How do I prepare my ILE presentation or poster?

Many programs pair the written ILE with a presentation, a poster session, or an oral defense. The audience might be faculty, classmates, site partners, or community members, so start by asking your advisor who will attend and how you'll be evaluated.

Build it around one message

You can't fit your whole paper into ten minutes or one poster. Pick the single most important takeaway, then choose only the background, methods, and results that support it. A clear structure works for both formats:

• The public health problem and why it matters
• Your setting and your specific role
• What you did and how
• What you found or produced
• What it means and what should happen next
• The competencies you applied, shown through examples

Slides

Aim for roughly one slide per minute, with a headline sentence at the top of each instead of a topic label. Use visuals over bullet lists, and make charts readable from the back of the room. Keep detailed tables for backup slides in case someone asks.

Posters

Posters are read in passing, so the title and main finding should be legible from several feet away. Use generous white space and short text blocks. Prepare a 60-second verbal walkthrough and a longer three-minute version for people who stop to ask.

Rehearse and prepare for questions

Practice the full talk aloud at least three times, ideally once in front of someone who will give honest feedback. Time yourself and cut, rather than speed up. Anticipate likely questions about limitations, why you chose your approach, and what you'd do differently. If you don't know an answer, say so and offer to follow up.

The guide to presenting to unfamiliar audiences covers adjusting your message when the room includes both academics and community partners. Get your preceptor's approval before showing any site data or materials.