My Pecha Kucha Journey
By Bruce Wade
Last night I took a step in a direction I thought I would never go: PechaKucha.
This is not because of standing on a stage or the bright lights, but the conformity of a structure that I felt was too restrictive for me to be me. I am very much a non-conformist and have institutionalised. But I had a story to tell, so I put my hand up.
PechaKucha is a speaking technique that gives the speaker 20 slides at 20 seconds each, a total of 6 minutes 40 seconds to deliver a speech on stage. No free format, no impromptu jokes, just fast-paced focus. A challenge for even the most seasoned speaker.
I did the work, prepared, practised, and stressed. But on the night, it worked. My mind, body and soul united to deliver a great speech to a responsive audience.
I now see this format as the perfect way for new speakers who have a story to break the ice and get on stage. Terry Winship, the host/coach/mother, steers her ship with all the love and guidance needed for any speaker at any level.
As for me. Tick. Now it may be time to tackle a TEDx sometime this year. Let’s see where this can go.
The link to my speech will appear here when it is released.
