How to make a Pecha Kucha

What is the Pecha Kucha format?

The Pecha Kucha format is a presentation style in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each. In most cases, the slides advance automatically, and the speaker talks alongside them with a focus on storytelling and show-don't-tell, creating a total presentation time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

What is the origin of Pecha Kucha?

Pecha Kucha (meaning chit-chatter in Japanese) was invented in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, a pair of Tokyo-based architects. The original purpose of th was to attract more activity to their experimental performance art space by bringing in architects, photographers, designers, and other artists to showcase their work, projects, and ideas through a new and unconventional style of presentation.

Two decades later, Pecha Kucha Nights have been hosted in over a thousand cities across the world, making presentations in the art, design, and academic fields more approachable and friendly to the public through this groundbreaking presentation format.

The key to Pecha Kucha: concise storytelling

The Pecha Kucha presentation format shines when used to tell a compelling story, which is the driving idea behind its famous 20x20 time limit. Instead of reading a long infodump from a dense slide, the 20-second per slide limit forces presenters to communicate what they want before the slide advances, so speaker notes and text-heavy slides are generally a bad idea.

This approach is best applied in the context of startups and fundraising, perhaps not in the strict 20x20 limit, but it's useful practice to keep a tight ratio of content per slide while telling an engaging and coherent story.

Step-by-step guide to creating a Pecha Kucha

Brainstorm your topic ideas

Just like a regular slide presentation, you must first outline and define what you'll be talking about. Common topics revolve around architecture, design photography, art, and other creative fields due to the origins of Pecha Kucha, but the format lends itself to any kind of presentation — including startup pitch decks.

Organize your key points

Once you have chosen your topic, the next step is to identify the key points you want to communicate. Since a Pecha Kucha consists of 20 slides, each supported by a 20-second exposition, aim to distill your ideas into concise, impactful messages. The way to effectively organize your content will, of course, depend on what topic you choose. In the case of startup pitch decks, there's a tried-and-true pitch deck structure you can follow, and you can use our presentation software to create it‍‍‍.

Check out the Slidebean App

Create and design your slides

When it comes to creating your slides for a Pecha Kucha presentation, simplicity and visual appeal are paramount. Rather than designing a regular slide the way you'd usually design presentations for a business or academic context, think of it almost as a series of title slides: an evocative and meaningful photo, graph, or sentence in a simple slide. Your slides should complement your narrative rather than overwhelm it. Our presentation templates can help with this — in particular, this 12-slide startup pitch deck template illustrates how you can condense a complex topic into a very small number of slides.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind while designing your presentation:

Embrace Visual Storytelling

Each slide should tell a part of your story or convey a message through visuals rather than text. Use high-quality images, illustrations, or infographics that align with your key points. Visual materials can evoke emotions and help anchor your audience's understanding of your narrative. In this case, the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is truer than ever.

Limit Text and Bullet Points

Since the presentation runs on a tight schedule with auto-advance slides, limiting text is crucial. Aim for one key phrase or tagline per slide. This approach keeps your audience focused on your speaking rather than deciphering dense paragraphs and captures their attention span. Avoid bullet points altogether, as they can distract from your spoken content.

Maintain Consistent Design

Cohesion in your slide design helps retain the audience's attention. Use a consistent color scheme, font style, and layout throughout your slides. This coherence aids in making your presentation feel professional and organized. If you’re not a design expert, our team can help you create an amazing presentation, whether it is for a Pecha Kucha Night or anything else you need.

Start a project with our team

Practice your presentation delivery

Effective presentations depend on the speaker. Skilled presenters who maintain the audience's attention and get their point across efficiently can do so even with a blank presentation, the same way a beautiful, professionally designed presentation won't guarantee your success if the content of it and the way you deliver it aren't good enough.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of Pecha Kucha requires more than just understanding the format; it calls for a harmonious blend of compelling visuals and confident delivery. When you prepare to share your ideas in this engaging and dynamic style, remember that your slides are mere tools to amplify your message. The real star of the show is you—the speaker. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and passionately, and let the visuals serve to enhance your narrative without overshadowing it.

Ultimately, the goal of a Pecha Kucha is to engage, inform, and inspire. So, seize this opportunity to share your perspective creatively and concisely. Whether you’re discussing a project, showcasing a passion, or presenting new ideas, remember that the elements of storytelling—emotion, clarity, and visual appeal—are your allies. With careful preparation and a killer presentation, you'll be the talk of any Pecha Kucha Night.