Pecha Kucha (pronounced: peh-CHAKH-cha), Japanese for “chit-chat,” is an innovative social event where guests are invited to speak to the audience on a variety of topics. The catch? Each speech must only consist of 20 presentation slides with only 20 seconds spent on each slide. That’s a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
The local St. Augustine chapter will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, April 5.
“These short speeches are like snack-sized bites of information,” said Angie Ullmann, one of the event organizers. “They’re just a small glimpse that explains the ‘why’— Why an experience or idea matters, why it’s worth considering, why it’s significant. This shorter format changes the whole dynamic of the gathering. People are relaxing, it’s outside and there’s food and drinks. Instead of a lecture or formal presentation, it’s more of an informal performance.”
The Volume 17 event on April 5 will take place on the Front Porch at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with presentations beginning at 7 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person.
Local food trucks African Love Kitchen and Luvin’ Oven will be on-site. Beverages (adult and otherwise) will be available for purchase as well.
April’s theme is “Permission” and a variety of speakers will be featured, including Jennifer Dournaux, a lifetime dancer, teacher and Pilates instructor at The Dance Company; and Nic Patterson, a pianist who discovered the transformative effect of music as a previously incarcerated individual.
The Pecha Kucha movement grew out of the efforts of a Tokyo-based architectural firm to improve the impact and timing of presentations by their associates. What began in 2003 as an effort to “talk less, show more” has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with more than 1,200 cities hosting Pecha Kucha events attended by more than 3 million people.
St. Augustine Pecha Kucha (STA PK) is organized by current members Angie Ullmann, Harold George, Derek Coughlin and Danielle Babineau.
“We encourage all community members to join us at one of our chit-chat events to connect, learn and share their unique life experiences,” said Ullmann. “Stay tuned for our next event on Wednesday, July 19th. The theme will be ‘Industry Night.’”
The St. Augustine Pecha Kucha aims to inspire, bring awareness and support the community in an intellectually positive and nourishing way. Created in 2013, STA PK meets regularly throughout the year at various locations in St. Augustine. Events feature informative presentations, food and beverages, and are open to the public. For more information, go to pechakucha.com/communities/st-Augustine.
