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Pecha Kucha (also called Pecha Kucha 20 20), is a nifty presentation format in which speakers have a very short, controlled period of time in which to introduce a series of Powerpoint slides. Traditionally held after work hours, Pecha Kucha was first conceptualized by expat architects based in Tokyo as the perfect event format to allow chatty architects to showcase their design work without rambling on too long. The event genre has since outgrown its architectural roots to accommodate a wide range of disciplines

The Pecha Kucha website features videos of past Pecha Kucha events and a global map of upcoming PK nights.

The presenter themselves is not in control of the rotation speed of the slides, and can t advance the slides on their own. The presenter stands in front of the presentation, and is granted exactly 20 seconds to speak about the content of each slide. The 20 second rule is sacrosanct: even if the presenter is done speaking before the 20 seconds is up, the current slide remains on the screen until the 20-second timer runs out. If the speaker over-shoots the 20 second mark, the controller will change the slide regardless. The 20 slide rule is treated with the same rigidity: presenters must show 20 slides, no more, no less.

The tight timeline and tight restrictions of this highly structured format makes for some excellent creativity.

What you ll need to organize a Pecha Kucha:

• A projector and large screen
• Laptop or computer loaded with all presenter s slides
• Ideally 2 microphones, one for the presenter and one for the slide controller
• An easy-to-reset timer for the slide controller
• Seating area for attendees

Presenters should submit their presentations to the organizer before the event so that organizers can run a quick compatibility check with the Pecha Kucha guidelines, and can predict how each event will go.

It might be wise to check out a local Pecha Kucha before you host one of your own. The official Pecha Kucha site has a mapped listing of events, so check out this page to find the Pecha Kucha nearest you.