Pecha Kucha presentations require students to deliver precisely timed visual presentations using a format named after the Japanese term meaning “chitchat” or conversational chatter. The format uses exactly 20 slides, each displayed for 20 seconds with automatic advancement (totalling 6 minutes 40 seconds). This constraint-based approach develops concise communication skills, creative thinking, and disciplinary understanding through structured visual storytelling within fixed time parameters.
Key features
Lane 1: Secure assessment
Supported by both in-person and online teaching modes
Scalable for individual, partners or group presentations
Develops presentation skills through structured constraints that require time management and equal participation for groups
Builds visual communication competency by creating visual-focused slides that support rather than replace verbal communication
Encourages creative thinking by requiring students to distil complex concepts into essential messages
Promotes disciplinary understanding through application of theoretical knowledge to practical presentation contexts
Standardised timing and evaluation criteria allow for live marking and instant feedback, even for large cohorts.
How it works
Educators provide technical setup guides for the Pecha Kucha format (20 slides x 20 seconds with automatic advancement)
Students receive resources or tutorial videos on the Pecha Kucha format principles, including visual expectations
Students select the relevant theme or content that their presentations will focus on. If applicable, educators will provide a list of elements that must be covered or addressed by the presentation content.
Students may use GenAI to prepare for their presentation, but will be expected to do their presentation live and in a supervised setting
Students develop presentations using the specified format constraints, focusing on effective visuals to convey their meaning
Students prepare delivery approaches that align speaking notes with automatic slide timing, practising coordination between visual and oral elements
Students deliver live presentations according to specified timing and format requirements
Immediate feedback opportunities following presentations help students understand effective techniques for visual storytelling and audience engagement
Supporting materials, including slides and any required reflection components, are submitted with clear documentation of creative and research processes
Curtin snapshot
Case Study
Ruth Taylor
“The Pecha Kucha format propels students to think critically about what’s truly essential in their event concept. They can’t hide behind excessive text or rambling explanations on mobile screens – every slide and every second must contribute to a compelling story that demonstrates their understanding of event management principles”
Faculty of Business and Law
Ruth’s example assessment
Business and Law | 50-100 students | In-person | Group work
I redesigned our event concept presentation in MGMT3005 using the Pecha Kucha format to address previous issues around unequal participation and overly lengthy presentations. Student groups must develop creative festival concepts for the University’s Creative Quarter, then present their 20 slides, with 20 seconds to cover each.
The Pecha Kucha format creates remarkable learning outcomes. Groups must collaboratively develop visual narratives that demonstrate their ability to apply event management theory while maintaining audience-focused engagement throughout the short presentations. Each team member typically handles 5 slides, ensuring equal participation and assessment opportunities.
The automatic slide advancement eliminates the ability to overrun time and prevents unequal speaking contributions between group members. Students report that they feel challenged to identify core concepts rather than including every researched detail.
The visual emphasis is particularly effective for event management content, where concepts like atmosphere, target audiences, and spatial design benefit from image-driven communication. Groups develop stronger creative thinking skills because they must find innovative ways to convey complex theoretical frameworks through coordinated visual storytelling.
My advice
Learning content works best when students focus on narrative-driven concepts that can be visualised rather than data-heavy or text-dependent material. Topics involving processes, pitches, relationships, creative concepts, or case studies adapt well to the format, while complex statistical analysis or detailed theoretical explanations may prove challenging using creative visual representation and within the time constraints.
Each slide should advance the narrative rather than cramming multiple concepts together. Encourage students to practice the “one image, one idea” principle and to view their presentation as visual storytelling rather than only information delivery. The most successful presentations treat slides as prompts for spoken content rather than attempting to display comprehensive information visually.
For event management, this format reinforces the concept of creating a memorable experience.
Suggested marking criteria
Demonstrates clear understanding of key disciplinary concepts and accurately identifies relevant issues, practices, or theories applicable to the presentation topic. Shows ability to recognise and articulate core problems or opportunities within the subject area with appropriate academic terminology.
Applies appropriate disciplinary practices, principles, and theories to address identified issues effectively. Demonstrates competent use of academic frameworks to analyse situations and develop solutions with clear connections between theory and practical application.
Achieves effective presentation delivery through clear verbal communication, appropriate pacing synchronised with slide timing, confident speaking style, and strong audience engagement. Demonstrates competent coordination between visual and spoken elements within format constraints.
Develops and maintains compelling central message that is clearly stated, consistently reinforced throughout the presentation, and effectively supported by coordinated visual and verbal content. Shows ability to structure complex information coherently within timing limitations.
Uses appropriate range of high-quality supporting materials including credible sources, relevant examples, and effective visual elements that enhance information delivery and establish presenter expertise on the topic with proper acknowledgment of sources. Students may use GenAI to create slides but are responsible for final product.
Note: Marking criteria and weighting are suggested guidelines. Specific descriptions should be adapted to relevant content and learning objectives.
