Formatting the poster is a crucial step in the process. Consider the colours you use carefully and whether they will captivate your audience. Make sure to play with the layout, so your story flows smoothly and don’t be tempted to add something to a certain spot just because it fits there. While a book shouldn’t solely be judged by its cover, it is what entices a reader to pick it up.
2. Feedback
Don’t only ask your colleague to take a look at your poster, but ask your students or someone not in the same field to give you feedback. Anyone should be able to understand your poster, as not everyone at NWO Biophysics will share your expertise on the topic.
3. Present
Presenting your poster at NWO Biophysics offers a unique opportunity for personal interaction with your audience. Start with a question like asking the visitors about their background or what they study. This will help you create a welcoming atmosphere and allows you to tailor your presentation to your audience’s knowledge.
4. Relax
You don’t have to do everything the exact same way as others. Use different colours or switch it up by presenting your results first. There will be many different posters on display and no one will view every single one of them. If you want people to be interested, make sure to be creative.
5. Delete
Resist the urge to fill your poster with unnecessary data. Instead ensure your data is clear and concise. The data should be easy to understand as you won’t be able to stand next to it during the entire conference.
Although some parts of the process were nerve-wracking, most of the prize winners agree that it was worth all the work. Hopefully their advice can help you along.
