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Oklahoma City Community College Keith Leftwich Memorial Library

OCCC Scholar's Day 2025

Creating Your Poster

Key Dates:

  • Last day to register for Scholar’s Day: October 17

  • Last day to submit abstract: October 24

  • Last day to submit poster for free printing: November 7

  • Be available for your poster or project presentation: November 18

What to Include in Your Poster

Design Basics: 5 Key Tips

1. Keep It Simple and Focused
Stick to one clear message or story. Use bullet points, short paragraphs, and visuals to help viewers grasp your main ideas quickly.

2. Use Visuals Wisely
Charts, images, and graphics should support—not distract from—your message. Use high-quality visuals with clear labels and captions.

3. Make It Readable from a Distance
Use large fonts:

  • Titles: 72 pt or larger
  • Headings: 36–48 pt
  • Body Text: 24–32 pt
  • Stick with simple fonts (like Arial or Calibri) and high contrast between text and background

4. Use Logical Layout
Organize your content in clear sections. Guide the reader’s eye naturally—usually left to right, top to bottom—using columns or visual blocks.

5. Think Visually, Not Just Verbally
Posters are visual communication tools—not papers on a board. Use space, alignment, and color to make your message engaging and easy to follow.

Suggested Content for Research Posters

These are standard sections for most basic or applied research posters. You can customize based on your project:

  • Title
  • Abstract - A snapshot of your project: What you studied and what you found.
  • Introduction - Research question, background, and why the topic matters.
  • Methods - What you did and how you did it—your process, tools, or approach.
  • Results - What you discovered (use charts, graphs, or visuals if possible).
  • Discussion - Why it matters—your interpretation, insight, and key takeaways.
  • Future Research - What still needs to be explored? What questions remain?
  • References - (Optional) Include key sources or use a QR code that links to your full works cited list.

Start with the Basics

Use the classic Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions to frame your project:

  • Who was involved in the project?
  • What did you create or explore?
  • When and where did the work take place?
  • Why did you choose this topic or approach?
  • How did you carry out the work?

Highlight Innovation

  • What was innovative or creative about your approach or final product?
  • What needs or gaps in current knowledge or practice did your project address?
  • Why is this work important or relevant?

If Your Project Began as a Class Assignment...

Consider exploring these questions to deepen your explanation:

  • What was the purpose of the assignment?
  • What process or steps did you take to complete it?
  • What were the learning outcomes for you? For your instructor?
  • What are the current gaps in understanding the topic (especially from a teaching and learning perspective)?
  • How might your outcomes impact future knowledge, teaching, or practice?
  • Did the project result in any personal or academic transformation?
  • What insights or skills did you gain?
  • Are there new ideas or content that could be added to course curriculum as a result?

Final Tip: Think Like a Storyteller

Your poster is more than a display—it’s a chance to tell the story of your work. Aim to make it clear, engaging, and meaningful to someone outside your field.

Creating Your Poster Using PowerPoint

You can design your poster using many programs—PowerPoint, Canva, Photoshop, etc. These directions focus on PowerPoint.

1. Choose a Template

  • You may use a free downloadable template from sites like PosterNerd.
  • Or, use the OCCC-provided template (if applicable).
  • Your final poster size should be 42” x 36”.
  • If the template gives size options, select the closest match and adjust if needed.

2. Set Poster Size in PowerPoint

To change your PowerPoint slide size to 42” x 36”:

  1. Click the “Design” tab.
  2. Select “Slide Size” → then “Page Setup.”
  3. Under “Slides sized for,” choose Custom.
  4. Enter:
    • Width: 42 inches
    • Height: 36 inches
  5. Click OK and Save your file.

3. More Poster Design Tips & Guides

4. Don’t Stress—Ask for Help!

If you get frustrated or stuck—STOP and contact your mentor.
Don’t spend hours trying to fix something on your own. We’re here to help!

5. Key Dates & Deadlines

  • Rough Draft Due to Mentor: October 24
    Your mentor will review and help with revisions.
  • Final Poster (PDF) Due for Free Printing: November 7

7. To Print

  • Save your file as a PDF.
  • Submit your final poster using the submission form on the Printing Your Poster page of this website. 

6. See Sample Posters

Browse examples for inspiration and layout ideas:

How to Make an Effective Academic Poster