Presenting a Scientific Poster

1
Presenting a Scientific Poster

• Dr. Gail P. Taylor
• MBRS-RISE/MARC-USTAR
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• Revised 8/2004

2
Preparation

• Make it early enough to practice it
• Try to develop a 3 minute presentation
• Put together poster repair kit
• Tape
• Marker
• Correction fluid
• Pen and notebook
• Handout with extra data
• Bottle of water
• Copy of CV (optional, but good for recruiters!)
• Business cards optional (not terribly accepted
  yet)

3
Transporting Poster

• Buy tube for rolling
• Do not be separated from it
• Plane
• Hotel
• Carry it yourself

4
Putting it up

• Dress very professionally
• Be there on time!
• Have friend there to help
• Dont leave unless it is very important to do so
  (if so, leave a friend there momentarily)

5
First Contact

• Stand to left of poster (where start reading)
• Take initiative
• Smile
• Say, Hello
• Introduce yourself
• Ask if theyd like you to walk them through it

6
Walking them through it

• Be friendly
• Dont sound like youve memorized
• Be excited about your work
• Aim for three minutes
• Point to poster/refer to figures
• Pause long enough for them to actually look at
  figure
• Give extra information only if they ask

7
Extras

• If someone helps you with an idea, write it down,
  as well as who they are and where from.
• Dont be discouraged if only a few come!

8
Coming Home Again

• Good to have follow-up meeting
• Keep promises that youve made
• Drop emails to new folks whom youve met