Slide Design and Layout

• Use simple, uncluttered layouts with one main idea per slide.

• Avoid busy backgrounds, watermarks, or decorative images behind text.

• Use high-contrast color combinations (e.g., dark text on a light background).

• Do not rely on color alone to communicate meaning.

Text and Fonts

• Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri).

• Minimum recommended font sizes:

  • • Body text: 24 pt

    • Headings: 32–40 pt

• Avoid long blocks of text; use concise bullet points when possible.

Images, Figures, and Data

• Ensure graphs and figures are clearly labeled.

• Use patterns, labels, or shapes in addition to color.

• Avoid screenshots of text.

• Be prepared to describe charts, figures, and images verbally during the presentation.

Content Clarity

• Define acronyms and technical terms at first use.

• Use clear, plain language where possible.

• Organize slides with a clear structure and consistent formatting.

Accessibility of Files

• Ensure text is selectable and readable by screen readers.

• Use PowerPoint or accessible PDFs with correct reading order.

• Caption any embedded video or audio.

• Share slides in advance when possible to support attendee access.

Note about captions:

• All sessions will use automated captions.

At the Start of Your Talk

• Introduce yourself, your affiliation and provide a verbal description.

  • • Example: I am a white woman with short brown hair. I’m wearing a green sweater.

• Briefly outline what you will cover.

Speaking to Support Automated Captions

• Use the microphone at all times, even in smaller rooms.

• Speak clearly, at a moderate pace.

• Avoid speaking while facing away from the microphone.

• Limit overlapping speech (including reading directly while animations play).

Automated captions work best when speech is:

• Clear

• Moderate in speed

• Free of unnecessary background noise

During the Presentation

• Read or summarize key slide text aloud.

• Verbally describe visual content (e.g., “This graph shows…”).

• Avoid referencing visuals only by pointing or saying “this” or “that.”

• Pause briefly between major points to support processing and caption accuracy.

Questions and Discussion

• Repeat questions before answering.

• Speak clearly when responding.

Poster Design

• Use large, readable fonts: 

  • • • Body text: 24-28 pt minimum

      • Headings clearly larger

• Use high-contrast colors and simple backgrounds.

• Organize content with clear section headings. 

• Avoid dense paragraphs; prioritize key points. 

Visual Content

• Clearly label all figures and charts.

• Use patterns or text labels in addition to color. 

• Ensure important information is visible without standing very close. 

Supplementary Materials (Encouraged)

• Prepare an accessible digital version of your poster:

  • • Searchable PDF, Word or PowerPoint format.

• Provide a QR code linking to:

  • • The poster

    • A plain-text summary

    • Additional accessible materials if available

Advance Sharing

• Poster presenters are strongly encouraged to share posters or accessible alternatives ahead of the conference. 

During the Poster Session

• Be prepared to give:

  • • • A brief overview (1-2 minutes)

      • A longer explanation if requested

• Verbally describe key visuals and findings.

• Do not assume attendees can read the poster independently.

• Keep pathways clear for mobility access. 

• Avoid blocking sections of the poster with your body while speaking. 

Inclusive Interaction

• Welcome different engagement styles (quiet reading, brief questions, longer discussion). 

• Avoid assumptions about background knowledge, ability, or communication preferences. 

• Use respectful, inclusive language. 

Sensory and Environmental Considerations

• Refrain from wearing strong fragrances. 

• Speak at a moderate volume. 

• Be attentive to cues that someone may need more time or space.