A PechaKucha is a compelling form of visual storytelling in the era of short attention span.

A PechaKucha presentation is a concise presentation format that uses 20 slides that auto-advance every 20 seconds. This means that each presentation is only 6 minutes and 40 seconds long. The format is designed to be fast-paced and visually engaging.

This format allows creative artists and other scholars who wish to present their craft and research in a more visually stimulating way, to engage with their research in a succinct narrative-driven format . 

The format encourages presenters to distill their ideas into a focused, visually engaging presentation that can be easily understood by a diverse audience.

When preparing your presentation, keep in mind that you are working on two levels. the first is the words which you want to say during the presentation. You have to limit yourself to a set number of words which can fit into the 20 seconds allotment per slide. The number of words per slide will depend on your pace but should generally be limited to 70 words.

The second level are your images which you will include in your 20 slides. So you need to choose at least 20 relevant and powerful images, your words and images together forming a powerful narrative. 

Something to keep in mind is that, even though this might be a business or scholarly presentation, you are telling a story through words that flow in harmony with images. You are a storyteller. 

As such, be clear, engaging, and emphatic. 

Some tips to keep in mind:

1. Find Your Spark:

Choose a topic you’re passionate about: Your enthusiasm will shine through and engage the audience.

Consider your audience: Tailor your content to their interests and prior knowledge.

Keep it focused: PechaKucha is not for in-depth analysis. Choose a specific angle or aspect of your topic.

2. Craft Your Storyboard:

Structure your narrative: Start with a strong hook, build your points, and end with a memorable takeaway.
Outline each slide: Jot down key ideas, visuals, and 20-second talking points.
Limit text: Use bold keywords and phrases to emphasize your message.

3. Make Your Slides Pop:

Embrace minimalism: Focus on impactful visuals with minimal text.

Use high-quality images: Photos, illustrations, or graphics should be clear and visually appealing.

Cohesive design: Maintain a consistent style throughout your slides for a polished look.

4. Practice Makes Perfect:

Rehearse your timing: Speak concisely and naturally within the 20-second limit.
Project your voice: Speak clearly and with enthusiasm to captivate the audience.
Connect with your slides: Use natural gestures and eye contact to enhance your delivery.

My workshops offer further insights into this creative process.