If you had 400 seconds to share something about yourself, what would you say?

That’s the idea behind PechaKucha Night. PechaKucha was devised by Tokyo-based architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham for SuperDeluxe Tokyo in 2003. PechaKucha is the onomatopoeic Japanese word for ‘chit chat’.

20 slides x 20 seconds to tell your story.

These gatherings are informal and fun, an opportunity for people to get together and share their ideas, works, thoughts, passions, quirky collections and just about anything else. The popular PechaKucha Nights have now spread to over 280 cities worldwide.

Last night, as part of the 17th Biennale of Sydney, I attended my first PechaKucha. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had a feeling I would be entertained if nothing else. The event took place at SuperDeluxe@Artspace in Woolloomooloo, – an open and urban gallery space on the wharf. As with all arty gatherings, the crowd was cool and hip and ready for some chit chat.

The speakers varied from a landscape architect-turned restaurant owner to a stunt double, each taking to the stage for their 400 seconds to speak about whatever they wanted. It’s very interesting to have an insight into people’s lives in this format, most of which you’ll never see again. It reminds you that every single person has a great story to tell. Some were funny, some were sad, but all were extremely interesting and worthwhile in their own special way.

PechaKucha nights happen all over the world, I highly recommend you attend the next one in your area.