When creating PowerPoint presentations, people often try to include too much information and data. The result is slide after slide of text overloaded with bullet points, charts and diagrams that can feel quite overwhelming both for the presenters and the audience.
We think it’s time to simplify and bring more Zen to presentations! From mind mapping and planning to creating and delivering, presentations could be shorter and more focused.
The Japanese-inspired presentation technique called PechaKucha suggests keeping every stage of your presentation simple – from planning the narrative to adding visuals and delivering the message
The first step is to define the main objective of your presentation. What is the key message you want your audience to take away? Once your objective is clear, it’s easier to decide which facts you should include and then work out how they link together to create a captivating story.
Keep it simple
Now let’s take a look at how you can simplify your narrative. The Japanese-inspired presentation technique called PechaKucha (meaning chit-chat) suggests keeping every stage of your presentation simple – from planning the narrative to adding visuals and delivering the message.
The PechaKucha technique was created in 2003 by architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham with the aim to stop architects from talking too much. Since then the method has grown in popularity with presenters from all around the world. But how does it actually work?
The idea is that when you use the PechaKucha 20×20 method you’re forced to speak more concisely and clearly. By eliminating information that is not vital, your message becomes clearer and your PowerPoint presentation more effective and enjoyable.
PechaKucha Presentations in 5 Steps
If, however, your presentation needs to be longer, we recommend breaking it into 10-minute chunks. On our Podcast Once Upon a Slide, we created an episode explaining how this approach works to keep your audience engaged throughout.
Garr Reynolds, communications consultant and author, also advocates using simplicity in presentations. In his book entitled Presentation Zen, he advises presenters to follow three principles: restraint in preparation, simplicity in design and naturalness in delivery.
With this in mind, we challenge you to look at your next presentation and see how you can apply the PechaKucha technique to make it clearer and simpler.
We’re running an advanced PowerPoint training session on the 10th July from our Bristol office. If you’d like to brush up on your PowerPoint skills, book a place today to avoid missing out. In the meantime, our goal is to help you get results! Get in touch if you’d like some expert advice and support with an upcoming presentation at: [email protected].
