Question: How do you stop a designer from giving you the ‘War and Peace’ interpretation?

Answer: Pecha Kucha.

Pecha Kucha Night, devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham (Klein Dytham architecture), was conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of prime air time before the next presenter is up. No time for death by PowerPoint to set in, but being entertained will give you a run for your money.

The evening attracts a broad set from the creative community, namely architects, artists, theatre folk, designers, writers and engineers. Why not when you get to spruik your wares without hiring a gallery or schmoozing editor (who’s getting schmoozed? We only cover things we think are worth it! – Ed). Things are informal, and you have ample time to get a drink or two in before presentations start.

Usually 10-15 people present each night in front of a crowd that continues to grow. Past presenters include a recycle-happy jewellery designer, an ode to caravans and caravanning, lots of swanky architects and a man obsessed with taking photos of street corners…there’s obviously some creative explaining to do.

As for the name, Pecha Kucha in Japanese means the sound of conversation. Like so many things that have originated from the land of the rising sun, the demand has spread globally, with talking nights being held in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and 90 other cities holding similar conversations. In Sydney it’s typically held every two months, usually on the last Thursday of the month and at varying locations.

Go forth, confabulate, and enjoy the chit chat.

Pecha Kucha Volume 09 Sydney, 27 March, 6-11.30pm, Commercial Traveller’s Association, MLC Centre, Cnr King and Castlereagh Streets. Free.