I recently had the opportunity to present at a PechaKucha event. The word itself means “chitchat” in Japanese and is a presentation format with a strict structure; twenty slides, each moving forward automatically after twenty seconds. I thought I would share some thoughts pk style.
- The aim of the presentation should be to deliver a story or concept.
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To work best, all three parts must compliment each other. (p cubed)
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Plan/brainstorm analogue (pencil and paper) to determine your story
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Determine the arc of your story with introduction, climax and ending. (p1)
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Storyboard twenty slides: Introduction 2 or 3; Climax and conclusion 2 or 3 and fourteen remaining steps.
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Write these individual steps on the slides
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Write, for each step, two sentences, maximum forty words total.
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Practise and time each slide you have constructed, maximum 18 seconds, edit as needed.
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Chose bold, clear images to support each individual point and add to software. (p2)
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Consider making 1st and closing or climax image the same.
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Practise the delivery over and over and over again using autotransition for 20 seconds.(p3)
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Get rid of the script and practise again and again rigorously sticking to time.
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When performing use a stopwatch/timer to maximise your ability to stay within time.
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Relax and enjoy yourself as you deliver your story.
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Look at the audience not your slides.
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Blend over into next slide if less than 3 seconds, pause if more than 3 seconds.
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If you stumble, you stumble. The audience is with you, not against you. Don’t panic.
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Don’t pause long for laughter, speaking will bring the audience back.
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Make sure whatever happens that you deliver the climax/conclusion clearly.
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Smile, it makes everything better.