of graphics not only helps present a unified style as a presenter or institution, but also allows the audience to pay attention to the information presented rather than to the style of its presentation. Aligning every element with at least one other element helps to track audience members' gaze in an orderly fashion through the visual elements. Contrasting light background with dark text (and vice versa) makes the text easier to see. Standardized formatting also clues the audience so they know when they are looking at similar things (tables, headings, etc.). For visual balance and to provide rest for viewers' eyes, sufficient blank space should be included. The most common error in formatting posters is to include too much information.

We have provided an example 2 that demonstrates many of these design suggestions.

Each header in this poster is red Arial 44-point font. Table headings all use the same color. Bullet points are consistent in style within a given set, though different from each other set. All boxes in the example are the same width or length as others in the same column or row. (The PowerPoint tool found under Insert-Picture-Autoshapes can be used to insert standardized shapes of tables, text boxes, symbols, etc.). The size and layout of diagrams and tables have been standardized, though imported into the final presentation from several differing softwares (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, and Word).

In this poster, the Purpose section aligns horizontally and vertically with Methods and Results, as well as Background and Sample. PowerPoint has a "Grid and Guides" tool under the "View" menu that will superimpose lines that can be used to assure that objects are aligned. The table cells contain some blank space; they are not overloaded with text. In the title, the contrast of the dark blue background with the white text makes the text very readable. Elsewhere, the black and red lettering on the white background is also easy to read. The tables all have pale red backgrounds, so viewers can quickly identify them as similar things (all tables, in this case). Putting uniform spacing before and/or after particular levels of headings allows viewers to recognize that an important element is coming up.

Other Poster Layout Tips

Simplicity in presentations prevents viewers from getting distracted and reminds the presenter what is essential about the subject. Using a minimal number of colors, typically four maximum and generally black, white, red, blue and/or green (yellow does not show up well), helps the audience easily read text. An alternative to using different colors is to use variations of shades and tones for one or two of those colors, which avoids having too many colors in the presentation. Underlining text is visually too mild to command attention; bolding, tinting, or enlarging text works better. The number of images used should be kept to the minimum needed to break up big blocks of text; otherwise, the presentation will look cluttered. Using large fonts or bold as the primary font format is off-putting, the visual equivalent of screaming at an audience. The limit for any one horizontal line should be about 10 words; otherwise, the text will draw the audience's gaze too far horizontally.

Many presenters now incorporate their own images from various sources into their presentations. However, in so doing, care should be taken to keep images as clear as possible. Many images taken from the web are low-resolution, and enlarging any image will make it lose sharpness. Enlargement should always be proportional so that the image does not become distorted, which commonly occurs when only one edge or corner of an image is dragged to enlarge it.

Working with Poster Printers

The printer we use was found through an internet search, and we chose it because it was affordable and could ship to us overnight. We recommend using a printer that provides convenience and cost savings. A quick internet or telephone directory search can identify an appropriate printer in many locations and circumstances. The website www.hubcast.com operates as a clearing house where you can find appropriate printers around the world.

These sites and companies operate similarly. Using our experience as an example, we use the company's website to upload our presentation files. Once these are uploaded, the site presents options for sizes that will work best for the file as formatted or will meet a conference’s specifications. The cost of the poster is based on its size and requested speed of delivery. Ideally, we allow one week between ordering a poster online and receiving it by mail. For a higher price, many printers can ship the next day. We feel that the "glossy" surface option for posters makes them easier to view. Cost with the printer we use is $50-$80 (roughly �40-�65) depending on the size and delivery options.

Printing additional single-page copies of the poster (8.5 × 11, A4, or legal size) and offering them beside your poster at the conference will allow attendees to take home a copy of the poster. A poster made for one purpose can be offered to other meetings/places. For example, some hospitals and health sciences colleges provide a location where staff can display their posters prepared for meetings elsewhere.

Podium Presentations

Presentations can take many forms, but we focus here on the most common type used by health care educators, the narrated PowerPoint slide show. The typical 10- to 15-minute time limit for presentations at conferences can challenge even experienced presenters. A general rule of thumb is to have one slide for every minute allotted for speaking. For example, a 15-minute presentation should generally have at most 15 slides. Any more slides than this may leave the audience with too little time to digest the material contained on each slide. For the average research presentation, the guidelines of Table 1 can be used as general rules.

Slide guidelines for research presentations

Some institutions have a template that faculty are to use for formatting slides, just as for posters. This provides a uniform appearance to all presentations from the institution. For institutions where no template is available, a background color should be chosen that provides high contrast with the text color. For example, the traditional white background when used with black, blue or red text colors provides high text/background contrast, as does the longtime favorite white text on a dark blue background. Another option is to use an extremely light-colored tint background with black text. There are countless varieties of color combinations and templates available, but high contrast and readability should guide one's choices.

A common error is to have too many words on a given slide. Short phrases free of all unnecessary words help an audience quickly grasp important information. For "In order to clarify…" just say "To clarify..." Avoiding the passive tense will save words (for "A is dependent on B," use "A depends on B"). Define long phrases by shorter ones or even single words: if study participants are defined once as "women over 40 who had never had a child," they can afterwards be called "subjects".

Symbols (like arrows and bullets) can be problematic because on different computers symbols can change. The same thing can happen with colors. A slide that looked nice on one computer and projector can have a completely different and unattractive look on another computer and projector. If possible, it is wise to preview one’s presentation on the computer and projector that will be used for the actual presentation. Using animation and transitions, such as text or images flying or sliding in, can be very distracting for the audience and is also prone to technical malfunctions. As an alternative, to emphasize different parts of a slide, we suggest creating a duplicate slide with just the emphasized changes added, then as the two slides advance they appear to be one slide with animation, with less chance for malfunction.

The presenter him/herself is part of the visual experience of a presentation. The presenter should stand in a place that allows the audience to see the presentation. Objects between the audience and the speaker or presentation that impede line of sight should be removed, for example, a water bottle or laptop. Movement or rocking in the speaker or any object on the podium should be avoided, as the motion will visually distract from the presentation. As they speak, many presenters will inappropriately address the screen or computer rather the audience. Making eye contact with audience members encourages them to keep looking toward the presentation. The presenter should wear clothing that will complement and not distract from the visual presentation (we know one presenter who chose her outfit to match her presentation’s colors). Before the actual presentation, it is a good idea to give a mock presentation to colleagues and invite questions and comments on the visual presentation.

Sharing information with others is an important part of health care educators’ duties. Often, that information is best shared visually, or at least it is often first shared visually, as a poster or narrated PowerPoint slide show, before subsequent publication. From presenting research findings at a large scientific meeting to educating a handful of patients in a community setting, the advice in this article will help make that visual presentation more understandable, enjoyable and effective.

All authors supported by the Center for Reducing Risks in Vulnerable Populations, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing. This project was supported by Grant # P30 NR009014 Center for Reducing Risks in Vulnerable Populations (CRRVP) from the National Institute of Nursing Research and the P30 NR 010680 Center for End-of-Life Transition Research (CEoLTR). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Nursing Research or the National Institutes of Health.

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Example of an attractive visual layout for posters.

Oratory Club

Public Speaking Helpline

Poster Vs Oral Presentation: Which Is Best In 2023?

When it comes to presenting information or research, there are two popular options: posters or oral presentations. Choosing between the two can be a tough decision, but fear not! We’re here to help you explore the key differences and find the best fit for your needs. So, let’s dive in and compare the advantages of each approach.

First up, we have posters. These visual displays offer a great way to showcase your work creatively. With posters, you can utilize eye-catching graphics, images, and charts to capture your audience’s attention. Plus, posters allow for easy interaction, as viewers can take their time to study the content at their own pace.

On the other hand, we have oral presentations, which involve speaking in front of an audience to convey your research findings. Oral presentations enable you to engage directly with your peers, expressing your ideas, and answering questions on the spot. They offer a dynamic platform for showcasing your public speaking skills and establishing your expertise.

Now that we’ve introduced both options, let’s delve deeper into the specific merits of each one—poster presentations and oral presentations. By examining the distinct features of these approaches, we can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences. So, let’s weigh the pros and cons and find the perfect medium for your next presentation.

When deciding between a poster and an oral presentation, there are several key features to consider.

1. Visual Impact: Posters offer a visual representation of information, while oral presentations allow for direct engagement.

2. Audience Interaction: With posters, viewers can leave comments or ask questions. For oral presentations, immediate feedback is possible.

3. Versatility: Posters can be displayed for extended periods, while oral presentations allow for dynamic delivery.

4. Time Management: Posters can be viewed at any time, while oral presentations have a set duration.

5. Communication Style: Posters rely on visuals, while oral presentations include spoken words and gestures.

Consider these features to determine which format will best suit your needs.

poster vs oral presentation

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways: Poster vs Oral Presentation

  • Posters are visual displays of information, while oral presentations involve speaking to an audience.
  • Posters allow for more creativity in design and visual appeal.
  • Oral presentations provide an opportunity for direct interaction and engagement with the audience.
  • Posters are often used in conferences or exhibitions, while oral presentations are common in classrooms or professional settings.
  • Both formats have their benefits and can be effective in communicating information.

Comparing Poster vs Oral Presentation

In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is key. Whether it’s presenting research findings, sharing ideas, or conveying information, there are various methods to choose from. Two popular options are posters and oral presentations. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between these two formats, to help you make an informed decision on which method is better suited for your needs.

Overview of Posters

Posters are a visual medium for presenting information. They typically consist of a combination of text, images, graphs, and charts. Posters are often used in academic and scientific settings, such as conferences or research symposiums, to showcase research findings or present complex data. They offer a concise and visually appealing way to convey information to a large audience.

Creating a poster involves careful consideration of the layout, design elements, and content. The goal is to effectively communicate the main points of the research or topic in a visually appealing manner. Posters can be displayed on walls or presentation boards, allowing viewers to engage with the information at their own pace.

Overview of Oral Presentations

Oral presentations, on the other hand, involve the delivery of information through spoken words. This format is commonly used in academic, professional, and educational settings. Instead of relying solely on visual aids, oral presentations allow presenters to verbally explain their research or ideas, often supported by slides or visual aids.

An oral presentation typically follows a structured format, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Presenters are expected to articulate their thoughts clearly, provide engaging explanations, and convey their message effectively. This format allows for direct interaction with the audience through questions, discussions, and feedback.

Key Features Compared

When comparing posters and oral presentations, there are several key features to consider. Let’s explore each of these features in detail and compare the two methods.

Content Delivery

In terms of content delivery, posters and oral presentations offer different approaches. Posters rely heavily on visuals and concise written information to convey the main points. Viewers can read the content at their own pace and spend more time analyzing the information presented. On the other hand, oral presentations focus on verbal communication, allowing presenters to provide more in-depth explanations and engage directly with the audience.

Engagement and Interaction

Posters provide a more self-paced experience for viewers. They can spend as much time as needed to absorb the information, making them suitable for passive engagement. However, posters lack the interactive element that oral presentations offer. Oral presentations allow for real-time interaction, such as question-and-answer sessions or audience feedback, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience.

Presentation Skills

Both posters and oral presentations require distinct presentation skills. Creating an effective poster involves designing an aesthetically appealing layout, using clear and concise language, and organizing information in a logical manner. Oral presentations, on the other hand, require strong public speaking skills, the ability to engage the audience, and effective use of visual aids. Each format requires different skill sets and preparation.

User Experience

The user experience for both posters and oral presentations can vary depending on various factors. For posters, viewers have the flexibility to study the content at their own pace, review specific details, and focus on areas of interest. However, posters may lack the personal touch and direct interaction that oral presentations provide.

In oral presentations, the audience can benefit from real-time explanations, engagement, and the opportunity to ask questions. This format allows for a more dynamic and interactive user experience. However, some audience members may feel overwhelmed by the fast pace or struggle to fully grasp the information presented in the moment.

Pros and Cons

  • Visually appealing and engaging.
  • Provides a concise overview of research or information.
  • Allows viewers to study and analyze content at their own pace.
  • Lacks direct interaction and engagement with the audience.
  • May require a large amount of space for display.
  • Can be challenging to condense complex information into a limited space.

Oral Presentations

  • Allows for direct interaction and engagement with the audience.
  • Enables presenters to provide in-depth explanations and clarify misunderstandings.
  • Creates a dynamic and engaging experience for both presenters and audience members.
  • Requires strong public speaking skills and presentation preparation.
  • May limit the amount of information that can be covered within a given time frame.
  • Relies heavily on the presenter’s ability to convey the message effectively.

Price Comparison

When it comes to cost, posters are generally more affordable compared to oral presentations. Creating a poster requires minimal resources, such as printing costs, design software, and materials for display. On the other hand, oral presentations may involve additional expenses, such as travel costs for attending conferences or professional presentation software.

Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table that highlights the key features of posters and oral presentations:

| Feature | Posters | Oral Presentations | |————————-|—————————————|————————————-| | Content Delivery | Relies on visuals and concise text | Verbal explanations and visual aids | | Engagement and Interaction | Passive engagement for viewers | Real-time interaction with audience | | Presentation Skills | Design and organization | Public speaking and visual aid usage |

Which is Better – Poster vs Oral Presentation

In conclusion, the choice between posters and oral presentations ultimately depends on various factors, such as the nature of the content, audience preferences, and available resources. Both formats have their strengths and limitations, and the decision should be based on the specific goals and circumstances of the presentation.

When choosing between posters and oral presentations, consider the level of audience engagement desired, the complexity of the information being conveyed, and the presentation skills of the presenter. While posters offer a visually appealing and self-paced experience, oral presentations provide real-time interaction and the opportunity for in-depth explanations.

In summary, posters are ideal when conveying concise information visually and when passive engagement is desired. On the other hand, oral presentations are best suited for interactive discussions, in-depth explanations, and audience engagement. Ultimately, the choice between posters and oral presentations should be based on the specific goals and requirements of the presentation.

Three reasons to choose posters:

  • Visually engaging and can effectively communicate concise information.
  • Allows for self-paced studying and analysis of the content.
  • Minimal cost and resource requirements compared to oral presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to presenting information, two common formats are posters and oral presentations. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these two formats and their differences.

1. Which format is better for presenting information, a poster or an oral presentation?

Both formats have their advantages, and the choice depends on the context and purpose of the presentation. Posters are visually appealing and allow viewers to absorb information at their own pace. They are great for displaying complex data or visuals and can be easily referenced. Oral presentations, on the other hand, allow for direct interaction with the audience and the opportunity to convey information with enthusiasm and charisma. They are more dynamic and can often be more engaging for the audience. Ultimately, it’s important to consider the specific goals of your presentation and choose the format that aligns best with those objectives.

2. What are the main differences between a poster and an oral presentation?

The main difference is the way information is delivered. In a poster, the content is static and can be absorbed visually. Viewers can interpret the information at their own pace and refer back to it when needed. An oral presentation, on the other hand, involves a live performance where the presenter delivers information verbally. This format allows for direct interaction with the audience, the use of visual aids, and the ability to adapt the delivery based on audience reactions. Another difference is the level of preparation required. Posters typically require more time for design and visual arrangement, while oral presentations require more time rehearsing and practicing engaging delivery.

3. Are there any advantages to using a poster instead of an oral presentation?

Yes, there are several advantages to using a poster. Posters are highly visual and can convey complex information in an easily digestible manner. They allow viewers to study the content at their own pace and can be used as reference material even after the presentation. Posters are also ideal for situations where there is limited time for presentations or if the presenter prefers a more hands-off approach. Additionally, posters can be displayed in public areas even after the event, reaching a wider audience and serving as a long-lasting visual representation of the topic.

4. Can an oral presentation be more engaging than a poster?

Yes, an oral presentation can often be more engaging than a poster. Oral presentations allow for direct interaction with the audience, enabling the presenter to capture their attention and convey information using gestures, voice modulation, and visual aids. Presenters can also adapt their delivery based on audience reactions and engage the audience through questions, discussions, or interactive activities. Additionally, the live nature of an oral presentation allows for the presenter’s enthusiasm and passion for the topic to shine through, making it more memorable and impactful for the audience.

5. Can a poster and an oral presentation be used together?

Absolutely! Combining a poster and an oral presentation can be a powerful way to enhance the impact of your message. By creating a visually appealing poster that provides an overview of the topic, you can effectively capture the audience’s attention. Then, during the oral presentation, you can dive deeper into the content, providing additional insights, anecdotes, and engaging the audience in an interactive discussion. This combination allows for the best of both worlds, offering the visual appeal and reference value of a poster, along with the dynamic engagement of an oral presentation.

poster vs oral presentation 2

Poster Presenting Tips : Cal NERDS’ Student Research Poster Presenting Tips

So, to sum it all up, when it comes to presenting information, there are two main options: posters and oral presentations. Posters are like visual aids that can help you explain your ideas with pictures, graphs, and text. On the other hand, oral presentations involve speaking to an audience and sharing your thoughts and information out loud.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Posters can be a great way to showcase your creativity and make your ideas visual. They allow your audience to take their time and study the information on their own. However, they might not provide enough explanation and can limit your ability to interact with your audience.

Oral presentations, on the other hand, give you a chance to engage with your audience directly. You can use your voice, gestures, and expressions to convey your message. However, they require more preparation and can be nerve-wracking for some people.

In the end, the best method for presenting information depends on your personal style and the situation. If you’re a visual person who likes to express yourself through images and graphs, posters might be your go-to. If you enjoy speaking and connecting with others, oral presentations might be a better fit.

Remember, it’s not about picking a winner between the two, but rather about choosing the method that works best for you and effectively communicates your ideas. So, whether you choose to create a poster or give an oral presentation, embrace the opportunity to share your knowledge and let your creativity shine!

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5 golden rules of PowerPoint design

february 6, 2024

A smiling woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a leopard print cardigan poses with her hands on her hips in front of an olive green background.

by Deb Ashby

Wondering how to design the perfect PowerPoint presentation? It's easier than you think–just follow five simple rules to get started:

1. Consider using templates

When building a slide deck, it’s important to maintain consistency throughout. We want to ensure we are using consistent font styles, colors and themes. This can be tricky when designing from scratch, so why not start from a template?

Microsoft Create contains hundreds of pre-made, customizable PowerPoint templates, which means you don’t have to start from scratch and the fonts and colors are already set for you.

Simply choose a template from the gallery, customize it as needed, and you are done!

Screenshots of slides in a branded PowerPoint presentation, in hues of navy, maroon, and brown.

2. No walls of text

We’ve all seen PowerPoint presentations where slides contain too much text. The human brain struggles to listen and read at the same time. If you are presenting to an audience, keep the text on slides to a minimum.

Consider employing the “5-5-5" rule. No more than 5 lines, no more than 5 words, no more than 5 minutes. Think short and sharp memory joggers instead of rambling paragraphs.

Where possible, consider replacing text with visuals to represent your point. People remember images more than words.

A minimalist, black and white PowerPoint template

3. Be mindful of colors and fonts

No one wants their audience to leave with a headache after an hour of straining to read slides. We need to ensure that our presentation is easy to read for everyone – even for those in the nosebleed seats at the back! Think about the font you are using. Is it appropriate for the presentation? What about the font size? Can people at the back easily read? What about people with visual impairment? Ensure all text is at least 24pts.

When it comes to color, ensure all slides have good contrast. Dark backgrounds should have light font and vice versa.

4. Use animation sparingly

Animation can really liven up an otherwise flat presentation. However, it should be used thoughtfully and sparingly. Too much of the wrong type of animation with objects flying in and zooming around the screen, while fun, can look confusing and unprofessional.

Animation should be subtle. With every animation you add, ask yourself, "Is this going to enhance my presentation or distract from it?"

5. Engage your audience

When presenting to an audience, there is usually an awkward time before the presentation begins while the speaker waits for everyone to arrive. During this time, people may start scrolling on their phones or get distracted with work emails, and it can be hard to pull the audience back.

To avoid this issue, work to grab your audience's attention before the presentation even starts. Instead of just having the title slide on the screen, consider creating "kiosk slides." These are a series of slides that contain a combination of interesting things for the audience to look at or engage with. Maybe you have an interesting image? A funny quote or fun facts? Or maybe there is a question you want them to think about prior to the session?

Create these slides and have them automatically cycle round before the presentation starts.

A PowerPoint presentation for a whitepaper proposal.

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Poster Presentation

Characteristics of a poster presentation.

  • Poster presenters should dress professionally and understand all parts of their poster.
  • Most poster presentations take place in a large room with dozens to hundreds of individual poster presentations occurring simultaneously.  
  • A typical presentation lasts 5-15 minutes.
  • Typical audience size for an individual poster presentation will be 1-5 people.
  • It is acceptable for the audience to ask questions during a presentation.
  • The presenter should use the poster’s figures and tables to communicate with the audience.

Excellent Presentations are Simple

The presenter is the scientist or engineer who conducted the research.   The presenter is an expert in that particular field and should be confident (but not arrogant) when presenting the research to their audience.   The presenter should understand everything that is in their poster (e.g., issue, topic, figures, tables, references).   The presenter should relax, speak clearly, start with the introduction, move through the methods, results and end with the discussion section.   The presenter should engage in conservation with the audience and answer their questions during the poster presentation.   The presenter should not read word-for-word from a script, but rather they should follow a general progression through their poster ( Fig. 17 ) that allows for active and organic discussion between them and the audience.    

Figure 17. Poster Presentation

student presenting poster to another student at poster symposium

Tips for Giving a Poster Presentation

  • Practice your presentation several times before the poster event. Dress professionally. Your audience will be focused on your poster for 5-15 minutes so you do not have much time to capture their attention and tell your story.   Engaging figures, maps, and graphs will help capture their attention.  
  • Focus most of your presentation on your figures and tables. Your audience will focus on figures, graphs, tables, and maps.   They rarely read the poster text.   If they read any text at all, it will likely be the abstract and figure captions so a presenter really should focus on figures and tables when they prepare for their poster presentation.  
  • Speak clearly and know your topic.   Remember you are the expert, so you need to understand all parts of your poster.  
  • Presenters should start their presentation ( Fig. 17 ) by introducing themself and moving onto the Title and Introduction sections.   Describe the issue and use figures to help explain the story.   Use maps to show the study area, use photographs of the organism or pollutant or issue, use graphs and tables to show patterns (e.g., population increased over past 5 years) and focus on important points.   Flow from one figure to the next, ending with the Discussion and Conclusion sections.   The presenter should point to the poster when they are talking about a specific figure, and use words and their hands to help explain each part of the poster.
  • Allow your audience to participate, allow them to ask questions throughout your presentation ( Fig. 18 ).   Always be respectful of your audience.   Always try to answer their questions.   If you do not know the answer, the best thing to say is “I do not know the answer, but I can point to another study here in my references section where other scientists are working on this very question.” Engage your audience and show them where to find additional work (e.g., journal articles, names of scientists) about the topic.  
  • Avoid using words like “stuff” and “things” and other general phrases like “this work was great”.   Give specific details because this demonstrates to the audience that you understand your topic.   Use the vocabulary words that you learned and explain these to the audience.   For example, rather than saying “This work was great for orangutans,” you could say, “This work was great because it was the first time that we observed orangutan feeding behavior in the wild and it allowed us to determine that female orangutans need 5,500 calories per day during their breeding season. Those females that obtained 5,500 calories per day were twice as likely to give birth.”
  • Be prepared for a lively and dynamic event ( Fig. 19 ).   Poster events typically consist of dozens or hundreds of individual poster presentations occurring simultaneously in the same room.   These events are typically very loud and energetic.   Food and beverages are typically provided at the event.  
  • Be flexible.   The audience will walk around to view as many posters as possible, stopping occasionally to view a poster and talk to a poster presenter about their research.   Some people may talk with the presenter for a few seconds, others may spend 15-20 minutes talking with a poster presenter.   Presenter-audience interactions will be rather informal and dynamic.  
  • Read or download the poster guide and map prior to attending the poster event.   A poster program guide and poster map will typically be published ahead of the event so that the audience knows where to find each poster and the presenter knows where to set up their poster.  
  • Wear comfortable shoes.   Posters are typically displayed on an easel and the presenter stands by their poster during the entire event, which can several hours.

Figure 18. Two-Way Communication is Key to a Successful Poster Event

student presenting poster to audience member

All scientific posters follow a similar organization in terms of parts (i.e., Abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion, References) and layout (i.e., title and name at the top, 3-4 columns for content).   However, each scientific poster can be unique in terms of its font, color scheme, types of figures (e.g., chart, diagram, graph, map, photograph) and use of tables.   It is entirely up to the scientists to decide how they want to design their poster to best communicate their research with the audience.   Gallery 1 shows eight different scientific posters that were presented at a scientific conference.   As you look through Gallery 1 you can see that the posters are all similar in the way that they are organized but that each poster is unique in they way it is designed (e.g., color scheme, number and placement of figures, use of fonts).   While each is different, they all succeed in their goal of visually communicating the importance of their scientific research to an audience ( Gallery 1) .    

Figure 19. Poster Event

posters set up in rows with students and audience members mingling amongst them

Gallery 1. Examples of Completed Scientific Posters

Scientific Posters: A Learner's Guide Copyright © 2020 by Ella Weaver; Kylienne A. Shaul; Henry Griffy; and Brian H. Lower is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Make a Poster in Google Slides

How to Make a Poster in Google Slides | Quick Tips & Tutorial for your presentations

To announce any event, from birthdays, concerts, or even a graduation ceremony, a poster with all the necessary information is the perfect solution, as it is original and will ensure that everyone who sees it retains the most important information of the event in question. In addition, it is a great decorative element for any place.

However, how can we create these creative designs? At Slidesgo , we have some A3 Google Slides and PowerPoint templates ready to be printed to get amazing posters. You can filter your search on our website so that the results you get are A3 or even A4.

However, if you want to create the design yourself from scratch or adapt another design to the desired format to create the poster, in this post we will explain how to make a poster using Google Slides . Here we go!

How to make a poster in Google Slides step by step

  • Open a new presentation in Google Slides. By default, the format is 16:9. To adapt it to the size you want your poster to be, click on File > Page setup. A small tab will appear where we can configure the slide. From the drop-down, select Custom and set the size. In the example, we have used a vertical A3 format (29.7 x 42 cm)
  • If you click on Theme, you can use one of the defaults themes Google Slides for your design, but if you need a more professional style, at Slidesgo we have a wide variety of templates, even with formats such as A3 and A4 already defined. Take a look!
  • You can also adapt a 16:9 presentation to the size of your poster. Just follow the same procedure as above, except that instead of opening a new presentation, open a previously created one. In the example, we have set the slide in A3 horizontal format (42 x 29.7 cm).

slide presentation vs poster

  • If you want to print your poster, just download the presentation to your computer. You can delete the slides you don't need or download the entire presentation as a PDF. To do this, select File > Download > PDF Document. If you need more information about this process, you can read our tutorial on how to export a Google Slides presentation as a PDF file .

And that's it! Now you can print your poster and place it wherever you want, but make sure everyone is able to see it! We're sure it's an amazing design!

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What is the difference between presentation and poster presentation?

Table of Contents

  • 1 What is the difference between presentation and poster presentation?
  • 2 What is a poster presentation at a conference?
  • 3 How is a slide different from a presentation?
  • 4 What happens in poster session?
  • 5 What is difference between slide and slide show?
  • 6 What is the role of slides in a presentation?
  • 7 What happens at a poster Conference?
  • 8 What is a poster session?

The primary difference between poster and oral presentations is that you should try to let a poster do most of the ‘talking’ for you. That is, the material presented in poster form should convey the essence of your message. With an oral presentation, you have more control over what your audience can focus on.

What is a poster presentation at a conference?

A poster session or poster presentation is the presentation of research by an individual or group for a class or academic/professional conference. At a conference, the work is usually peer reviewed. A room is reserved for poster sessions where researchers accompany a poster illustrating their methods and outcomes.

What should be done in a poster presentation for a conference?

Follow these tips to effectively present your poster:

  • Stand on one side of the poster and avoid blocking the audience from viewing your poster or the poster next to yours.
  • Smile and make eye contact with the audience.
  • Ask your audience if they would like you to present your poster to them.

How is a slide different from a presentation?

A presentation is a set of slides that you present to people in a group while each page of a PowerPoint presentation is called a slide.

What happens in poster session?

A Poster Session advertises your research. It combines text and graphics to make a visually pleasing presentation. Typically, a professional poster involves showing your work to numerous researchers at a conference or seminar. This can take place in one large room, several smaller rooms, or even on a balcony.

What is the purpose of poster?

A poster is a temporary promotion of an idea, product, or event put up in a public space for mass consumption. Typically, posters include both textual and graphic elements, although a poster may be either wholly graphical or wholly text. Posters are designed to be both eye-catching and informative.

What is difference between slide and slide show?

A slide is a single page of a presentation. Collectively, a group of slides may be known as a slide deck. Slideshow: A slide show is an exhibition of a series of slides or images in an electronic device or in a projection screen.

What is the role of slides in a presentation?

Slides keep an audience’s attention during a presentation and provide additional supporting information in textual or graphic format.

What is the difference between a poster and an oral presentation?

Generally oral presentations are considered more selective. Posters allow greater personal interaction. Both are important. Which better represents research work at scientific conferences, “posters” or “oral presentations”? They both do, but in different ways. At many large conferences, there can only be a limited number of oral presentations.

What happens at a poster Conference?

For a fixed period of time during the conference, all participants are invited to wander round the posters, reading and asking questions as they deem fit. Poster presenters typically stand by the posters and answer questions as people come by.

What is a poster session?

In a poster session, a number of presenters each prepare a poster (in a standard size) and mount them on boards in a large room. For a fixed period of time during the conference, all participants are invited to wander round the posters, reading and asking questions as they deem fit.

What are the disadvantages of a poster presentation?

A poster presentation may see your time monopolised by one person, while others struggle to see past them to your poster, or it may mean a lonely two hours standing by your poster while others enjoy the canapés and socialise.

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COMMENTS

  1. conference

    In the biology-related fields I'm familiar with, poster presentations are generally to one or a few people who are expected to interact with you, while slide shows are for larger numbers who are expected to be relatively passive.

  2. How to Design a Winning Poster Presentation (Examples & Templates)

    But there's a big difference: it's all in professionalism and attention to detail. You can be sure that the students that thrived in science fairs are now creating fantastic research posters, but what is that extra element most people miss when designing a poster presentation?

  3. 15 Effective Visual Presentation Tips To Wow Your Audience

    7. Add fun with visual quizzes and polls. To break the monotony and see if your audience is still with you, throw in some quick quizzes or polls. It's like a mini-game break in your presentation — your audience gets involved and it makes your presentation way more dynamic and memorable. 8.

  4. How to Make a Poster Using Microsoft PowerPoint

    Posters come in all sizes, but the first thing you need to know is PowerPoint's slide limit is 56-inches x 56-inches, so you'll need to plan accordingly. It's also important to note that you want to set your poster dimensions before you start designing your poster.

  5. Presentations and posters

    Academic presentations maybe a talk with slides or a poster presentation, and they may be assessed. Presentations may be individual or collaborative group work. The basics. A good presentation will communicate your main points to an audience clearly, concisely and logically. Your audience doesn't know what it is you are trying to say, so you ...

  6. How to create an effective poster presentation (plus 3 free templates)

    Stick to a color scheme. If you'd like to use a few different colors in your poster, stick to a color scheme that includes two or three shades. Then use them in a consistent pattern. For example, dark green for headings, light green for subheadings and yellow for section borders.

  7. Poster Presentations

    The typically allowed dimensions are 90 cm (36") high x 122 cm (48") wide. There are two ways to create your poster (Figure 21.1): 1) print 12-20 regular slides on 8.5″ x 11″ pieces of paper, and arrange them; 2) create a single large poster sheet, either printed on paper or fabric, to fill the whole space. Figure 21.1.

  8. How to prepare a scientific poster

    Practice a 1- to 2-minute pitch until you feel comfortable. The poster and your pitch must be aimed at the audience that will be present. The clearer and more rational your poster layout, the easier it will then be for you to make a strong pitch. —Srinivas.

  9. How to Make a Poster in PowerPoint: 10 Simple Steps

    1. Collect Poster Materials Before starting on a PowerPoint poster design, sit down and figure out what is going on in the poster. Write out a plan for the design and collect all materials in a folder on your desktop - text, charts or data, and photos or other graphics. 2. Launch Software

  10. Conference Presentations

    Poster presentations ask participants to visually display their ideas on a research poster, which is typically displayed with other research posters in a specific area at a conference. The poster needs to be understandable on its own (without the author) as viewers sometimes look through the posters outside the bounds of the poster session ...

  11. PDF Effective Poster Presentations

    vii. Definition is used when a subject requires the understanding of terms, ideas, or phenomena, while Redefinition gives new understanding or new meaning to a topic. Sections to consider including in a poster. Depending on the event, sections may be predetermined, but here are examples of standard headers and the type of content for each:

  12. PDF Poster and Oral Presentation Considerations and Tips

    While there may be some diferences in things to consider when making a poster or putting together powerpoint slides for an oral presentation, the following considerations and tips for the presentation aspect can apply to either poster or oral presentations: Resource adapted from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1876493/

  13. Poster Presentations at Conferences

    OK As a PhD candidate, conference attendance is a daunting rite of passage and choosing the right presentation mode can be tricky. Many opt for poster presentations as their first conference experience, but are they really worth it?

  14. Tips for Better Visual Elements in Posters and Podium Presentations

    Presentations should be consistent in font size and type, line spacing, alignment of graphics and text, and size of graphics. All elements should be aligned with at least one other element. Contrasting light background with dark text (and vice versa) helps an audience read the text more easily.

  15. Poster Vs Oral Presentation: Which Is Best In 2023?

    1. Visual Impact: Posters offer a visual representation of information, while oral presentations allow for direct engagement. 2. Audience Interaction: With posters, viewers can leave comments or ask questions. For oral presentations, immediate feedback is possible. 3.

  16. The 5 golden rules of PowerPoint design

    To avoid this issue, work to grab your audience's attention before the presentation even starts. Instead of just having the title slide on the screen, consider creating "kiosk slides." These are a series of slides that contain a combination of interesting things for the audience to look at or engage with. Maybe you have an interesting image?

  17. Poster Presentation

    Dress professionally. Your audience will be focused on your poster for 5-15 minutes so you do not have much time to capture their attention and tell your story. Engaging figures, maps, and graphs will help capture their attention. Focus most of your presentation on your figures and tables.

  18. How to Make a Poster in Google Slides

    Open a new presentation in Google Slides. By default, the format is 16:9. To adapt it to the size you want your poster to be, click on File > Page setup. A small tab will appear where we can configure the slide. From the drop-down, select Custom and set the size. In the example, we have used a vertical A3 format (29.7 x 42 cm)

  19. Google Slides vs PowerPoint: Full Comparison Guide for 2024

    The biggest difference between PowerPoint and Google Slides is that PowerPoint is an offline, downloadable tool created by Microsoft Windows while Google Slides is an online-only tool offered as part of the Google Workspace. But the big question here is which of the two presentation software is better for your presentations?

  20. What is the difference between presentation and poster presentation

    A presentation is a set of slides that you present to people in a group while each page of a PowerPoint presentation is called a slide. What happens in poster session? A Poster Session advertises your research. It combines text and graphics to make a visually pleasing presentation.

  21. conference

    A slight aside that may be helpful if you opt for and are accepted for a Poster presentation at the conference. Zen Faulkes contributed a great post on Perfecting the Poster Presentation on our blog. His own blog - Better Posters - has lots of tips and advice for anyone considering poster presentations. Highly recommended and very entertaining!

  22. Before PowerPoint: The Evolution of Presentations

    Paper Flip Charts and Poster Cards. ... As technology advanced, so did the evolution of presentations. Slide designers moved from creating slides by hand to creating them on computers with early design programs. In 1987, when PowerPoint was released, slide designers quickly jumped on board to learn the program and get presentations done faster. ...

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