This technique is not different than telling a joke at the beginning of a talk to get people's attention. Avoid information overload. A common flaw of poster displays is to try to include everything that is in the paper. Remember, you will be one of many displays that your audience will be surveying. Two or three key points in each of the areas suggested in the figure above should be considered an appropriate amount of information and probably all you will have room for if lettering is done at the proper size.
Many universities have graphic design units that support both research and instruction.
If the materials you need to prepare also can serve a pedagogical purpose for a course, you may be able to obtain their assistance at no charge or at a reduced rate. Most art stores provide a variety of press-on letters in different sizes and fonts and colors. Stencils also may be employed. If one's computer does not provide a large enough letter size, try using photocopy machines with enlargement capabilities. If one's academic unit doesn't provide such service, most copy centers can do this for a nominal charge.