Program Impact Handout

For audiences who require just an update, highlight, or basic overview of your research findings or work, keep handouts to one page. (Please read Getting Started.)

Provide your contact information or business card so that those who want more information can get it — from you — the resource person in that area.

Other points to consider as you develop handouts:

Is the handout accompanying a display or poster? If accompanying another piece/material, what is your purpose of this piece? Try not to create an exact duplicate of your display, but keep the look consistent to connect the two in the audience’s mind. Handouts should stand on their own, even if the purpose is to augment information on your display. Include timely information, highlight upcoming events like related conferences or workshops, point people to your Web site for additional resources, etc.

If the purpose of your handout includes getting people to take action (subscribe to an e-newsletter, register for a workshop, sign up to receive additional resources, visit a Web site, call a phone number, etc.), set this information off in a text box and put it at the bottom right corner of the page. Studies show this is the most effective placement.

Example: Program impact handout from research findings — University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program (PDF) (You may be prompted to login to myUMaine Portal; use your gmail user name and password)

This piece was created in addition to a display (PDF). While some of the key information was highlighted on both materials (display and handout), the handout, while still brief (no more than one page), provided additional information. In this example, the display was created simply to draw legislators into the table to ask questions, etc. The handout was intended for them to take with them to help inform them at a later time.