Mastering the Abstract: Tips for Crafting Submissions That Stand Out

By Elaina Diaz MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN

Submitting an abstract can be the most important step in getting your research, idea, or project noticed at a conference, journal, or academic event. It’s your first opportunity to make an impression, and a strong abstract can be the key to unlocking a spot in your desired program or publication. But with so many submissions flooding in, how do you ensure that yours stands out from the crowd?

Mastering the abstract is more than just summarizing your work in a few sentences—it’s about crafting a compelling snapshot that highlights the significance, originality, and relevance of your topic. Whether you're a seasoned academic or submitting for the first time, understanding the art of writing an abstract that grabs attention and effectively conveys your message is crucial.

In this article, we'll walk you through essential tips and strategies to help you create an abstract that not only meets the submission criteria but also piques the interest of reviewers. From focusing your content to perfecting your language, you’ll learn how to elevate your submission and increase your chances of success. 

Tip #1: Understand the Abstract Guidelines 

Before you start writing, carefully read through the conference’s submission guidelines. Most conferences provided a detailed description of the submission, including: 

Tip #2: Choose a Relevant Topic 

The topic you choose for your abstract should be both timely and relevant to the conference theme. Consider the potential audience for the conference. Think about what would interest them and what challenges they might be facing in their practice. Choose a topic that addresses an issue or gap that aligns with the mission and goals of the conference.

Tip #3: Craft a Clear and Engaging Title

Your abstract title is the first thing reviewers will see, so it should be concise, specific, and informative. The title should clearly reflect the focus of your presentation and grab the reader’s attention. For example:

Weak Title: "Nursing Leadership"

Stronger Title: "Building Resilient Nursing Leaders: A Professional Development Program for Crisis Management"

The second title provides a clear idea of what your presentation will cover and highlights its relevance to the audience.

Tip #4: Structure the Abstract 

Although different conferences may have slightly different formatting requirements, a well-organized abstract generally includes the following components:

Tip #5: Keep it Clear and Concise

Clarity is key when writing an abstract. Use plain language, avoid jargon, and keep sentences concise. Reviewers often read many abstracts, so your abstract should be easy to understand at a glance. Organize the content logically, ensuring that the flow of information is seamless. Avoid long paragraphs and instead use short, digestible sections.

Tip #6: Use Active Voice and Present Tense 

While writing the abstract, aim to use active voice and present tense where possible. Active voice is more direct and engaging, making your abstract more impactful.

Tip #7: Proofread and Edit

This cannot be stressed enough! An abstract is a formal submission, so spelling, grammar, and punctuation matter. Review your work for clarity and ensure there are no errors. Consider asking a colleague or mentor to review your abstract, as fresh eyes may catch errors you missed.

Tip #8: Prepare for Acceptance (or Rejection) 

After submission, you’ll typically hear back within a few weeks or months. If your abstract is accepted for a podium presentation, you’ll need to prepare your full presentation, which may include slides, handouts, or other materials. If your abstract is selected for a poster presentation, you’ll need to create a professional poster to display and prepare to spend time speaking to conference attendees about your work. If your abstract is not accepted, don’t be discouraged. Use the feedback to improve and try submitting it to another conference.

Writing and submitting an abstract for a podium or poster presentation at a conference is an important step in sharing your knowledge and making an impact on the nursing community. By following the guidelines, choosing a relevant topic, and crafting a well-structured and compelling abstract, you increase your chances of being selected to present. Additionally, presenting at conferences provides invaluable opportunities for professional growth, networking, and contributing to the advancement of nursing practice.

REFERENCES 

Ferreira, J. C., & Patino, C. M. (2018). Twelve tips to write an abstract for a conference: advice for young and experienced investigators. Jornal brasileiro de pneumologia : publicacao oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisilogia, 44(4), 260. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37562018000000217

Foster, C., Wager, E., Marchington, J. et al. (2019). Good Practice for Conference Abstracts and Presentations: GPCAP. Res Integr Peer Rev 4, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-019-0070-x