Scholar-to-Scholar competitive sessions are a common means of displaying
communication research findings. Some organizations, such as the American
Psychological Association, utilize poster sessions for presenting the majority of
their competitively selected, data-based papers. BEA also uses this format
because it offers many advantages; chief among them is the opportunity to engage in extended dialogue with those most interested in one's research.

The use of poster sessions at BEA meetings is still a relatively new practice and
not all members are yet familiar with the process of preparing appropriate displays. It is essential that careful thought and planning go into the preparation of a display several weeks prior to its presentation. Unlike verbal presentations, a worthwhile poster display cannot be assembled at the last minute.

The Concept

A poster display consists of a brief overview of the important elements of one's
display: an abstract, a statement of the research questions or problems, overview of methods, summary of results, and itemization of important conclusions. It also should incorporate, where appropriate, visual elements beyond simple text. Visual displays are enhanced by diagrams, graphs, schematics, and pictures as well as more traditional tables or figures.

The Logistics

1. One's entire display must fit within an area four feet high by five feet wide.

2. Conference organizers will provide means for fastening your materials to the
surface on which it will be displayed. Push pins or temporary adhesive strips will be used, depending on the nature of the facilities and equipment available at the
conference site.

3. Each display should include a prominent "label" at the top indicating the title of
the paper and author names. The letter size for this should be at least 1-2 inches
high; somewhat larger sizes may be desirable. Keep in mind that the title is meant to attract one's audience and therefore ought to be visible at a medium distance.

4. The remainder of your display should assume that the reader will be at
arms-length distance. Letter size for all aspects of the display should be no smaller than one centimeter high (about 1/2 inch), with headings or sub-headings larger and preferably in bold type.

Tips for Preparing

Each paper offers different types of elements that are important to emphasize. For an empirical, quantitative study, a typical presentation might look similar to the items below.

Other types of research papers may wish to utilize different topical summaries or
different arrays of visual material. The best displays are those that offer more that mere textual description of paper; they take advantage of their medium of
communication and utilize visual elements that convey special meaning associated with the topic. Be creative and use a device to capture attention. This technique is not different than telling a joke at the beginning of a talk to get people's attention.

Avoid information overload. A common flaw of poster displays is to try to include
everything that is in the paper. Remember, you will be one of many displays that
your audience will be surveying. Two or three key points in each of the areas
suggested in the figure above should be considered an appropriate amount of
information and probably all you will have room for if lettering is done at the proper size.

Many universities have graphic design units that support both research and
instruction. If the materials you need to prepare also can serve a pedagogical
purpose for a course, you may be able to obtain their assistance at no charge or at a reduced rate.

Most art stores provide a variety of press-on letters in different sizes and fonts and colors. Stencils also may be employed.

If one's computer does not provide a large enough letter size, try using photocopy machines with enlargement capabilities. If one's academic unit doesn't provide such service, most copy centers can do this for a nominal charge.

Arrive at the session at least 15 minutes prior to its scheduled start so that the
display will be ready at the appointed hour. It is as rude to the audience to be late setting up the poster display as arriving late for a talk. Those most interested in the research may well be the first to visit the display.

Good Luck!