How to Present Your Research Findings at a Scientific Meeting

The next step following acceptance of an abstract submitted for a scientific meeting is to create the poster. Poster presentations provide an avenue for dissemination of research findings as well as the opportunity to highlight the work and network with other clinicians. Requirements for poster presentations vary among scientific meetings. Therefore, it is important to follow instructions set forth by the specific conference at which the work will be presented. Important considerations for poster design include the elements it should contain, font type and size, use of tables and figures, and poster size. Research indicates visual appeal has a greater influence in attracting attention than content. In addition to creating the poster, preparing for presentation is an essential step in the process. Practicing the presentation prior to the meeting, anticipating questions, and being familiar with the poster content are principal factors in preparing for the presentation. Oral presentations for posters are typically brief and should only focus on the key points. The purpose of this paper is to review poster design and provide general guidelines for presenting an abstract at a scientific meeting.