Pecha Kucha

Description

Pecha Kucha (translated as “the sound of conversation” or “chit chat”) is a presentation style involving 20 slides on a timer for 20 seconds each. This image-based presentation style can be adapted for short presentations, warmers, slide design, and impromptu practice.

Why we like it

Photos add color (literally) to virtual programs. Participants use creativity, personality, and experiences when creating and sharing their presentations. It’s great for short exercises, individual presentations, or group collaborations.

Process #1: Warmer (easy)

1. Give participants a pool of photos or website photo collection, or allow participants to bring in their own photos. (See External Links below)
2. Give participants time and content parameters.
3. Participants use 3 photos for a 1-minute introduction, 6 photos for a 2-minute introduction, etc.
4. Participants present their self-introduction while slides are on a timer (PowerPoint and Keynote have auto-timer functions). Alternatively, slides can be controlled by someone else keeping time, or the original 20 seconds-per-slide rule can be ignored.

Process #2: Individual presentation (difficult)

1. Participants use the original Pecha Kucha format of 20 slides for 20 seconds each (6m 40sec total).
2. Participants source and arrange their own images. This is a great chance to use slide design skills.
3. Give participants ample time to prepare and rehearse their presentations. Pecha Kucha tends to require more rehearsal since the slides never stop.
4. Participants present their Pecha Kucha live or submit a video.
5. Facilitator gives feedback and/or fellow participants give written or spoken evaluations.

For large groups or short schedules, allow presentations and feedback in breakout rooms. Consider shortening the time limit and number of slides (ex: 10 slides for 20 seconds each).

Process #3: Group presentation (difficult)

Similar to Process #2 Individual Presentation but with team collaboration and presentation. Groups work together to create their presentation and slide decks. Presentation delivery could be assigned to a spokesperson, or group members can rotate turns delivering.

Process #4: Impromptu presentation (difficult)

1. Participants speak off-the-cuff and follow the surprise images that appear on the screen.
2. Choose a topic for speakers to follow and present relevant images. Alternatively, use random images and allow speakers to create stories and follow story patterns.
3. Present each image for 20 seconds each or put slides on a timer. 1-2 minutes are good target times (3-6 slides).
4. Give feedback on relevant skills (storytelling, impromptu formats, presentation delivery skills, etc.)

Variation: Allow other participants or groups to create impromptu slide decks.

Daisy chain options

a) Images could be designed, chosen, or arranged to fit slide design skills and receive facilitator feedback.
b) Audience or group members can submit verbal or written evaluations of presentation skills and/or content.
c) Presentations can be recorded for feedback and self-evaluation.

External links

Pecha Kucha contains the original format and sample presentations
DropBox allows group file storage (free)
Pixabay is a wonderful free image website with few restrictions
Smithsonian Open Access has millions of images for downloading, sharing, and reusing
Youtube and Vimeo are free video hosting sites
Google Drive allows collaborative slide deck creation (users need Google accounts)

Share using the icons below or direct link to this activity: https://knowmium.com/tools/2020/4/17/pecha-kucha