Present better, faster with Pecha Kucha

If you had less than seven minutes to give a presentation, what would you do? How about exactly six minutes and 40 seconds?

The answer - Pecha Kucha.

Pecha Kucha, from the Japanese word for “chatter,” is a new presentation style limiting time to six minutes and 40 seconds. The presentation is made of 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds at a time.

Six minutes, 40 seconds, 20 slides. That’s it.

Pecha Kucha’s 20x20 format is aimed at keeping presentations concise, hanging onto audience attention and allowing as many people to present as possible. With presenters getting to the point faster, there’s more time left for discussion.

Ever since it was developed in 2003, the format has been replicated in over 80 cities across every continent. If Pecha Kucha keeps growing the way it has, we may never have to worry about “Death by PowerPoint” again.

The technique began in the architecture and design field, but has been making its way into the worlds of business and education. Just search YouTube for “Pecha Kucha” and you’ll find hundreds of videos demonstrating how the presentation technique works.

Give it a try at your next training event or make it a challenge around the office to see who can hold the best meeting with the best Pecha Kucha presentation.

Could you imagine what the workplace would be like if we all only had six minutes and 40 seconds to hold a presentation?

Presentation and public speaking tips: A lesson from Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is used to speaking in front of an audience of thousands, make that hundreds of thousands when you factor in YouTube. His skill as a presenter is envied by many and attained by few.

No matter how big or small your audience may be, you can deliver a speech or presentation like the great Steve Jobs. Earlier this year, Carmine Gallo, a BusinessWeek communications coach, broke down Jobs’ Macworld Conference & Expo keynote into a 10-part framework anyone can follow.

Set a theme. Jobs opened the conference, and set the overall theme by saying “There’s something in the air today.” He later hinted at the release of the MacBook Air laptop. Once you’ve determined your theme, Gallo advises repeating that theme a few times throughout your presentation.

Be enthusiastic. “Remember your audience wants to be wowed, not put to sleep.” Inject your own personality into a presentation and don’t skip the fun. If you don’t have enthusiasm for the subject, how can your audience have any?

Create an outline and share it. Let your audience know what you will be talking about and in the order they can expect it. “There are four things I want to talk about today ...” Keep your audience posted throughout the presentation as to where you are and how much they should expect to follow.

Try creating an unforgettable moment. Jobs used a demonstration of how the MacBook Air can fit inside a manila envelope, what can you build up to in your presentation?

Create visual slides. Leave out the data, text and charts. Instead, use meaningful images. “Inspiring presenters are short on bullet points and big on graphics.”

Show, don’t tell. Multimedia, product demonstrations, role playing and guest speakers can all enhance your presentation to help keep everyone engaged and awake.

Plan for mistakes. No matter how much you prepare, something can always go wrong. Try to make light of a minor mishap and move on.

Focus on benefits. Instead of focusing on product features, Jobs keeps the focus on benefits. “Your listeners are always asking themselves, ‘What’s in it for me?” Answer the question directly.

Practice makes perfect. If Steve Jobs has to practice, so do you. He makes his presentations look effortless because of the time he puts into rehearsing the material.

While none of us claim to be as skilled as Steve Jobs, everyone can learn a little something from his presentations. You can read Gallo’s full article and more from his weekly columns at BusinessWeek.

How to deliver an effective speech or presentation

Whether it’s an upcoming employee training session or a presentation in front of the executive big wigs, delivering a speech or presentation are two things the majority of us don’t look forward to.

Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Workweek,” shares some simple tips from Al Gore’s speech writer on how to master the art of the presentation in a post last week. It’s a worthwhile read, even if you just click through to watch him breakdance.

Here’s a run-down of some great speech tips he shared:

Any good speech will answer two questions: What is your point? and Why does it matter to your audience?

A speech is like a story, give it a beginning, middle and end.

Mix it up. Share funny anecdotes in between facts and figures, it will keep your audience engaged.

After you figure out what you’re going to say, get rid of 20% of it.

“In all my years of preparing and watching political and business speeches, I’ve yet to hear anyone say, ‘Gee, I wish that speech were longer.’”

Remember the speech isn’t about you, it’s about the audience and what they can take away from it.

Don’t try to be someone else when you present. Be yourself. Remember to focus on the value of the speech, not how funny your jokes are.

Do your homework and tailor your message to the audience.

Training the trainer: Tips for public speaking

Are you the leader of an upcoming presentation or training seminar? Does it make your palms sweat just thinking about speaking in front of a room full of people?

A trainer or presenter is only as good as their communication skills. Here are a few tips to overcome your public speaking jitters:

1. Practice on small groups of people. Round up some friends or family members and practice your speech on them.
2. Make sure you’re prepared. Do the research and know your facts. You’ll feel more confident when you know your stuff.
3. Don’t memorize the material. Remember key topics you want to cover, and let that drive your presentation.
4. Avoid slides. Don’t put your audience to sleep with a never-ending slide presentation. If you must have slides, use them mainly for visuals that help get your core message across.
5. Don’t stress out. Easier said than done? Try some deep breathing and visualize a positive outcome.
6. Make friends. Take a few minutes while people are entering the room to shake hands and personally introduce yourself to some people.
7. Engage the audience. Incorporate two-way communication with questions and come up with a creative way for your audience to participate.
   

Practice some of these tips and good luck at your next presentation!