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Mastering Japanese Presentation Phrases: How to Impress Your Audience

Have you ever needed to give a presentation in Japanese and felt a bit overwhelmed with the language and cultural nuances? Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or simply someone interested in sharing ideas in Japanese, mastering presentation phrases is essential. In this blog, we’ll guide you through some useful Japanese presentation phrases to help you deliver a successful and engaging presentation.

A Quick Jump To…

Introduction, transition phrases, providing data and evidence, expressing agreement and disagreement, concluding your presentation, handling questions, kind reminders: cultural considerations.

• Tutorial Video

A well-crafted introduction sets the stage for a successful presentation. Here are some Japanese phrases to get you started:

• こんにちは、皆さん (Kon’nichiwa, minasan) – Hello, everyone.
• 私は[Your Name]と申します (Watashi wa [Your name] tomōshimasu) – I am [Your Name].
• このプレゼンテーションでは… (Kono purezenteeshon de wa…) – In this presentation…
• 最初に (Saisho ni) – First of all.
• まず、[Topic]について話しします (Mazu, [Topic] ni tsuite hanashishimasu) – First, I will talk about [Topic].

Smooth transitions are essential to keep your audience engaged. Here are some phrases to help you transition from one point to another:

• 次に移ります (Tsugi ni utsurimasu) – Let’s move on to the next point.
• それでは、[Next Point]について話しましょう (Soredewa, [Next Point] ni tsuite hanashimashou) – Now, let’s talk about [Next Point].
• この点に関して (Kono ten ni kanshite) – Regarding this point.

To support your claims and arguments, it’s crucial to present data and evidence effectively. Use these phrases:

• データにより(Dēta ni yori) – According to the data.
• これにより、[Your Point]が明らかになります (Kore ni yori, [Your Point] ga akiraka ni narimasu) – This makes it clear that [Your Point].
• 例を挙げましょう (Rei o agemashou) – Let’s give an example.
• これは統計的に示されています (Kore wa tōkei-teki ni shimesa rete imasu) – This is statistically demonstrated.

In discussions and presentations, you may need to agree or disagree with other points. Here are some phrases for these situations:

• 私は[Your Opinion]に賛成です (Watashi wa [Your Opinion] ni sanseidesu) – I agree with [Your Opinion].
• 私は[Opposite Opinion]とは異なります (Watashi wa [Opposite Opinion] to wa kotonarimasu) – I disagree with [Opposite Opinion].
• [Name]さんの意見と同じです ([Name]-san no iken to onajidesu) – I agree with [Name]’s opinion.

A strong conclusion is vital to leave a lasting impression. Try these phrases:

• 最後に、まとめますと (Saigo ni, matomemasuto) – In conclusion, to sum up.
• 皆さん、なにか質問がございますか (Minasan, nanika shitsumon ga gozaimasu ka) – Does anyone have any questions?

Prepare for questions and engage with your audience effectively:

• はい、どんな質問でも結構です (Hai, don’na shitsumon demo kekkōdesu) – Yes, I’ll take any questions.
• 非常に大事な質問ですね (Hijō ni daijina shitsumondesu ne) – That’s a very important question.

Understanding Japanese cultural nuances can enhance your presentation:

• 謙譲語を使用する (Kensetsu o shiyō suru) – Use humble language.
• 直接的な表現を避ける (Chokusetsutekina hyōgen o yokeru) – Avoid direct expressions.
• 敬語を使う (Keigo o tsukau) – Use respectful language.

Incorporate these Japanese presentation phrases into your next speech to impress your audience and effectively convey your message. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to rehearse your presentation in Japanese to boost your confidence. Good luck with your future presentations!

Remember, language learning is an ongoing journey, so keep practicing and exploring new phrases to become a proficient presenter in Japanese. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. がんばって (Ganbatte) – Do your best!

Having Trouble Pronouncing The Phrases? Check this out.

The phrases we learned today.

Here are our flashcards that include all the Japanese presentation phrases covered in this blog. Go check it out!

You Might Be Wondering…

Are there specific cultural nuances in japanese presentations that aren't covered in the guide.

Yes, there are several cultural nuances to be aware of in Japanese presentations. For example, it’s important to use respectful language (keigo) when addressing superiors or clients. Additionally, indirect and modest language is often preferred, and avoiding direct expressions can be seen as more polite.

What are some common challenges non-native speakers face when giving presentations in Japanese, and how can they overcome them?

Non-native speakers may face challenges with pronunciation, fluency, and understanding of cultural nuances. To overcome these challenges, it’s crucial to practice speaking, seek feedback, and immerse oneself in the language and culture. Taking language courses and working with a language coach can also be beneficial.

Could you offer tips for incorporating visual aids effectively into a Japanese presentation?

When using visual aids in a Japanese presentation, keep them simple and uncluttered. Use visuals to complement your spoken words, not replace them. Ensure that any text on slides is in Japanese, and provide context for any images or charts. Rehearse your presentation with the visuals to ensure smooth integration.

How important are body language and non-verbal communication in Japanese presentations?

Body language and non-verbal communication are highly important in Japanese presentations. Maintaining good eye contact, bowing as a sign of respect, and using appropriate gestures can enhance your communication. Be aware of your posture and facial expressions to convey sincerity and attentiveness.

What are some advanced-level presentation phrases for those looking to take their Japanese presentation skills to the next level?

Advanced presenters can incorporate more complex language structures and idiomatic expressions. They may also use rhetorical devices and storytelling techniques to engage the audience. Additionally, mastering advanced-level phrases for agreement, disagreement, and persuasion is beneficial in conveying a more nuanced message in Japanese presentations.

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Create a Highly Effective Pecha Kucha Presentation

How to Create a Highly Effective Pecha Kucha Presentation

Brevity is considered the soul of wit, but it can also be a powerful technique for effective communication. When you say more with less, you capture your audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression. This is precisely what Pecha Kucha is all about.

It’s a quick-fire format presentation where the speaker tells a story using photos within strict timing.

Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just starting, Pecha Kucha has something to offer those who want to take their presentations to the next level. In this article, we’ll dive into its benefits as a presentation style and provide tips and strategies for creating effective Pecha Kucha presentations.

What Is Pecha Kucha Presentation?

The format of a Pecha Kucha, or 20×20 presentation, is simple: the presenter shows 20 slides containing an image, each displaying for exactly 20 seconds. The images will auto-forward, so there’s no way of going back to or skipping ahead of the slides. This means each presentation is exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds long.

This style is quite similar to lightning talk, where the speakers have five minutes to present a five-slide presentation, or the ignite talk, where presenters have 15 seconds to present each slide of a 20-slide presentation.

The challenge for presenters is to convey their idea with the combined use of images and concise, impactful statements within this tight time frame.

Pecha Kucha, which means “chit-chat” in Japanese, was created by architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, who seek to encourage a fast-paced presentation style. Since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, used in settings ranging from academic conferences to business meetings and even informal gatherings.

The Benefits of Pecha Kucha

Pecha Kucha presentations are highly engaging. The timing of Pecha Kucha presentations adds an element of excitement. Each slide changes every 20 seconds, keeping the audience engaged, and this helps hold their attention and prevents them from becoming distracted or disengaged.

Pecha Kucha helps you focus on the main topic. The time limit helps presenters stay on track and avoid going off on tangents, which can be a problem in more traditional presentations. This can be a valuable skill in the corporate world, where time is often limited, and getting to the point quickly is crucial.

Pecha Kucha presentations are highly visual. Because Pecha Kucha presentations rely heavily on visual aids, they can effectively communicate complex or abstract ideas to an audience. This helps make presentations more memorable and impactful, as the brain processes visual information more quickly and effectively than written or spoken information.

Pecha Kucha promotes creative thinking and communication. The format challenges presenters to distill their ideas into a concise and visually engaging format. So instead of running around the bush and filling in their talk with non-essential information, they focus on the most important aspects of their message. 

Furthermore, the challenge of syncing the message with images stimulates creativity by inspiring connections and associations between ideas.

How to Make a Pecha Kucha

1. define your main message.

Defining your main message, a.k.a thesis, is crucial in preparing a presentation or communication. When you can pinpoint the core message you want to convey during a presentation, it becomes easier to identify which information to include and which to eliminate.

To narrow down your presentation’s key message or idea, ask yourself the following questions.

• What is the purpose of my presentation – to inform, to inspire, to convince?
• What do I want my audience to know?
• What do I want my audience to do after the presentation?

Your main message should be a direct answer to these questions and something your audience can easily grasp and remember.

Example: Let’s say you are giving a presentation on a new diet cereal bar product. A good thesis could be, “Diet cereal bars are a convenient and nutritious snack option that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

From here, you can start outlining and structure your presentation. Let the main message lead the way.

So, in our example, you can cite studies showing the health benefits of eating a nutritious diet and present the nutritional value of cereal bars that can help achieve that goal.

2. Select the Best Visuals

You can identify the main message of your presentation and the points that go along with it. The second step would be turning them into visuals.

Many presentation guides will tell you how important visualizations are in a PowerPoint, but Pecha Kucha takes that even further. As mentioned, it emphasizes storytelling with the use of images.

You may still use text to provide context for visual elements, but use it sparingly and avoid paragraphs. Remember, you only have 20 seconds to present each slide, so your audience won’t have the time to read lengthy texts.

Instead, you should use high-quality images directly related to your message. This will help reinforce your message and ensure your visuals are not distracting or confusing.

It’s a hard rule to avoid cartoonish and clipart photos, especially in the business setting, as they make your slide look tacky. This might mean using more modern, minimalist images for a sleek, professional look or more vibrant, colorful images for a more playful and creative feel.

It’s also important to consider the overall aesthetic of your presentation template and choose images consistent with that theme. If you represent a brand, use slides with the look and feel you are known for.

Example: In our diet cereal bar example, you may choose images that showcase the bar’s ingredients, such as images of whole grains, nuts, and dried fruits. You could also use images of people engaging in healthy activities, such as jogging or hiking, to reinforce the idea that the cereal bar is a healthy snack option for people on the go.

3. Structure Your Presentation

Like other forms of presentation, a Pecha Kucha presentation should have a clear structure – no matter how short. You may need it more in this scenario to avoid losing any of your precious time going off on tangents.

Conversely, it will be easier for your audience to follow along and understand your message if you present it organized and coherently.

You can follow several presentation structures, but for something like Pecha Kucha, we recommend a more linear style. One that has an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The Pyramid Principle has all these elements and might work in a fast-paced presentation format. In this style, the main idea or conclusion is presented at the beginning, followed by a series of supporting points that are organized hierarchically. This approach can help your audience engage in critical thinking, as they are encouraged to consider how each piece of information relates to the larger message being presented.

Example: Let’s return to our diet cereal bar example to illustrate how the Pyramid Principle can be applied in a Pecha Kucha presentation.

Open your presentation by stating your main idea or message: “Our diet cereal bars are a convenient and nutritious snack option that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Then, discuss the supporting points that further develop the main idea.

• You may discuss the natural ingredients and X calories it contains, making it a healthy snack option.
• You may talk about the range of delicious flavors that it comes with, establishing the idea that it’s a nutritious option that does not compromise on taste.
• You may talk about the convenient packaging that makes it perfect for busy people on the go.

4. Practice, practice, practice

Pecha Kucha’s presentation is all about timing and mastery, so you must conduct a  dry run to ensure that you’d feel comfortable with the flow of your presentation on the actual delivery.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times as if it’s the real thing. This means setting a strict timer for 20 seconds per slide to ensure that you are staying on track and not going over time. Google Slide and PowerPoint have an option that automatically advances slides within several seconds.

Although 20 seconds may feel very short, speak at a moderate pace to ensure you are not rushing through the presentation. But, also avoid lingering on any one slide for too long.

Tips and Tricks for an Effective Pecha Kucha Delivery

1. using engaging storytelling techniques.

Although we did say that you may state your main idea at the beginning of your presentation , you don’t just get to drop the bomb, or it will sound dry. Using an engaging story will help you do this with finesse.

People are naturally drawn to stories – they love journeys. Structure your presentation like a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Sharing personal experiences or anecdotes can help to humanize your presentation and make it more relatable for your audience.

Example: You can share a personal anecdote about your struggles with maintaining a healthy diet. You could talk about how you struggled to find healthy snack options while working long hours at your desk job.

2. Connecting With Your Audience and Maintaining It

Sharing a story or a personal experience is one way to connect with your audience. Still, it isn’t just about getting their attention – keeping their attention on you is far more important.

It’s common advice for speakers to keep eye contact with the audience. We’d like to add something to this – look at your audience intently and respond to what you see. Knowing your audience’s nonverbal cues can help you connect with them and respond to their needs.

Speaking of nonverbal, you should be aware of your body language too. Use intentional hand gestures, but avoid excessive movements that may take the audience’s attention from you.

Finally, don’t forget to smile. Smiling helps convey a positive and approachable attitude and shows that you like your audience.

3. Handling Unexpected Challenges Or Technical Issues

With over six minutes to present your case, there should be no room for mistakes when making a Pecha Kucha presentation. The best advice is to have a backup plan for your backup plan.

No, we don’t mean carrying 2 laptops and 2 projectors around! But it’s best practice to have a USB drive with your presentation saved on it, just in case. You may also save your presentation on the cloud if you lose both copies on your device and external drive.

In the event of a complete technology failure, be ready to present without the slides. Remember, the slides are only a visual aid, and your delivery and message are the most important aspects of your presentation.

Pecha Kucha makes it possible to deliver a compelling presentation within minutes. Remember to keep your main message at the forefront when creating this type of presentation, choose high-quality visuals that reinforce your message, and practice your timing to ensure your presentation flows smoothly. With these tips, you can deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

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Students Communicated Better Using Pecha Kucha 

How to implement pecha kucha in your classroom.

• Go to the “Transitions” tab.
• Set the “Duration” at 00.01 so the transition time between slides is less than one second.
• Uncheck “On Mouse Click” and check “After.”
• In the window next to “After,” enter 20 seconds.
• Clicking “Apply to All."

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Author: Min-Ken Liao, Ph.D.

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What is the Pecha Kucha 20×20 Presentation Technique?

February 13, 2012 / Blog audience, presentation, presentation technique, Rick Enrico, Salt Lake City, San Jose, SlideGenius

Founded by Tokyo-based architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham in 2003 and stylized as PechaKucha 20×20 , this simple presentation technique lets you show 20 images for 20 seconds each, for a running time of about 7 minutes in total.

Pecha Kucha lasts longer than an elevator pitch, which is supposed to be delivered for as long as an elevator ride, and runs shorter than the time Guy Kawasaki suggests in his 10/20/30 rule.

This presentation technique is recommended for more informal gatherings.

The official Pecha Kucha events held around the globe are meant to serve as a social gathering of creative minds and talents. In these gatherings, anyone can pitch their ideas at the event about any topic.

But we’re not suggesting that you talk about random topics during your pitch. Rather, you can utilize the presentation’s unique format to benefit your deck.

Graphic Intensive Pitch

The key difference between Pecha Kucha, an elevator pitch, and the 10/20/30 rule are its limitations.

It’s a time-bound format where you let your presentation play automatically, with each slide running for 20 seconds each.

This means that you can’t go back or skip to the next slide. Compared to an elevator pitch and the 10/20/30 rule, it’s restricted to a self-presenting deck or a time limit per slide.

While the 10/20/30 rule also advocates a limit of 10 slides in 30 minutes, Pecha Kucha runs 20 slide images in 7 minutes.

This means that the latter goes through more slides in a fraction of the time, making Pecha Kucha an image-intensive presentation.

Pecha Kucha 20×20 has been described as a business meeting meets poetic poetry slam, which aren’t far from each other in a way. Both utilize imagery, structure, and analogies to convey their message.

Find the Middle Ground

Pecha Kucha or PechaKucha is perfect if you find elevator pitches too short, and Guy Kawasaki’s 20-minute recommended running time too long.

It’s a completely different challenge to deliver a 20-slide deck for 20 seconds each. You need to rehearse your speech per slide to last exactly for 20 seconds.

Any more and you’ll rush your delivery, any less and you’ll have dead air in your already barebones 7-minute presentation.

Some previous experience in giving presentations and a lot of rehearsals may be required to pull off this style without a hitch.

In addition, using a conversational tone is necessary in order to foster the relaxed atmosphere that this movement started.

A conversational tone lets your audience follow a jargon-free pitch much faster and easier.

Passion is Key to Success

The word pecha – kucha comes from the Japanese word for “chatter”.

The early stages of the gatherings were coined after the conversational atmosphere this type of presentation attracted. The laid back and social aspect of Pecha Kucha events has been the key to its success.

You can translate this to your pitch by showing your enthusiasm through your presentation. Tell your audience that you’re about to do something different today and introduce the Pecha Kucha technique.

Choose powerful images that support the message of your pitch while still remembering to stay within your time limit. Master your topic and engage your audience using a relaxed, conversational tone.

This presentation style develops your ability to be concise with your speech so that you can get straight to the point and improves your rapport with the audience because of its informality.

A Pitch That’s Just Right

Change up your presentation habits and incorporate PechaKucha 20×20 into your pitch. Informal gatherings can benefit from this fun presentation style.

Challenge yourself and entertain your audience by showing them what you can do with 20 slides for 20 seconds each.

Since this is an image-intensive pitch, make sure to pick visuals that stand out. Support your message with your image by providing the right amount of words to say.

Rehearse your words carefully so that you don’t exceed the time limit.

But most of all, have fun while you’re at it. People’s attention gravitate towards speakers who are clearly passionate in what they have to say.

“Frequently Asked Questions.” PechaKucha 20×20 . Accessed December 22, 2015. www.pechakucha.org/faq “Guy Kawasaki – The 10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint.” Guy Kawasaki . December 30, 2005. Accessed December 22, 2015. http://guykawasaki.com/the_102030_rule Pink, Daniel H. “Pecha Kucha: Get to the PowerPoint in 20 Slides Then Sit the Hell Down.” Wired.com . August 21, 2007. Accessed December 22, 2015. www.wired.com/2007/08/st-pechakucha

Featured Image: by Ryan McGuire on gratisography.com

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Pechakucha: the best presentation style you’ve never heard of

PechaKucha, a Haiku:

A law of restraint Difficult by which abide Chatter, clarity

In the spirit of all things short and Japanese, I’d like to introduce you to an underutilised, yet extremely powerful presentation style that goes by the name of  PechaKucha .

The history

The PechaKucha presentation format was conceptualised in 2003 by two Tokyo-based architects that needed a solution to drab speeches and death-by-powerpoint presentations. They noticed that presentations were generally set up to speak  at  people, not  to  people. So they set out to change that with a style they dubbed  PechaKucha, a Japanese phrase that means chatter, or chit-chat.

The premise is simple:

20 slides, set on a 20-second auto-play. 6 minutes and 40 seconds of presentation time.

Guess what this reduces?

By condensing the most important information that the audience needs to know in a way that’s creative and informative. Let’s break it down further.

Here’s a 5 step method  you can use to create a powerful PechaKucha that’s sure to keep it snappy and relevant.

Step 1: Choose something you know well, or choose something simple

Spend some time thinking about this part. You’ve got to know your subject matter before trying to teach somebody else about it. A poorly researched presentation is noticeable even in the most eloquent of presenters. The easiest topic for a Pecha Kucha that flows well with confidence is one that you’re a subject matter expert in, or one that can be mastered with limited research.

Step 2: Decide on your approach

Pechakucha is meant to be high-impact information in an easy to consume format. And not just the 20x20 structure, either. Will you tell a story? Give a how-to? A review? Pose an argument or a different school of thought?

These are great starting points as they help frame the point of view from which you can distill your key concepts or ‘thesis’ of sorts.

Step 3: Distill your key concepts

Timing is crucial (obviously) and realistically, there’s a trade-off between breadth and depth that you need to decide on.

If you’re doing a broad overview, think of some segments that you can sort your key points into.

For example: my first PechaKucha was a fairly broad overview of coffee. To sort my information and create a structure that flowed as best it could, I chose 3 key areas to cover: the beans, the machine, and the barista.

Distilling information is one of the greatest benefits of the PechaKucha format. It’s a skill rarely practised or tested, but the process (and the end result) is incredibly valuable in developing the ability to be succinct in presentations, writing, and even in conversations!

Step 4: Create an outline (these will be your 20 slides)

Headings will further define the structure of your presentation and give the audience a way to stay engaged. Not every slide has to have a heading, as some may be follow-up slides or just images.

Below are two outlines of my PechaKucha presentations to date:

How to be a coffee snob (Made with love and sarcasm, by Erin)

Learn Chinese in 6 minutes and 40 seconds (Inspired by   ShaoLan )

As you can see, I’ve tried to keep text to a minimum (with much room for improvement) and use images that are informative and relevant to the topic, not just fillers. Although trying to teach an audience how to read Chinese with no text would be challenging at best! By the way, if ShaoLan’s clever images have inspired you to take a look at learning Chinese, I’ve summed up my pick of  the best Chinese learning apps right here.

Pechakucha purists state that the only way of presenting Pechakucha is with just images -  no text.  We’re a little relaxed about that rule as we’re still trying to perfect the timing, and more complex topics do need some text as a backup.

However images, in most cases, are more powerful than words. You want the audience to be engaged with what you’re  saying , not what they’re  reading . Bullet-point powerpoint slides were the catalyst for creating this style of presentation, so use them sparsely.

Step 5: Practice

I can’t stress this part enough. Unless you can count in your head whilst speaking (and if you can, please share your wisdom), you will need to practice your PechaKucha to create a presentation that flows at the desired pace, no matter how well you know the topic.

And once you’ve practised, practice again! Each time you do you’re reviewing the information, and if it doesn’t make sense to you, it won’t make sense to your audience either.

How we do it at Yarno, and why:

After Lachy discovered Pechakucha, he gave it a shot and we all agreed: it needed to stay. In just a few minutes, we’d learnt about Trello’s Kanban (go, Japan!) system and how it works.

We delegate a team member to present in our team WIP every Monday morning, and presenters can choose any topic they wish. Quite literally  any.

Today, Joel taught us (complete with a hands-on demo!) of how to effectively use just one paper towel when washing our hands.

So. Environmentally. Efficient.

So no matter how abstract the topic, we’re free to teach, discuss and learn however we please. As long as it’s within 6 minutes and 40 seconds, that is. The best part is that we get to learn about topics that we otherwise wouldn’t even think about or have time to research. Also, it’s fun. We like fun.

It’s super easy to set up, too.

On your chosen presentation software (Powerpoint, Keynote, Prezi) head to settings > presentation type and set a 20.0-second delay between each slide.

Arigato gozaimasu!

Erin is an ever-trusty wordsmith and resident spreader of good vibes. You'll find her chatting up a storm in Mandarin, yelling kiai's at jujitsu and eating dark chocolate at 2pm sharp.

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Road-Map: How to Make Your Japanese Speech

Introduction

Each language has own manner when making a speech. Although a Japanese speech is not an exception, it is difficult for learners to get a feel of this style. It may not be necessary to follow it correctly, but, on the other hand, if you can make your Japanese speech in this way, it would make a huge difference in the effect on the audience. In this article, you will learn how you can perfect your Japanese presentations.

Complete Map: How to make a Japanese Speech

Target readers.

People who are going to make a Japanese speech or presentation.

Step 1 Selection of Japanese Script Structure

• Ki-Sho-Ten-Ketsu Structure
• Jo-Ha-Kyu Structure
• Introduction-Body-Conclusion Structure

Step 2 Writing Your Japanese Script

• Imitate Great Speaker; How to Write Your Japanese Script
• The Best Length of Sentence for Your Japanese Script
• Avoid Being Monotone, the End of Japanese Sentences
• Japanese Conjunction, Informal VS. Formal
• Six Quotes from Great Leaders for Your Japanese Script
• Proofread Your Japanese Script by Native Speakers

Step 3 Practicing Your Japanese Speech

• For Your Japanese Speech; Imitate Great Speakers II
• Big Key for Your Japanese Speech; 間 (Ma) Timing
• With Pictures: How Japanese Body Language Works
• During a Japanese Speech, With Vs. Without Your Script

After you completed the above tips and practices, you just need to have some rehearsals. Please be confident, you have made great efforts so far.

I hope you have understood them and you are in the process of following them already. Although I have written down a lot of tips, the most important thing is just to enjoy your Japanese presentation. Yet, in order to do so, you need to practice a lot. Needless to say, the more you practice, the better you will be. Please try to do your best when preparing. What you have done will bring you to where you want to go. Good luck.

Post Script

People can be divided into two groups; people who love and those who hate making a Japanese speech in public. The reason is clear. If you have confidence in your presentation, it is very likely that you will belong to the former group, if not, you will belong to the later group. Then, how can we attain such confidence? This way is also clear. If you have prepared well and practiced enough times, then it is very likely that you will have the confidence. Well, how can we accomplish it for the first time? In order to answer the question, I made this very road-map. I hope a lot of people will succeed in their Japanese presentations and come to love doing so. Thank you very much.

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Using the Japanese PechaKucha Style for Presentations

While there are more and more presentation tools that have sprouted up, with PowerPoint in the lead with its new features and capabilities, the problem still remains. Many people still commit the biggest presentation sins of putting too much information and too many elements in every slide, and using up too many slides. The result remains the same: dull and time-consuming presentations that give slideshows a bad name. However, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. A new presentation technique is taking over the world of presentations and has got speakers and educators excited. And we’re talking about the Japanese-inspired presentation technique called PechaKucha .

PechaKucha, which means “chit chat” in Japanese, was created in 2003 by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, two Tokyo-based architects. They have created it to deliver a simple message: the more valuable your presentation becomes when you say less .

The idea behind PechaKucha works on a simple rule known as “20 x 20” . This means that an ideal presentation should have 20 slides that are to be shown for only 20 seconds each. That makes your presentation concise and yet more powerful. Ever since it was unveiled, millions all over the world have used it, across various industries and by various kinds of presenters. From board rooms to classrooms, the PechaKucha style for presentations is widely accepted and used to make presentations not just shorter, but most importantly, more effective.

Why PechaKucha Works

Because of the 20×20 format that PechaKucha enforces on presentations, it forces you to change the way you present. It even turns around how you talk and think, so that you as a presenter will change how your own slideshow will flow.

With PechaKucha, you make your presentations concise by taking a look at each of your slides. You are forced to follow the 20×20 rule and therefore must remove any unnecessary items or elements that don’t help your presentation.  It forces you to also become more creative in your presentation on each slide, since you don’t have a lot to work with and yet have to get your message across.

Still confused? Let’s break down PechaKucha even further with these five rules.

5 Rules of PechaKucha

Make each slide count. You only have 20 slides to work on, regardless of your topic. So for every slide, ask yourself, “What will the audience learn from this single slide?”

Make the most of 20 seconds for each slide. You don’t have to speak so much to get your point across. Oftentimes, this is what makes the presentations drag on unnecessarily. However, when you’re now more aware of the timeframe you’re supposed to give each slide, you learn to make full use of it.

Make it visual. Choose words with high imagery value. Avoid corporate jargons and instead, make sure that your audience will easily understand what you’re talking about.

Avoid complex diagrams and text-heavy bullets. Keep text to a minimum and your text and visuals should complement each other instead of simply being redundant.

It takes practice. Remember, it always helps to practice before you go out in front of an audience, and the same can still be said with PechaKucha. The more you apply these rules, the better you’ll become.

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• About Japanese companies and Japanese business people

What is Japanese Style Presentation?

The Dynamite Presentation that Backfired

Focus on the relationship, japanese frugality, typical japanese presentations, persuasive points, send your materials to japan in advance, assigned contact person.

In Japan a dynamite presentation just might backfire. As an interpreter, I have been in many sales presentations. I recall this one meeting between a small American firm and a large Japanese multinational. By American standards, the presentation was sensational. There was lots of white space, lots of photographs, and even a short video clip showing all the happy employees. Unfortunately, it was pretty clear that this company did not have anyone on staff with the skills to put together such a polished presentation. When the lights went up, out of the corner of my eye I could see the Japanese exchanging dismayed glances. Their eyes said, “Are we going to be paying for this? Are they going to be spending money on this kind of thing? Are they always going to puff themselves up?” To the Japanese, if a vendor doesn’t control their own costs, how can they control the cost to the customer?

Japanese business is much more personal than in the West. If you are going to spend a little extra to sell to the Japanese, use it for relationship-building-- entertaining them, and in simply having your staff spend time with them and get to know them. The Japanese are less impressed with a good-looking PowerPoint presentation than with a prospective vendor who listens to their needs and concerns. Put that extra polish into the human side of the sale, not in glossy sales materials.

Japanese companies do not spend money on technology just for the sake of having the latest thing.  If you have ever visited a Japanese office you will see some of the workers using computers that we would consider obsolete. Why invest in a fancy computer for someone whose job basically requires word processing? If the Japanese are going to invest in high tech tools, it will be on the manufacturing floor rather than in the office. Likewise why be over the top with a dazzling presentation?

For many Japanese companies here are some features they share in common.  Firstly, there is very little white space except on the title page. The Japanese still print out a good many presentations. Therefore, they try to limit the amount of paper used. For in-house presentations, the ideal format is called the A3 report. Everything is condensed onto a piece of paper roughly 11” X 17”. I am are not suggesting that you do this for a sales presentation, but be aware that the Japanese are not impressed by too much white space.

Japanese like to take a holistic view of a process, and like to see slides that show how all the pieces fit together. They would like to see the table of contents. They would like to see charts of data. It is a good idea to have visuals of processes, preferably showing timelines and progression over time, as in Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. A Japanese presentation will often have thumbnails of the entire process on the top of each slide, to show where one step fits into the entire process.

The Japanese would like to know the age of your company and its track record. The longer the company has been in business the better. If your employees have long terms of service, point it out. This shows stability and profitability over time. Let them know the names of your big customers, especially well known ones and Japanese companies. This is the time to display all of your awards and certifications -- ISO, “Vendor of the Year” from major customers, green awards, etc. Let those certificates advertise your achievements. The Japanese are suspicious of the hard sell. Rather than telling them how great you are, show yourself to be open to adapting to their preferences. Spend your time together listening to them rather than blowing your own horn.

Everything presented must be backed up by data. Make sure that the person who is presenting understands the details. Do not be in the position of saying, “I’m sorry. I really don’t know what this slide is about.” There must be no spelling errors. And you can count on Japanese customers to check all of the calculations and point out discrepancies. Make sure you have your sales “story” and your team on the same page before you start your meeting.

You get no extra points for working on the presentation up to the very minute the meeting starts, and springing it on the Japanese with a flourish. The less new information they have to deal with on the spot, the better. This kind of preliminary process is part of “nemawashi.” Many people on the Japan side will need to digest the presentation and prepare for the meeting, not just the individuals you meet. The more opportunity you give them to discuss things in advance the more likely you are to have productive discussions during your meeting. There should be no surprises, even good ones.

One of the most important things the Japanese look for in a vendor is a consistent contact person who is available and reliable, and who is in it for the long-term. Choose this person carefully.  Patience, persistence and tolerance are important. Knowing Japanese is a plus, but not absolutely necessary. Ideally, this person should already have a good track record of positive experience with Japanese. I stress positive interaction with the Japanese. This is not a position for an “old Japan hand.” This is not for the person who is cynical or thinks they have had a bad experience with the Japanese and the company will too.

Naturally, I recommend having your contact person get in-depth intercultural training in advance of approaching the Japanese if at all possible. When you think of all the time, effort and money that goes into attracting new customers, spending a day or two learning what makes those prospects tick seems like a small price to pay. Investing in the human side of your sales efforts will be much more effective than polishing a dynamite presentation.

See the related article: Japanese are not used to make a presentation

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• Pingback: Japanese are not used to make a presentation. Be careful if you are too talkative, you won't seem trusted. | MANABINK

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