Presenters often use Velcro, push pins, or staples to attach their posters
to display boards. Regardless of the method used, it is important to securely
anchor the poster. Coming prepared with extra supplies is helpful because it
is not uncommon to encounter problems when hanging posters. If traveling
to conferences by air, it is wise to carry aboard posters to ensure that materials
arrive with you.
No matter how many times presenters proofread their posters, it is still pos-
sible for an error to be overlooked. Completing posters with sufficient time for
obtaining feedback from colleagues is invaluable. For feedback to be construc-
tive, colleagues must be comfortable offering criticism and suggestions. It is
recommended that after assembling posters, presenters step back and critically
appraise their work. Referring back to submission criteria while appraising can
ensure that posters meet conference goals.
Oral Presentations
Like posters, oral presentations are an effective way to disseminate new knowl-
edge. There is a growing expectation for nurses who practice at the bedside to
engage in conference presentations (Happell, 2009). The submission process
for an oral presentation is very similar to poster abstract submissions. In fact,
nurses must often decide whether to deliver a poster or presentation when
submitting an abstract to a conference. Authors elect to present orally when
the topic is too complex to present in the space of a poster. Philosophical and
theoretical work is best suited for oral presentations. Whereas posters work
especially well for disseminating information about pilots and work in progress,
completed work may be disseminated best through oral presentations.
There are professional responsibilities, similar to poster presentations, that
must be fulfilled when accepting invitations to present papers. Many times
presenters must submit their PowerPoint slides and handouts in advance of
the conference. Objectives for presentations are often requested so that con-
ference planners can apply for continuing education credits. Late fees might
be assessed to presenters failing to meet deadlines. Should presenters find
themselves unable to attend a conference, sending colleagues to substitute is
preferable to canceling.
Successful oral presentations are a result of careful preparation and atten-
tion to detail. A multitude of sites offering suggestions for presenting can be
found on the Web, such as http://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2014/11/19
/how-to-improve-presentation-skills and https://www.mindtools.com/pages
/article/newCS_96.htm. Principles related to layout, font, color, and graphics of
poster preparation are applicable to the preparation of slides that accompany
KEY TERM
presentations:
Scholarly oral
presentations to
disseminate new
knowledge19.2 The 3 Ps of Dissemination 499