How to Design Debate Posters
Perhaps you're a teacher who wants to help your middle school class learn the art of debate for the first time, and you need posters to help the students remember both sides of the issue. Or maybe you're the president of your college debate team and you need to create a debate poster that will entice your peers to attend an upcoming debate. In any case, creating your own debate posters isn't a difficult process. Here's how to get started designing your posters.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer graphics program, such as Photoshop or Gimp
- Blank CD (optional)
- Printer (optional)
- Printer paper (optional)
Instructions
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Gather all the information you will need to include on your poster. This might include statistical data, statements from experts, quotes, photos or other graphics. For example, if the debate topic is global warming, you may want to obtain supporting data to place on your poster. You might also include dramatic pictures illustrating the effects of climate change. Good places to look for useful sources are government agency websites, as well as outside non-profit organizations that regularly conduct and publish research on the subject. Any government information you obtain is generally in the public domain, and you can use it without any concern of copyright infringement. Consider using a sketchbook to brainstorm out your ideas for your debate poster before moving on to the next step.
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Select a graphics program to use to create your debate poster. Photoshop and Gimp (freeware) are excellent programs to choose for designing a poster. Begin by selecting "File" and then "New" to open a new document that will become your debate poster. Next, choose width and height settings and enter these numbers into the dialog box provided. Now select a resolution setting; generally 200 pixels is preferable for any printed item like a poster. Save your document as a high resolution JPEG and name it. Remember to save often as you work and once you're finished with your design.
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Use the "Layer" panel that is in the right hand corner of your screen to organize the various elements (text, photos, graphics) of your poster. For instance, you can bring in photos that show the polar ice caps melting or a smog covering a metropolitan cityscape to help highlight the points you make in your debate poster's text. You text goes on one layer, your photos on others. You might also create your own graphics to add to your poster's design. You can then make changes to one layer at a time, resizing and repositioning elements and adding various filter effects without affecting elements you have placed on layers above or below. When you are satisfied with your final design, save it. If you plan to have your posters professionally printed, you will need to save a copy of your design to a CD.
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Choose a printing method. If your debate posters will be small, you can print them from a home printer. You will need to purchase sufficient paper and ink to print the number of posters required. On the other hand, if you need larger posters or a bulk order, you will need to find a professional print service. Check with print shops in your area on pricing and other options. Staples and Office Depot also offer this type of service.
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