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Research Posters

How do I dress?

This is a formal research presentation, so you want to dress appropriately and professionally. See the table below for recommended attire.

Most importantly, be comfortable in what you wear. You will probably be in it for from a couple hours to a whole day.

If you identify as gender neutral or another identity - Select an outfit that you would be most comfortable in and best represents you. Use the table below for recommendations for appropriate attire.

  Males Females
Tops

Button-down shirt

Vest

Sports Coat

Blouses

Cardigans

Blazers
Bottoms

Khakis

Dress pants

Slacks

Skirts

Dress pants

Slacks
Other Suits

Dresses

Pant suits
Shoes

Dress shoes

Nice casual sneakers

Heels

Flats

Sandals
Accessories

Neck tie

Bow tie

Watch

Belt

Appropriate jewelry

Belt

Watch

Appropriate jewelry

Pantyhose
Hair Styling

Combed

Brushed

Trimmed

Brushed

Buns

Ponytails, low or high

Hair clips

Straighten or Curled

Tips -

  • Be mindful at the number of exposed piercings and tattoos you have. In some fields, this is a turn-off.
  • If your hair is dyed from traditional hair colors, style it neat and tidy.
  • Avoid perfumes and colognes. The scents could may bother other attendees, and some people have allergies to artificial scents.

 

What do I say?

Prepare an Elevator Pitch!

Elevator pitches are short, rehearsed speeches about 1-2 minutes long. Essentially, it is as if you are speaking to someone on an elevator ride from the ground floor to the top floor of a skyscraper.

They cover a brief summary about your poster, maybe including some details that are not explicitly shared on it. If you need a notecard to help you remember your main points, that's OK! But, it is recommended to try to have most (if not all) of it memorized. 

Consider potential questions!

Poster presentations give you a great opportunity to practice impromptu speaking, too! Your visitors will most likely ask you questions about your research, your interests, and/or goals. Be thoroughly familiar with your research (and yourself) so you can answer any question!

Be careful with word choices (aka colloquialisms)

Know who your audience is. If you go to a conference where everyone is in the same field as you, "speak the language." If you go to a conference where everyone is not in the same field as you, be prepared to use alternate words or explain what a word means.

How do I act?

You must act professionally. Be courteous, polite, and kind. Basically, be on your best behavior.

Do - 

  • Stand straight and tall.
  • Cross hands in front or behind.
  • Roll your shoulders back.
  • Smile! A simple grin is fine, with or without the pearly whites.

Don't - 

  • Don't look down - Direct your gaze toward the potential audience.
  • Cross your arms - You won't look inviting and welcoming.
  • Slump your shoulders.
  • Frown. You want to engage with others. No one feels the welcoming with a frown.