From Awkward to Awesome: What I Learned About Making a Poster Presentation Memorable

The first time I presented a poster I was so nervous. What if no one stopped by? What if they had a question I could not answer? What if I forgot something important?

As I chatted with the other presenters, hoping to welcome some visitors, I remembered what my advisor told me: This was my work, and I knew it best. As people eventually stopped by to talk to me, I figured out what I had done well to prepare and what I could’ve done better to make the experience more enjoyable. 

Here are five tips to get the most out of a poster session:

1. Prepare a skimmable poster

It may be tempting to fit in as much information as possible, but it’s better to tell a cohesive story. This story is the main question your research is answering, even if some curiosities remain. Let it be the guide for the details you include in each section. 

The more I presented, the more I realized the power of well-chosen visuals. They can illustrate ideas more effectively than paragraphs of text or tons of data. For instance, my research was analyzing the performance of solid-state electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. By having a schematic of the coin cells used for testing, I was able to explain my analysis more quickly. 

For easier skimming or browsing, keep your wording concise and opt for bullet points where possible. Let each point represent a different idea and shorten it by getting straight to the point of the idea.

2. Read the guest

One unique aspect of presenting a poster is that it is often to an audience of one. Each visitor has different expectations, and sometimes body language clues can be helpful. The majority are ready to engage and might look intently at your poster while leaning in. Others may just want to browse through the poster or ask specific questions. These people may look at your poster quickly and from a distance, and this is okay!

Start every interaction with a smile and a friendly greeting and then establish what they would like. I got a lot of people asking,“Can you tell me a little bit about your work?” Some people stood silently. When that happened, I simply asked, “Would you like me to walk you through it, or are you just browsing?”

A third option for a brief exchange could be, “Is there something specific I can share?” If they are just browsing, I found it helpful to show willingness to answer any questions or have further discussion.

So what if they want to hear more? The answer is in the next tip.

3. Draw them in

Jumping straight into a complex synthesis method or data analysis can leave some visitors on the outside of your conversation. Starting with the impact of your research or answering whatever specific question they have will help your guest connect to your work. It communicates value and sets the stage for meaningful engagement. For me, talking about safety concerns of batteries was a good introduction into the problem my research was trying to solve.

Connecting your research to something relatable can make it more accessible and engaging. For instance, sharing real-world relevance can give listeners a reason to care, even if they are unfamiliar with the technicalities of your field. If you have the opportunity, it might be worth asking your guest their background to guide how you frame your work.

4. Master the spiel

Prior to my poster session, I developed a 30-second overview of my research and practiced saying it out loud until I got comfortable with it. You can use this method to explain your work quickly to guests at the session. It’s also helpful to have similar 30-second responses for expected follow-up questions.

One thing is for sure, your visitors can and will ask for specific information. Try to tie those specifics back to the main goal of your project. Focus on the concepts and explain the reasoning behind your steps, but also be prepared to share details if requested.

5. Take in the benefits

The real value of a poster is in the discussion with people who stop by. You may get constructive feedback, or a chance to collaborate opportunities, or exchange experiences. That’s why it’s to your advantage to invite people to ask questions or to share their thoughts on the research. It’s okay if you don’t have an answer, or your guest notices something you didn’t think of. Ask for their card, jot down their question, and save it to follow up with them about it. This is how you build connections!

Remember: You are not just presenting a poster, you are leading a research conversation. It is an opportunity to take ownership of the work you have done as you share it with scholars of different backgrounds. Whether it’s your first poster or your tenth, each interaction is a valuable exchange of ideas. Enjoy the conversations and connections your research sparks!