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"The idea is the spark, but the story is what happens after the fire starts."

It's easy to have an idea. It's much harder to turn that idea into something people want to watch, read, or listen to.

In this episode, host Matt Pierce sits down with Emmy‑winning Robot Chicken writer, novelist, and podcaster Mike Fasolo to talk about storytelling. They cover how to hook an audience fast and when to trust them to fill in gaps themselves.

Mike also shares how he cuts long-form livestreams down into short, punchy clips without losing the story, and what it takes to move from "I have an idea" to "I made the thing."

Key learning points:

Mike's approach to storytelling is to get in as fast as possible - skip the setup, find the hook, tell the story, and move on, trusting the audience to pick up on what's happening without it being spelled out.
An idea on its own isn't a story. It becomes one when you find your character, work out what they want, put an obstacle in front of them, and make sure the outcome matters to the audience.
When cutting a long video down into something short, Mike looks for what's most engaging to him first, then finds a cut point that works like a cliff-hanger, giving viewers just enough to want to keep watching.

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Mike Fasolo on LinkedIn
Connect with Mike Fasolo on Instagram
Mike's personal website
Mike's weekly live stream on the craft and business of making comics, co-hosted with Buddy Scalera - Comic Book School

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“Could you just make a quick video?”

It's not always possible. Even the shortest videos can be time-consuming without the right things in place.

In this episode, host Matt Pierce goes solo to talk about what "quick" really means when it comes to video production, and why speed almost always comes with trade-offs worth understanding upfront.

Matt also walks through the pinch points that slow creators down from unclear needs analysis to scope creep. He also gets into the underrated art of managing stakeholder feedback, and closes with a question every video creator should sit with - what does 'done' mean?

Key learning points:

Before any video work begins, complete your needs analysis. Ask yourself who the audience is, what outcome you're trying to achieve, and how you'll measure success. Skipping this step creates the "pinch points" that slow everything down later in the process.
Not every message requires a full video. Sometimes a screenshot, step-by-step guide, or animated GIF will communicate the message faster and more effectively, so it's worth right-sizing the format before committing to a full production.
Bring reviewers into one location, give them a specific focus for what you want them to look at, and identify a single person with final sign-off rights. This avoids the late-stage changes that come from too many voices weighing in at the wrong time.

Important links and mentions:

Screencast is TechSmith's platform for centralized video feedback, Matts preferred tool for timestamped comments and revisions.

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What is the difference between covering a topic and actually teaching it? The best L&D designers know the answer.

In this revisited episode, Matt is joined by Jonathan Hill, award-winning learning manager and e-learning developer based in the UK. They talk about designing learning that really works, not just content that gets completed because it’s a requirement.

Moving beyond the ‘click next’ slide mentality that holds e-learning back, Jonathan talks through how video changed his approach to design, and the key part sound plays in this.

He also shares one of his most practical tools for working with subject matter experts - a simple reframe that helps surface what learners need to take away. And if you've ever wondered whether there's room for humor in compliance content, Jonathan has an interesting take!

Important links and mentions:

See if Jonathan can help you communicate your expertise
Connect with Jonathan

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Riding the wave when it comes to the advancements in AI comes down to understanding one key distinction - AI generates, humans create.

In this live episode, Matt was joined by Destery Hildenbrand, Learning and Development Consultant and Instructional Designer to talk about the impact of AI in L&D, keeping the human in the loop, and organizational readiness.

He captures the fundamental truth about AI, it can access all the knowledge in the world, yet it doesn’t comprehend any of it. This is a huge limitation that makes the human element so valuable.

Destery talks about the importance of planning where you fit while AI adapts and gains more capability. He goes into why nobody should fear AI taking over, it should be viewed as a tool and leveraged to buy more time for your unique creative input.

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Destery | Subscribe to Destery’s channel

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Is it time to move beyond the old pedagogical framework?

Anybody over a certain age will conjure the same image with the phrase ‘educational film’ - death by talking head + PowerPoint.

In this episode Matt was joined by Tiia Grøn, Senior Counselor and Video Producer, Nathalie Blomstereng, Senior Advisor and Learning Designer and Terje Bergli, Senior Tech Advisor, all joining him from UiT The Arctic University of Norway where the Tromsø Educational Film Festival was created.

They talk about how the new generation of educators are redefining the framework through educator/filmmaker partnerships and how the diversity of formats, inspirational subject matter and international reach showcased at the festival illustrates that shift.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:24 Intro
02:24 – 05:26 What is T.R.E.F.F and how did it begin
05:26 – 06:54 The challenges of bringing film and learning together
06:54 – 11:59 What lessons should educators take away
11:59 – 15:22 What can filmmakers do to stand out at festivals
15:22 – 17:39 What's next for T.R.E.F.F
17:39 – 21:35 The T.R.E.F.F submission process
21:35 – 27:22 Inspirations from this year's festival
27:22 – 28:40 How to find out more about T.R.E.F.F
28:40 – 31:26 Final takes
31:26 – 32:22 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Submit your film in early 2027: Tromsø Educational Film Festival - FilmFreeway
Keep up to date with this year’s results and next year’s submission: https://result.uit.no/treff/
Follow T.R.E.F.F on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tromso.educational.film.festival
Follow T.R.E.F.F on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tr.e.f.f/
Take a look at the University: UiT The Arctic University of Norway | UiT

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You don't need better gear, a better location, or a better idea. You need to get out of your own way.

In this revisited episode, Matt sits down with Aaron King, DeepSnap content creator, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete to talk about what it really takes to grab someone's attention before you've said a word.

Aaron gets into why the things most creators obsess over are usually the last things that matter, and what to focus on instead.

He also talks about his journey to content creation, including overcoming injury as a professional sports player and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Detailing what led him to move into his car and begin driving around taking pictures and creating.

He emphasises the power of connection and manifesting creativity. Going on to explain how ‘just showing people’ gave him a new career path.

Aaron's main take is to stop overthinking your content, just put something out there. Finished is always better than perfect.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:38 Intro
01:38 – 03:08 Aaron’s key tip to improving your video content
03:08 – 06:14 Creating good hooks and engaging opening clips
06:14 – 11:16 Working with your environment for your backdrop
11:16 – 15:11 How to use sound for relatability and brand identity
15:11 – 16:17 Paying attention to your comments section
16:17 – 24:23 Aaron’s journey to content creation
24:23 – 25:30 Why finished is better than perfect
25:30 – 28:39 Speed round questions
28:39 – 29:25 Where to find Aaron
29:25 – 30:28 Aaron’s final take
30:28 – 31:26 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Aaron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepsnap/
Keep up to date with DeepSnap: https://deepsnap.com
Subscribe to the DeepSnap channel: https://www.youtube.com/@deepsnap
Follow Aaron on TikTok: DeepSnap (@deepsnap) | TikTok

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When you solve your own learning problems, you can accidentally build the resource everyone else was missing.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Taim Dawod, a medical doctor from Norway who started a medical education YouTube channel in his first year of med school.

Taim gets into his background studying anatomy and the problems he faced with the delivery of the learning. He goes on to explain the techniques he developed to solve those problems and how that led him to becoming a full-time content creator.

He also talks about his view on the traditional lecture format in university teaching, and where it falls short for many students. He points out the gaps that are created through disjointed delivery and the importance of ‘the why’ when communicating complex topics.

Taim’s main take is that everybody has something valuable to teach. There is someone out there that will benefit from what you have to say, and you will continue to sharpen your own knowledge along the way.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:42 Intro
01:42 – 05:42 Taim’s medical background and journey to content creation
05:42 – 08:14 Outsourcing vs. the journey of doing everything yourself
08:14 – 11:13 The benefits of keeping consistent
11:13 – 15:11 Communicating complex topics
15:11 – 17:59 Visual mediums and the art of being concise
17:59 – 19:10 The importance of ‘the why’
19:10 – 21:34 Open education award and why learning should be free
21:34 – 23:28 Helpful take away from Tromsø
23:28 – 24:43 Taim’s final piece of wisdom
24:43 – 26:50 Where to connect with Taim and upcoming book release
26:50 – 27:35 Taim’s final take
27:35 – 28:51 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Subscribe to Taim Talks Med: https://www.youtube.com/@TaimTalksMed
Follow Taim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taimtalksmed/
Taim’s video on Sepsis and Septic Shock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVy_7shA3RM&t=117srb.gy/uoikzb

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When content generation becomes fast and frictionless, do learning specialists need to be involved at all?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Tim Slade, Speaker, Author and Founder of The eLearning Designer's Academy who discusses the human vs. the automated in instructional design today.

Tim acknowledges that as content generation has become easier and faster, audiences are developing digital media fatigue and how as creators we can aim to overcome this.

Tim emphasizes that 'the human’ exists in ensuring that what we are ‘churning out’ is the right thing to solve the problem - should we make this? Why? What changes if we do? He argues that one part of the work still can't be automated, sound judgment.

The conversation also gets into how most people tend to use AI for practical reasons, and how the online discourse leads audiences to believe they are somehow ‘behind the curve’ in their AI skills. Tim dubs AI a ‘replication tool’ and discusses the issues that arise from getting carried away with the capabilities available to us.

The Instructional Design Handbook by Tim Slade is available for pre-order through May 29th. Pre-orders include a hardcover signed edition with a dust jacket. 10% off when you use TECHSMITH as the coupon code.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:03 Intro
01:03 – 03:13 Latest book release: The Instructional Design Handbook by Tim Slade
03:13 – 05:55 Becoming an intentional Instructional Designer
05:55 – 07:56 What Instructional Designers need to know for success
07:56 – 10:55 Improving the human piece
10:55 – 13:20 Connecting theory to practical application
13:20 – 14:30 What can ID professionals take away from the book
14:30 – 18:25 Why AI doesn’t fit into everything we do and content fatigue
18:45 – 20:57 AI as a replication tool and the problems in getting carried away
20:57 – 24:22 Practical uses of AI
24:22 – 25:48 AI skills are having a clear vision that you can explain
25:48 – 27:51 Book release details and where to find Tim
27:51 – 29:15 Tim’s final take
29:15 – 30:21 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sladetim/
Join The eLearning Designer's Academy: https://community.elearningacademy.io/welcome
Check out Tim’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CE3YBPX53oeKVsiTbhX2w?sub_confirmation=1

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Most small teams want to do more video. The hard part is doing it every week, without the crew, the hours, or the budget to make it happen.

In this revisited episode, Matt sits down with Megan Torrance, Founder and CEO of Torrance Learning, to explore what it takes to make video work as a small team, and why the system she built years ago still holds up today.

Megan’s team rebuilt their studio so one person could walk in, flip a few switches, load up a teleprompter, and start recording.

That setup is now the engine behind Megan’s marketing videos and her stand-in client course (and the occasional goofy internal update, of course). It’s also why her team can go from ‘a client needs this course updated’ to published in a week.

In the conversation, Megan also gets into why a quick video beats a memo or email for tone and authenticity, the shot lists she uses to keep editing under control, and how Camtasia’s review workflow keeps feedback on the timeline instead of in email threads.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:09 Introduction
01:09 – 01:31 Megan’s background and Torrance Learning
01:31 – 02:46 Outgrowing the four-person shoot
02:46 – 03:29 Building a one-person studio with green tape
03:29 – 04:20 The videos the new setup unlocks
04:20 – 05:26 Why a quick video beats a memo, email, or Slack message
05:26 – 06:11 Shot lists, single takes, and keeping post-production manageable
06:11 – 06:50 Megan’s preferred tools: Camtasia’s review workflow
06:50 – 09:09 From a week-long course update to more authentic marketing video
09:09 – 09:58 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Megan Torrance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/
Visit Torrance Learning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/
Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Listen to Megan’s first appearance on The Visual Lounge in episode 219: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/making-video-production-doable-as-a-small-business

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Most teams are sitting on a stack of Zoom recordings (webinars, customer trainings, all-hands sessions) that nobody ever turns into anything.

Doing anything with them seems too... messy, and a lot of people don’t realize that there’s an asset there in the first place.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Carson Vestergaard, Instructional Designer at TechSmith, who breaks down why the easiest training video you'll ever ship is often one that already exists in your meeting recordings folder, and how Camtasia's new Zoom integration is making that possible.

Carson’s team on TechSmith’s customer education side runs this workflow every week. They pull a Zoom recording into Camtasia, and the integration automatically splits the speaker from the screen.

From there, Audiate's text-based editing changes how the cleanup feels. What used to be an afternoon of manual work becomes a read-through.

Beyond the Zoom integration, the conversation gets into Sync Audio (Camtasia’s new feature that auto-aligns multi-mic recordings without the manual clap-and-spike trick), AI noise removal that handles the leaf blower outside the window without breaking voice clarity, and the screenshot-overlay trick Carson leans on to keep tutorials current long after the original UI has moved on.

Carson also shares a few insider tricks for keeping the viewer's eye where you want it, from cursor zooms to on-screen highlights.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 00:57 Intro
00:57 – 02:34 Carson’s career path:
02:34 – 03:54 The most underrated editing skill
03:54 – 06:47 Inside Camtasia’s new Zoom integration
06:47 – 10:12 Cleaning up a webinar with Audiate’s text-based editing
10:12 – 14:18 Layouts, the cursor caveat, and why this is Zoom-only
14:18 – 17:38 Sync Audio and AI noise removal in loud rooms
17:38 – 20:43 Multi-take editing and why videos are easier to update than you think
20:43 – 22:30 Carson’s favorite tools
22:30 – 23:02 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with TechSmith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsmith/
Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Explore Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/
Learn more about Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

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The business is your customer. The learner is your consumer. If you’ve been thinking about it the other way round, this episode will make you think a little differently.

Tracie Cantu, Senior Learning Leader and author of Running L&D Like a Business, opens with the idea that when L&D designs for the wrong “customer,” teams end up busy, but not necessarily effective. The result is often more content with outcomes that don’t match.

Think learning needs to be formal? Think again. A post-it note on a monitor can be learning if it helps someone do their job, because in some cases, the best L&D output is a job aid, not a course.

Governance comes up as well, which Tracie describes it as bowling alley bumper guards. The structure helps teams make decisions without waiting for approval at every step.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:06 Introduction
01:06 – 03:29 Tracie’s book and why she wrote it
03:29 – 07:05 The difference between a customer and consumer
07:05 – 09:07 Choosing the right format for the right moment
09:07 – 13:41 AI, job loss, and the rise of L&D business partners
13:41 – 20:59 Letting go of the wheel and empowering others to self-serve
20:59 – 24:41 Governance, intake management, and treating learning like a portfolio
24:41 – 27:11 The 72% onboarding data and proving learning impact
27:11 – 29:15 Brag like the sales team
29:15 – 30:37 Where to find Tracie
30:37 – 32:22 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Buy Tracie’s book: https://traciewroteabook.com
Visit Tracie’s consulting firm: https://yourclo.net
Connect with Tracie Cantu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traciemcantu/
Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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What if the most powerful thing in your video has nothing to do with your camera, your software, or your budget?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Stewart Cohen, a filmmaker and photographer whose work spans brands like Coca-Cola, AT&T, and Gatorade, to explore what it really takes to tell a visual story that resonates.

Stewart does a lot marketing work, where 30 seconds is sometimes all you get. But he thinks that constraint can actually be one of the best creative teachers. When every cut has to earn its place, you stop overthinking and start being clear.

Stewart talks through how he draws authentic moments out of people on camera. and why pre-production is often where the real work happens. He’s also talks through something most experienced filmmakers hesitate to say out loud. Sometimes you have to spoon-feed your story to make sure it lands.

He also gets into what virtual production is already making possible, including a music video that looked like it was shot across five continents, wrapped in a single day. And he shares his take on where AI fits into all of this, even when that means handing off a project entirely.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 00:47 Intro
00:47 – 02:46 Stewart’s background and career in commercial filmmaking
02:46 – 05:07 Asking the right questions and finding everyone’s story
05:07 – 07:09 Using constraints to sharpen your storytelling
07:09 – 10:01 Stewart’s mental checklist for location scouting and building a shooting board
10:01 – 11:34 Why visual quality matters and holding viewer attention
11:34 – 16:48 Working with stakeholders and getting aligned before shoot day
16:48 – 17:51 AI’s growing role in filmmaking
17:51 – 19:31 Spoon-feeding your story — don’t assume viewers will follow
19:31 – 23:09 Virtual production walls, budgets, and how technology is changing filmmaking
23:09 – 25:24 Advice for everyday video creators
25:24 – 27:21 Speed round
27:21 – 27:56 How to connect with Stewart
27:56 – 28:48 Stewart’s final take
28:48 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartcohen/
Visit Stewart’s website: https://www.stewartcohen.com/
Find Stewart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scpictures/

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Teaching isn’t the reward you get after you’ve learned something. For Taim Dawod, it’s been the learning method itself.

In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Taim Dawod, a medical doctor from Norway who started a medical education YouTube channel in his first year of med school, with no experience in video, editing, or teaching online. What started as a way to make anatomy easier to study for himself grew into a channel with hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

The conversation gets into how Taim’s visual way of learning shapes everything he creates, and why adding animations was the moment his audience really started to connect. He also talks about working through a full medical curriculum one topic at a time alongside hospital shifts.

He walks through his 7-step process for making medical education videos. And his approach to consistency is simpler than you’d think. One hour a day, even if it’s just one sentence, is what keeps him going.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:48 Intro
01:49 – 02:33 Taim’s background as a medical doctor and content creator
02:34 – 04:12 Taim’s #1 tip: start without experience
04:13 – 07:20 Why the channel started as a visual learning tool
07:21 – 11:37 The turning point: animations and 3D visuals
11:38 – 17:10 Choosing topics and working through a curriculum
17:11 – 21:25 Taim’s 7-step process for creating educational videos
21:26 – 26:27 Building a sustainable habit: one hour a day
26:28 – 28:57 Tips for aspiring educational content creators
28:58 – 36:17 Speed round questions
36:18 – 37:44 Taim’s final take and where to find him
37:45 – 38:44 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Subscribe to Taim’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaimTalksMed
Follow Taim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taimtalksmed/
Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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We’re in a pivotal moment for learning and development. But is the industry ready for what comes next?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt sits down with Donald Taylor to unpack the latest findings from the Global Sentiment Survey, one of the longest-running studies tracking trends in L&D, which he co-authored.

With nearly 3,800 responses from over 100 countries, this year’s survey reveals how the conversation around AI is changing. The rapid rise hasn’t stopped, but it has slowed, and what’s emerging in its place is quite complex.

AI still leads as the top trend, but the conversation is shifting. Concerns around job security, ethics, and long-term impact are becoming harder to ignore, while the pressure to prove value is rising fast. At the same time, areas like learning analytics are starting to slip.

Throughout the discussion, Matt and Donald unpack what’s driving both the excitement and the uncertainty, from that growing need to demonstrate impact, to why some of the most traditionally important areas are also the ones being left behind.

They also dig into what this moment means in practice. Not just how AI is being used day to day, but how it’s starting to reshape the role of L&D itself.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:35 - Intro
00:35 - 01:40 - What is the Global Sentiment Survey?
01:40 - 02:46 - Why the rise of AI is starting to slow down
02:46 - 04:27 - Rising survey annual response rates and what they tell us
04:27 - 06:52 - How AI in L&D is currently being used
06:52 - 10:09 - AI in L&D: the drivers behind industry pushback and excitement
10:09 - 13:43 - How priorities in L&D are changing
13:43 - 15:33 - The rising pressure on professionals
15:33 - 18:57 - Marketing in L&D and predictions of a data-driven future
18:57 - 21:13 - Why “showing value” is paramount today
21:13 - 24:52 - The core groups of respondents for the Global Sentiment Survey
24:52 - 26:29 - Next steps and future plans for the Global Sentiment Survey
26:29 - 27:28 - Tracking global trends within the L&D industry
27:28 - 31:20 - Navigating emerging industry shifts
31:20 - 32:20 - Donald’s final take
32:20 - 33:05 Matt’s outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Donald Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/
Visit Donald Taylor’s website: https://www.donaldhtaylor.co.uk
Check out the 2026 Global Sentiment Survey Report: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/global-sentiment-survey-2026/

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What if video could shave 20 minutes off your leadership meetings and help your team come prepared with the right questions?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Chris King, Principal Consultant at CRK Learning LLC, to explore how project managers working in L&D can use video to communicate more effectively.

Chris manages a multimillion-dollar e-learning project with a team of around 25 people, and he’s found that recording video walkthroughs of spreadsheets, creating how-to videos for SMEs, and sharing quick video updates in place of emails can transform how a project runs.

The conversation covers Chris’s take on the three core types of PM communication, the tools he relies on day-to-day, and why working with the right team matters as much as having the right process.

Chris also shares his thoughts on using visuals in presentations, why he prefers icons and process flows over cinematic imagery, and what the future of AI-driven video could look like in learning experiences.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 00:48 Introduction
00:48 – 01:27 Chris’s background and PMP certification
01:27 – 03:12 Being a ‘gist person’ as a project manager
03:12 – 05:41 The three types of project management communication
05:41 – 07:07 Chris' preferred tools: ClickUp, Excel, PowerPoint, and Slack
07:07 – 09:05 Using video for project reports and leadership meetings
09:05 – 10:42 Using video to onboard subject matter experts
10:42 – 12:55 How teams respond to video communication
12:55 – 16:16 Visuals in presentations, AI image generation, and Chris’s visual style
16:16 – 18:07 Experimenting with AI video in practice modules
18:07 – 20:39 Using video like an email and advice for the hesitant
20:39 – 23:13 Speed round
23:13 – 24:03 How to connect with Chris
24:03 – 24:23 Chris’s final take
24:23 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingpin/
Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Explore Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/
Learn more about Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

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How can you use the cognitive properties of media for the best training and learning outcomes?

Whether you’re in training, in learning development, or you’re a creator making videos for your own YouTube channel, learning and understanding are non-negotiable.

This idea especially rings true in an age when people consume media across an ever-expanding variety of channels. How do you hold their attention? How do you present information in a way that people truly understand?

Dr Clark Quinn, PHD provides learning experiences and design strategies to corporations, higher education institutions, government, and not-for-profit organizations. In this revisited episode of The Visual Lounge, he dives deep into cognitive media and how to create meaningful learning experiences.

He also talks about how to transpose your knowledge into the media you make, and why creating video for video’s sake rarely achieves the best outcomes.

Join us (or rejoin us) for a greater understanding of how to integrate thinking and learning with technology to improve organizational execution, innovation and, of course, performance.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:10 Dr Quinn’s perspective on cognitive science
01:10 - 03:09 Matt’s intro
03:09 - 04:33 When and when not to use video for the best outcomes
04:33 - 06:19 Making media choices that communicate your story in the best compelling way
06:19 - 11:04 Understanding and applying dynamic and static cognitive properties
11:04 - 16:08 Improving learning outcomes by giving context and examples
16:08 - 20:57 Should you use video templates that can be repurposed?
20:57 - 25:11 Other things to know and consider about cognitive properties
25:11 - 28:55 How to iterate what you’ve created effectively
28:55 - 33:16 Speed round questions
33:16 - 36:52 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Check out Dr Clark Quinn’s website: https://www.quinnovation.com
Follow Clark’s blog: https://blog.learnlets.com
Connect with Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/

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What makes a story actually stick? And why do so many professionals get it wrong?

In this episode, host Matt Pierce sits down with Gabrielle Dolan, global business storytelling expert and author of eight books, to unpack why storytelling is one of the most underused skills in any professional's toolkit and what to do about it.

Gabrielle shares why personal stories outperform facts and data every time, how to overcome the fear of being "too vulnerable" at work, and the simple rules that separate a forgettable story from one people retell for years.

She also offers practical tips on how to start and end a story well, why authenticity is non-negotiable, and how even a short, imperfect attempt is always better than no story at all.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:58 Intro
01:58 – 04:13 Gabrielle’s origin story
04:13 – 06:55 What is the essence of a good story?
06:55 – 08:43 An example of storytelling in action
08:43 – 11:10 Using stories to help people understand, remember and retell
11:10 – 14:35 How to use visuals in storytelling
14:35 – 18:27 Why vulnerability is scary, but worth it
18:27 – 20:16 The power of sharing stories around values in business
20:16 – 23:11 Why you should share stories about mistakes
23:11 – 26:41 Tips for telling stories well
26:41 – 30:40 Speed round questions
30:40 – 32:48 Matt’s final take and outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Gabrielle Dolan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/
Follow Gabrielle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/
Subscribe to Gabrielle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal
Check out Gabrielle’s website: https://gabrielledolan.com/

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Are you struggling to script engaging training videos? Or maybe viewers are getting confused, and you’re not quite sure how to hold people’s attention long enough to deliver any value.

In this episode, host Matt Pierce shares his tips for writing training video scripts that keep viewers engaged. Drawing on years of scriptwriting experience, Matt breaks down the fundamentals of writing a strong hook to building an outline that reinforces the value and learning goals from start to finish.

Matt touches on when and how to use AI while writing training video scripts. He explains how AI can help check your structure and flow, spot missing information, remove redundancy, or get you past the first blank page.

You’ll also learn two key principles for writing and recording better training videos, how to edit your work, and the importance of creating human-centred content, even if you do use AI tools to speed up your workflow.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:34 Intro
01:34 – 01:54 Using AI for writing scripts
01:54 – 06:22 How to write compelling hooks for videos
06:22 – 08:16 Creating a strong structure and flow
08:16 – 09:01 Using AI prompts in your scripting process
09:01 – 11:18 Why your videos need to be easy to follow
11:18 – 13:00 Adding your outcomes to your video script
13:00 – 13:44 Why it’s important to always double-check your instructions
13:44 – 15:44 What’s in it for your audience and reinforcing value
15:44 – 17:29 Using specific phrases for signaling
17:29 – 18:20 Using the personalization principle
18:20 – 19:25 Using the “Hey Mom” principle
19:25 – 20:32 Checking your script for redundancy and jargon
20:32 – 21:57 Be ruthless with your editing
21:57 – 23:12 Adding your call-to-action
23:12 – 24:36 Bringing humanity into your scripts
24:36 – 25:22 Matt’s final take
25:22 – 26:07 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Learn more about the Human Framework for AI training videos: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/human-framework-for-ai-training-videos/

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When you’re on camera, people decide how much they trust you a lot faster than you realize.

In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Peter Hopwood, a speaking coach who works with presenters, sales teams, founders, and TEDx presenters on how to be more confident and credible on screen. Peter shares what helps people connect through a camera, especially when the usual in-person cues aren’t there.

The conversation covers why curiosity is key to building trust, how voice and small physical movements influence engagement, and why many people misread audience reactions in virtual settings.

Peter also shares practical advice on eye contact, standing versus sitting, recording yourself to improve, and avoiding common distractions that can undermine your credibility without you even noticing.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:29 Intro
01:29 - 04:22 Peter’s roots in the industry
04:22 - 09:23 Defining success on camera
09:23 - 13:50 Peter’s one tip for being on camera
13:50 -18:25 Why is trust so important on video?
18:25 - 23:43 Defining the role of visual aids
23:43 - 27:07 Things Peter has seen that can break trust and why setting matters
27:06 - 27:51 How to connect with Peter
27:51 - 29:02 Peter's final take
29:02 - 29:38 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Check out Peter’s website: http://www.peter-hopwood.com/
Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhopwoodpublicspeaking
Follow Peter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HopwoodMedia
Follow Peter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterhopwood/
Listen to Peter’s first appearance on The Visual Lounge: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/how-to-break-your-viewers-trust

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Should AI avatars replace human presenters?

In part two of this research series on The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce is joined again by TechSmith Senior Market Researcher Stephanie Warnoff to discuss the latest findings from TechSmith's research on AI avatars in instructional video.

Building on episode 275 about AI voices, this conversation explores how different on-screen presenter styles affect viewer perception and information retention.

The study compares multiple formats, including human presenters, AI avatars, and alternative visual approaches. You’ll learn about common misconceptions teams have about avatars, why viewer reactions often differ from stated preferences, and where avatars may help or hurt depending on context.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:40 Intro
01:40 – 03:45 What surprised Stephanie most in her findings on AI avatars
03:45 – 05:20 The five video snippets used during the study
05:20 – 08:27 How are perspectives around AI changing?
08:27 – 11:25 When to use avatars, and when not to use avatars
11:25 – 13:35 The impact of avatars on learning
13:35 – 15:17 Stephanie’s advice on implementing AI avatars into work
15:17 – 17:03 Stephanie's tips to people who are reluctant to use AI avatars
17:03 – 18:29 Questions that Stephanie would like to answer in future research
18:29 – 19:42 Matt's take on the research
19:42 – 21:14 Stephanie's advice for people interested and how to get involved with TechSmith research
21:14 – 21:59 Stephanie's final take
21:59 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Stephanie: research@techsmith.com
Learn more about the study in this blog post: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/ai-voices-avatars-in-training-videos/
Check out part one of this research series, episode 275, on AI voices: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/275-ai-voices-impact-on-learning/

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How much does audio really affect learning? And does it matter whether that voice is human or AI?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Stephanie Warnoff, Senior Market Researcher at TechSmith, to walk through new research that looks at how audio quality and AI narration influence learning outcomes, perceived professionalism, and retention in instructional video.

The study, conducted by TechSmith, was built around a simple experiment. Participants watched the same 45-second how-to video, with the visuals kept the same each time. The only variable was the audio. Viewers heard one of four versions: high-quality human narration, low-quality human narration, high-quality AI narration, and low-quality AI narration. What the team found was...surprising.

Throughout the conversation, Matt and Stephanie explore what the results mean for teams creating training and instructional content, especially as AI tools become easier to access.

This episode is part 1 of a two-part research series. Stay tuned for episode 2, where Matt and Stephanie take a closer look at the second half of the study, focusing on AI avatars, and how different avatar styles compare with human presenters in real learning contexts.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:19 Intro
01:19 - 02:53 Stephanie's background
02:53 - 04:59 TechSmith’s research on AI voices
04:59 - 06:14 The four audio versions used during the study and how the experiment was structured
06:14 - 07:47 What surprised Stephanie about the AI voices
07:47 - 10:58 Is there a need for disclosure with AI?
10:58 - 15:37 Signals for high quality voices
15:37 - 18:04 Why poor audio quality performed better than high audio quality
18:04 - 20:34 Other considerations for effectiveness of learning through AI
20:34 - 23:08 Future research
23:08 - 26:22 Closing thoughts
26:22 - 27:01 Stephanie's final take
27:01 - 28:00 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Stephanie: research@techsmith.com
Learn more about the study in this blog post: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/ai-voices-avatars-in-training-videos/

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Have you ever struggled to get the information you need from a subject matter expert? Or maybe you're the expert (SME), and you're not quite sure what the instructional designer actually wants from you?

In this episode, host Matt Pierce explores what subject matter experts actually need from instructional designers (IDs) to do their best work. Drawing from his experience on both sides of the dynamic, Matt breaks down seven key principles for building a strong SME-ID partnership that leads to better learning outcomes.

From being specific with requests and setting clear boundaries, to giving early feedback and closing the loop on how information gets used, Matt offers practical guidance for creating a smoother, more productive working relationship.

Matt also explores how video can strengthen communication between SMEs and IDs, whether that's recording verbal feedback, providing quick status updates, or simply adding a personal touch that helps you stand out in a busy SME's inbox.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:26 Introduction and the SME-ID dynamic
01:26 - 03:25 Respecting SME time and being specific with requests
03:25 - 05:57 Setting clear guardrails and context before asking for content
05:57 - 08:11 Helping SMEs remember what it's like to be a beginner
08:11 - 09:57 The importance of early, actionable feedback
09:57 - 12:18 Pushing back when expertise doesn't serve the learner
12:18 - 14:06 Giving SMEs something to react to rather than starting from nothing
14:06 - 18:22 Closing the loop and using video to strengthen communication
18:22 - 21:01 Matt’s final take and outro

Important links and mentions:

Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/
Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

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Change is emotional. Even when the strategy is solid, people still feel uncertain, skeptical, or overwhelmed, especially when the vision feels huge and the path feels unclear.

In this revisited episode of The Visual Lounge (originally Episode 168), Matt sits down with Jake Gittleson, who leads McKinsey’s Learning Research and Innovation Lab. Jake shares why storytelling is one of the most effective tools L&D teams have for supporting change inside organisations.

Instead of trying to persuade people in one big moment, Jake explains why change stories should be shared over time, through small experiments, human insights, and incremental updates that meet people where they are.

He also breaks down practical ways to gather stories through interviews, outline your narrative, and use video and audio to create connection, without needing expensive gear or a polished production setup.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:21 Introduction
01:21 - 02:03 Jake’s background
02:03 - 04:14 How Jake started using audio and video
04:14 - 07:01 What does a successful change look like
07:01 - 08:45 Creativity as a tip for using video at work
08.45 - 11:55 Jake’s role and expertise in change and innovation
11:55 - 15:11 Why human connection matters in change
15:11 - 18:13 Operationalizing storytelling without big budgets
18:13 - 21:13 Building the right stories
21:13 - 27:10 Visual approaches to telling stories
27:10 - 30:21 Capturing real voices
30:21 - 39:51 Speed round
39:51 - 40:46 Jake’s final take
40:46 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gittleson/
Check out The Learning Geeks podcast: https://www.learninggeekspod.com/
Listen to Jake’s first appearance on The Visual Lounge in episode 168: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ee9c311f-7f51-4a6c-a749-c2d7090a1274

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As the new year starts, it’s the perfect time to reflect (and look forward) on how we create and communicate learning content.

In this special episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt is joined by some TechSmith team members (or TechSmithies!) who share their favourite tips, shortcuts, and features in Snagit and Camtasia. These are real workflows used every day to support creators, teams, and organizations.

From speeding up video editing with simple keyboard shortcuts, to collaborating without meetings, to building consistency across projects, this episode is packed with practical insider tips from our TechSmithies that you can start using right away.

It’s also a moment to say thank you to The Visual Lounge community for tuning in, sharing feedback, and being part of the conversation throughout the year.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:39 Intro
00:39 - 01:31 Matt’s most used features in Camtasia
01:31 - 02:55 A look back on a great year
02:55 - 03:20 Happy Holidays from Cameron, Senior Customer Care Specialist at TechSmith
03:20 - 05:41 Collaboration workflow in Camtasia Online
05:41 - 08:20 How presets in SnagIt make your life easier
08:20 - 08:48 Capturing text directly with Snagit
08:48 - 10:51 Using placeholders in Camtasia
10:51 Looking forward to the year ahead

Important links and mentions:

Explore TechSmith: https://www.techsmith.com/
Learn more about Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/
Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Explore Camtasia AI: https://camtasia.ai/

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AI is reshaping learning and development faster than any of us expected. So how do we adapt? And what skills will matter most as tools, workflows and expectations keep changing in the workplace?

In this episode, Matt speaks with Josh Cavalier, an AI and L&D expert with more than two decades of experience helping organizations modernize the way they design learning. Josh is also the author of Applying AI in Learning and Development, a practical guide for teams looking to build confidence, capability and structure around AI-powered work.

Josh shares real-world insights on handling rapid change inside organizations, understanding how AI affects creative and instructional output, and building the skills to keep up. He explores how the role of L&D is shifting, why integrity matters more than ever, and what it looks like to create a personal AI training plan for 2026.

You'll also hear how to identify your 'sources of truth' so you can keep up with changes in your industry and in AI without getting overwhelmed, plus why having access to multiple AI models can dramatically improve the quality of your work.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:55 – 02:17 Introduction to Josh’s book
02:17 – 05:37 How do we apply AI to the jobs that we do?
05:37 – 08:13 How do we keep up and use AI in the day-to-day?
08:13 – 13:41 Why adaptability is paramount with AI
13:41 – 17:49 How AI has raised the bar in work
17:49 – 19:39 AI as an enabler for creativity
19:39 – 25:08 Maintaining your integrity
25:08 – 28:48 Avatars vs humans in video
28:48 – 30:30 The HUMAN framework
30:30 – 34:25 Faster? Or faster and better?
34:25 – 37:08 Josh’s final take

Important links and mentions:

Find Josh’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Learning-Development-Platforms-Performance
Visit Josh’s website: https://www.joshcavalier.com/
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/
Learn more about The HUMAN framework: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/human-framework-for-ai-training-videos/

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Ever clicked play on a learning video that looks polished and professional, only to finish it and think, “Wait, what did I just learn?”

In this episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Patti Shank, an internationally recognized learning designer, researcher, and author who has spent years studying how people really take in information. Patti knows that effective learning isn’t about the video itself, it’s about how the viewer processes it.

She unpacks the hidden reasons instructional videos fall short, why cognitive overload is more common than we think, and how simple design choices can make or break viewer understanding.

You’ll hear Patti explain the critical role of learner control, the pitfalls of combining text, visuals, and narration, and why background music (even the relaxed kind) can silently derail understanding. Plus, she shares practical ways to design video, so it supports effective thinking, processing, and learning.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:12 Introduction
01:12 - 01:59 The difference between reading and listening
01:59 - 02:57 The importance of learner control
02:57 - 04:28 Why background music usually hurts learning
04:28 - 05:07 Why video is powerful when designed well
05:07 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Patti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattishank
Check out Patti’s website: https://www.pattishank.com/
Listen to Patti’s first appearance on The Visual Lounge in episode 155: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/research-learning-from-videos

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Imagine logging in next month to find your bill for the AI tool you use has doubled, or that you've run out of credits halfway through a critical project.

The explosion of AI video tools has brought incredible capabilities to content creators, but alongside these innovations comes a new challenge: complex pricing models that make it difficult to budget, explain costs to your boss, or know if you're getting sustainable value from your tools.

Joining us in this episode is Daniel Foster, Director of Monetization at TechSmith, who studies the evolution of software pricing and has been closely watching how AI tools are being packaged and priced.

Daniel shares practical advice for evaluating AI tools beyond just their features, looking at the "whole product" including support, documentation, and pricing sustainability. He explains how to navigate credit-based systems, and why bundled solutions might save you both money and headaches.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:38 - 01:52 Introduction to Daniel
01:52 - 03:06 Daniel's tip for using images and video in work
03:06 - 05:05 Why pricing decisions matter as much as features
05:05 - 07:51 Current AI pricing models emerging in the market
07:51 - 10:56 The complexity of credit-based systems
10:56 - 13:47 Alternatives and features to look for in pricing
13:47 - 19:54 Evaluating all-in-one vs. specialized tools
19:54 - 22:29 Support and documentation considerations
22:29 - 23:23 The most popular AI feature: Voice generation
23:23 - 27:56 Speed round questions
27:56 - 28:53 Daniel's final take
28:53 - 30:14 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfoster/
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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What happens when everyone can create AI videos with just a text prompt?

We’re entering the “watch bait era” where AI-generated short clips may start dominating social media feeds, making it harder to distinguish between AI content, misinformation, and reality.

The technology is improving but still has real limitations. While AI avatars and lip-sync are getting better, we’re still dealing with 8-second clip restrictions, consistency issues (your character might lose their glasses between scenes), and the ongoing challenge of writing effective prompts.

Joining us is Myra Roldan, Founder and Chief AI Officer at UnDesto AI, who’s been working in the AI space for 12 years. She shares practical insights on what AI video can actually do today, why you need authorization before using these tools with company data, and why storyboarding remains essential.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:45 Introduction to Myra Roldan
02:45 - 03:41 12 years in AI: pushing limits and finding considerations
03:41 - 05:18 Current state: better avatars, but still limited
05:18 - 06:58 Understanding the "watch bait era"
06:58 - 08:52 Corporate AI use: authorization and strategy first
08:52 - 10:11 Cheap, fast or good, pick two
10:11 - 12:38 Consistency challenges with AI characters
12:38 - 16:00 Writing effective short prompts and accepting waste
16:00 - 17:05 Generation costs and platform caps
17:05 - 18:08 The "drunk intern" analogy
18:08 - 20:14 Moving from experimentation to everyday use
20:14 - 23:45 Why video editing skills still matter
23:45 - 29:12 Speed round questions
29:12 - 29:19 Myra's final take
29:19 - 31:04 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Myra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myraroldan/
Find out more about UnDesto AI: https://intelligence.undesto.ai/
Watch Hey It’s Myra on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithmyra
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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We've all sat through presentations that feel like a performance, polished, professional, but somehow disconnected. The speaker hits every point perfectly, yet we walk away feeling nothing. So, what's missing?

For this episode, we're revisiting a conversation with Leslie Chamberlain, Head of Customer Success at Gibbs Smith Education. Leslie knows that great presentations aren't about perfection, they're about connection.

She shares why infusing your personality into presentations matters more than hitting every bullet point, and reveals the secret to keeping audiences engaged through authentic delivery.

You'll hear Leslie's approach to making presentations "sense-rich," her take on scripting versus speaking naturally, and practical tips for condensing information without losing impact. Plus, she reveals why being authentic beats being polished every time.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:49 Introduction
02:49 - 05:13 How Leslie became involved in customer success
05:13 - 06:49 Making learning presentations successful
06:49 - 09:04 Leslie's tip for using videos and images in presentations
09:04 - 10:43 Brand vs individual in your presentations
10:43 - 16:14 The first steps towards a great presentation
16:14 - 19:06 Making your ideas sense-rich
19:06 - 24:54 Where people get stuck making presentations
24:54 - 26:47 Should you script presentations?
26:47 - 31:40 How to condense information and keep things short
31:40 - 35:57 Hear Leslie's Speed Round answers
35:57 - 36:36 Leslie's final take
36:36 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-chamberlain-a3475121/
Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/

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What if your carefully crafted training course could become a content campaign that actually drives behavior change? Most L&D professionals create amazing content that gets consumed once and forgotten. But what if that single course could spawn dozens of touchpoints that reinforce learning over time?

We're seeing a shift where smart L&D teams are borrowing from marketing playbooks, and it's working. The secret isn't creating more content; it's strategically repurposing what you already have.

Joining this episode is Mike Taylor, Learning Consultant at Nationwide and co-author of "Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro."

Mike's been pioneering the campaign approach to learning, and shows us how one webinar recording can become email sequences, infographics, GIFs, and micro-learning moments.

He explains why thinking in campaigns rather than courses changes everything, introduces the SURE model for creating content that sticks, and shows how to overcome the "we don't have time" objection with smart repurposing strategies.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:22 Introduction to repurposing and spawning multiple content pieces
02:22 - 05:15 Why repurposing isn't more work and how to expand your reach
05:15 - 06:56 Think campaigns not courses: the hero content pyramid
06:56 - 09:19 Leaving breadcrumb trails across multiple channels
09:19 - 11:51 Setting hooks and the SURE model for relevant content
11:51 - 12:39 Why content creates feelings whether you know it or not
12:39 - 14:23 Turning annual compliance into year-round micro-learning
14:23 - 16:37 Using AI and A/B testing data to sell repurposing internally
16:37 - 17:58 Finding small experiments to build credibility
17:58 - 21:13 Visual repurposing: webinars to GIFs, polls to graphics
21:13 - 23:13 Using Camtasia for Microsoft Office tips and animated GIFs
23:13 - 25:00 Why even simple content benefits from repurposing
25:00 - 26:53 Making subject matter expert content digestible
26:53 - 31:15 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Mike Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketaylor/
Find out more about Train Like a Marketer: https://trainlikeamarketer.com/
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/
Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

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Have you ever watched a learning video and felt completely overwhelmed, even though the topic itself wasn't that complicated? That feeling of mental exhaustion is cognitive overload, and it's often the result of poor instructional design.

Host Matt Pierce introduces Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), a framework that explains how our brains process information and, more importantly, how we can design learning experiences that work with our cognitive limitations rather than against them.

Matt breaks down the three types of cognitive load: intrinsic (the inherent difficulty of the material), extraneous (unnecessary mental effort caused by poor design), and germane (the beneficial mental effort that leads to real learning).

Throughout the episode, Matt shares practical, actionable strategies that video creators can implement immediately to create videos that teach rather than overwhelm.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:00 Introduction to cognitive overload in learning videos
01:00 - 02:30 What cognitive load theory is
02:30 - 03:45 A closer look at the three types of cognitive load in practice
03:45 - 05:17 Managing content difficulty
05:17 - 07:00 Timing actions for visual clarity
07:00 - 09:46 Removing distractions and simplifying visuals
09:46 - 11:00 Simplifying learning for better retention
11:00 - 11:50 Promoting deeper understanding in videos
11:50 - 13:10 Practical application and resources for creating effective training videos
13:10 - 13:30 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Learn more about Dr Richard Mayer’s principles for multimedia learning: https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning
Find more resources from Jonathan Halls: https://jonathanhalls.com/

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Lo-fi and authentic works. Just look at the best short-form creators, they’ve figured out engagement. They know how to be authentic, intentional, and drop hooks that make people actually want to watch. No matter what kind of video’s you make, what can you learn from how short-form creators do it?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce explores how creators, educators, and businesses can borrow the best parts of short-form video to make any kind of video more effective. Matt unpacks why lo-fi, authentic content often outperforms polished production, how to apply short-form storytelling techniques to training and learning videos, and what it means to create “content like short-form” rather than “for short-form.”

He also shares practical insights on hooks, energy, experimentation, and repurposing, plus how AI tools are helping teams create faster without losing their human touch.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:14 The rise and impact of lo-fi, authentic short-form video
02:14 – 03:08 Why short-form video matters for all creators
03:08 – 05:05 Make content like short-form, not for short-form
05:05 – 07:01 How to make any topic engaging
07:01 – 07:27 Keep things moving to keep viewers engaged
07:27 – 08:20 Why energy makes your videos more engaging
08:20 – 09:13 Experiment often and use feedback to improve
09:13 – 12:31 Hook your audience early with curiosity and story
12:31 – 16:04 Batch produce and repurpose your videos
16:04 – 16:59 How AI can help you create and edit faster
16:59 – 18:23 Choose the right video length for your audience
18:23 – 18:48 Keep learning from short-form creators as trends evolve
18:48 – 20:17 Lo-fi and authentic content builds real connection
20:17 – 21:27 Outro

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Unlocked: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-unlocked-2025/
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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We've all been there, clicking on an instructional video only to sit through minutes of backstory when all we wanted was the solution. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, viewers want one thing: get to the point.

For this episode, we're revisiting a fantastic conversation with Doug Brunner, Customer Education Manager at TechSmith. Doug knows firsthand what makes instructional content work (and what makes viewers click away). He shares why leading with the 'how' beats starting with the 'why,' and reveals the secret to keeping audiences engaged from the first second.

You'll hear Doug's biggest pet peeves about instructional videos, his take on the webinar vs. video debate, and some insider tips on using Camtasia and Snagit features that can transform your content.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 05:06 Introduction
05:06 - 10:01 Maximizing impact and the power of saying "no" to requests
10:01 - 14:03 Webinars vs videos: Pros, cons, and when to use each
14:03 - 17:31 Why defining your goals first changes everything about your content
17:31 - 21:58 Doug's biggest instructional video pet peeve
21:58 - 25:15 The truth about attention spans, how long do you really have?
25:15 - 31:09 Three go-to features in Camtasia you should be using
31:09 - 32:18 Why the viewer is the hero of your story, not the cursor
32:18 - 37:30 Doug's three go-to tools in Snagit for better visuals
37:30 - 42:32 Opinions on human avatars and generated voices in educational content
42:32 - 43:34 How to determine the perfect video length
43:34 - 46:36 What really counts as "bad video" and "bad audio"
46:36 - 48:06 Using rounded corners in Snagit and Camtasia
48:06 - 49:05 Outro and final thoughts

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-brunner-b193abb
Explore our Tutorials and Training: www.techsmith.com/learn
Check out our Webinars: www.techsmith.com/webinars
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/

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AI is transforming how we create content, but there’s also a growing problem: AI slop. It’s the flood of auto-generated videos, images, and text that takes up space without adding value; and we’re seeing it everywhere. So how do you use AI to enhance your work without the noise?

Host Matt Pierce introduces TechSmith’s HUMAN Framework, a practical approach to keeping the human element at the center of AI-assisted content creation.

We hear why your expertise and lived experience gives you access to nuance that AI can’t replicate, how authenticity has become currency in content creation, and why treating AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement leads to better outcomes.

Matt also shares TechSmith’s philosophy on AI integration, including their approach to control and customization in tools like Camtasia AI. While AI is the worst it's ever going to be (meaning it will only get better), the choices we make now about how we use it will determine whether we're creating valuable content or just more noise.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:01 What AI slop is and why being able to identify it is crucial
02:01 - 02:28 TechSmith Unlocked event announcement
02:28 - 03:23 Introducing the HUMAN Framework acronym
03:23 - 04:40 H - Harness your expertise
04:40 - 05:38 How humans have access to nuance through lived experiences
05:38 - 07:47 U - Understand your audience.
07:47 - 09:00 M - Make it authentic, not artificial
09:00 - 10:31 A - Aim for better, not just faster
10:31 - 11:52 N - Never skip reviews
11:52 - 12:30 How to use the framework as your guide
12:30 - 13:00 Why you need to choose tools that keep you in control of the output
13:00 - 13:28 The importance of ethical AI partnerships
13:28 - 15:40 Control and customization in Camtasia AI
15:40 - 16:30 AI as an augmentation tool
16:30 - 17:17 Outro

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Unlocked: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-unlocked-2025/
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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What if pro-level video creation didn't require a film crew, expensive equipment, or weeks of production time? Imagine literally describing what you want and having it appear on screen.

We're living through a moment where AI video generation has gone from science fiction to "just about usable" reality. The technology is still rough around the edges (and yes, you might find yourself shouting at your computer.) But we're witnessing the evolution of something new.

Joining us in this episode is Ellis Pratt, Director at Cherryleaf, a UK-based technical writing and training services company, and host of the Cherryleaf Podcast. He’s been actively testing Google's VEO 3 and figuring out how to make AI-generated video actually work for real-world business applications.

He talks us through his creative process of combining VEO 3 with tools like Camtasia and Audiate and gives us an honest look at what it's really like to work with this technology.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:27 Introduction to Ellis Pratt
02:27 - 03:09 Ellis’ favorite exhibit at the British Museum
03:09 - 04:13 Ellis’ biggest tip for using images and videos in their work
04:13 - 05:49 How technical writing is changing with video content
05:49 - 08:48 Why Ellis started exploring AI-generated videos
08:48 - 12:24 Why VEO 3 beats other AI video tools
12:24 - 16:18 The process from prompts to final video
16:18 - 18:02 How Camtasia solves VEO 3’s limitations
18:02 - 23:02 The French New Wave Video example
23:02 - 25:09 Ellis’ advice for starting out with AI video
25:09 - 29:34 The e-learning video example
29:34 - 31:08 Final advice for working with VEO 3
31:08 - 35:42 Speed round questions
35:42 - 36:54 Ellis’ final take on AI video
36:54 - 37:57 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Ellis Pratt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellispratt
Find out more about Cherryleaf on the website: https://www.cherryleaf.com
Watch the Cherryleaf Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cherryleafltd

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Customer education is a must-have for a lot of businesses these days, especially software companies. But reading thick manuals and wordy passages of jargon is no one’s idea of a good time.

So what’s the key to great customer education?

For this episode, we look back at an older conversation we had with Greg Mead. Back then, he was Senior Instructional Designer at ClickUp, so we talked about ClickUp’s approach to instructional videos and the power of GIFs in learning design. Since the episode first went out, Greg has moved on to become a Learning Experience Designer at FloQast.

You’ll hear a bit about Greg’s background in video, how ClickUp experimented with different learning mediums, his advice for making engaging videos, and the best times to use GIFs.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:30 One tip for improving how you use GIFs or short videos
01:30 - 03:33 GIF vs video: How to decide what media to use
03:33 - 05:09 Why should we lean into visual mediums?
05:09 - 07:30 The tipping point that took Greg from written instructions to video
07:30 - 09:21 Continuous improvement in video
09:21 - 11:50 How to make sure the videos are engaging and helpful
11:50 - 15:05 How GIFs help to communicate advanced concepts
15:05 - 16:53 Greg’s background as a video creator
16:53 - 21:57 Speed round questions
21:57 - 26:04 How to connect with Greg
26:04 - 26:50 Greg’s final take

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gdmead
Follow Greg on X: https://x.com/gdmead
Follow Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregmead20/
Subscribe to Greg’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gdmead

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What if we had to rebuild L&D from scratch? What could we do differently?

There have been rumblings in the L&D world that roles are gradually going to be replaced by AI. While we don’t predict an L&D apocalypse coming our way, maybe it’s time to start thinking differently about the role of L&D in broader business terms.

Joining this episode is Tracie Cantu, Chief Learning Strategist at her company, Your CLO, and a Training Advisory Board Member at TechSmith. Tracie comes on the show with two decades of experience leading L&D transformation at organizations like Meta, Atlassian, and Whole Foods Market.

Tracie shares a bold vision for the future of L&D – we need to start thinking like business partners, not just L&D. She explains what she’d like to see more and less of in L&D, why we need a service catalog, and why the intake stage is the most important step in a consultation.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:52 Introduction to Tracie
01:52 – 02:47 Tracie’s biggest tip for using images and video
02:47 – 07:23 How Tracie would rebuild L&D from scratch as a team of business partners
07:23 – 12:13 How smaller L&D teams can do more with less
12:13 – 18:28 The most repeatable tasks you can do to scale your impact
18:28 – 23:23 Skills all L&D professionals should start focusing on
23:23 – 24:54 Tracie’s challenge for L&D people
24:54 – 28:31 Speed round questions
28:31 - 29:57 How to connect with Tracie and Your CLO
29:57 - 31:00Tracie’s final take
31:00 - 31:57 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Tracie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traciemcantu/
Your CLO website: https://www.yourclo.net/

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The internet’s relationship with visuals and video has been a rocky ship over the past few years, constantly pivoting and evolving. And most creators are either playing catch up or are stuck playing by the same old rules with limited success.

But luckily, we have Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder and CMO of Orbit Media Studios, on the show to share his current strategies on how to make your visuals truly effective.

Andy explains some of the top content mistakes he sees people make, how to use visuals to better deliver your message, and the number one thing you should never do with your website’s videos. We also hear his take on using AI as a “thought partner” to enhance your work by testing ideas, finding content gaps, and acting as your target audience, so you can talk to them whenever you need their perspective.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:10 Introduction to Andy
02:10 – 03:39 Andy’s biggest tip for using images or video
03:39 – 05:50 How AI has changed how we use the internet and video
05:50 – 07:37 Why you need to develop an elevator pitch for AI
07:37 – 09:26 One mistake to avoid when using videos on your website
09:26 – 12:18 Why you need to pretend to be your audience every week
12:18 – 14:35 How to get better results with AI
14:35 – 18:15 How Andy’s use of images and video has evolved
18:15 – 20:30 The secret to continuous improvement when recording videos
20:30 – 24:23 Why authentic is better than perfect
24:23 – 25:10 Why Andy uses AI to improve quality rather than boost speed and efficiency
25:10 – 29:12 Speed round questions
29:12 – 29:55 How to connect with Andy and Orbit Media
29:55 – 31:17 Andy’s final take
31:17 – 32:14 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrestodina/
Follow Andy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestodina/
Follow Andy on X: https://x.com/crestodina
Orbit Media Studios: https://www.orbitmedia.com/
Orbit Media Studios on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Orbitmedia

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Need to create an e-learning presentation but don’t have an eye for good visuals? This episode is for you!

We revisit a great past episode with Diane Elkins, instructional design pro and owner of Artisan Learning. There’s so much solid advice in this episode on what works, what to avoid, and how visuals impact the learning experience (probably more than you think).

Diane explains how bad visuals inhibit learning, why simpler is often better, and why “slides” are due a name change. Plus, she gets on her soapbox to explain the real goal of e-learning. We also look at some examples of pretty, plain, and hideous slides to compare, based on a real experiment Diane used to test out visual design.

One thing to note: We do share some visuals in this episode of good and bad design choices, so for the full experience, we recommend checking out the episode on YouTube.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:44 Introduction to Diane and her work
02:44 – 04:57 The role in visuals in e-learning
04:57 - 07:33 Best practices for visuals and what to avoid
07:33 – 11:11 Mindset shifts to avoid over-the-top visuals
11:11 – 13:20 Why visuals are even more important in e-learning scenarios
13:20 – 16:25 How to decide what information to put on a slide
16:25 – 21:53 Diane’s pretty, plain, and hideous visual design experiment
21:53 – 25:00 Why simple is often better for learning
25:00 – 29:34 Why “is it helpful?” is the most important question to ask
29:34 – 31:31 Why visual aids should always be in service of the audience
31:31 – 38:42 An example of whether we should decorate or illustrate with visuals
38:42 – 46:18 Can we fix it? Diane’s advice to bad design examples
46:18 – 49:49 Speed round questions
49:49 – 51:40 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Visit e-Learning Uncovered: www.elearninguncovered.com
Visit Artisan Learning: www.artisanelearning.com
Connect with Diane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpelkins/

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It’s time to ditch the lectures. The secret to creating powerful learning content that people actually pay attention to and use in their daily lives is all about action.

Dr. Karl Kapp introduces us to action-based learning in this episode – his go-to tactic for making learning more engaging, useful, and practical. Karl is a Professor of Instructional Technology at Bloomsburg University and the author of multiple books, including Action-First Learning and Learning in 3D.

He explains what action-based learning really looks like and why front-loading learners with bags of information is the wrong approach. His method is to throw learners into realistic scenarios and activities that break down the barrier of failure-avoidance.

Karl also talks about the missing piece of most training sessions: reflection. He shares what good reflection activities look like and why it needs to be an ongoing process to get that new knowledge to stick.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:19 Introduction to Karl
01:19 – 03:30 Karl’s number one tip for using images or video in learning
03:30 – 05:35 What is action first learning? How it ties to psychology
05:35 – 09:15 How to avoid the feeling of failing in adult learning
09:15 – 13:02 The ideal time for action-based learning
13:02 – 17:57 Why reflection is essential to turn learning into action
17:57 – 20:43 When to schedule reflection after a learning session
20:43 – 25:34 How images and video add visual cues that support learning
25:34 – 28:08 Speed round questions
28:08 – 29:46 How to connect and learn more from Karl
29:46 – 30:46 Karl’s final take
30:46 – 31:38 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Karl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlkapp/
Subscribe to L&D Easter Eggs LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6599686641453977600
Subscribe to Karl’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfKapp01
Discover the Power of Coloring and Comics in Adult Learning! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4mP7RFgoTc
Action-First Learning Video Playlist from Karl’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVi60d2W1s2bE8RKKRdOe4vViSITluUX8
Curriculum for Getting Started with Action-First Learning https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/curriculum-getting-started-action-first-learning-karl-kapp-bq6pe/?trackingId=TPK40f%2BVTzmP6VL2fvMwlQ%3D%3D
New Kind of Super Hero Movie-A New Kind of Training? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-kind-super-hero-movie-a-training-karl-kapp-auh6e/?trackingId=Sg17J0QWSz%2BoaWIfOAc7aQ%3D%3D

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How do some people just seem to command attention the moment they walk into a room? They’ve nailed their personal brand.

Dr. Dustin York, who's worked with everyone from the Obama campaign to Nike, breaks down the science behind personal branding and shares actionable tips you can start using today. Today he’s a Professor at Maryville University of St. Louis and a professional speaker for his business Dr. York Training where he shares advice on how to communicate more effectively.

He talks about the power of body language, consistent visual style, and how to build trust with your audience. Dustin also reveals some of his strategies for balancing consistency with trying new things, and how you can use the content creation pros of any industry for inspiration.

Whether you're starting a YouTube channel, creating instructional content, or just want to show up more confidently in meetings, this episode is a must-listen for personal branding tips.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:58 An introduction to Dustin
01:58 – 04:07 Dustin’s top tip for using images or video
04:07 – 08:30 Identifying characteristics you want to emulate for your brand
08:30 – 11:58 How individuals can nail their own visual brand
11:58 – 14:03 How much attention should you pay to color?
14:03 – 17:23 Dustin’s advice for interacting with a camera and why AI won’t replace the need for human connection
17:23 – 20:15 Dustin’s 3 quick tips for improving your visual and personal branding
20:15 – 21:34 Dustin picks one image that represents him best
21:34 – 22:11 Connect with Dustin to learn more
22:11 – 23:15 Dustin’s final take
23:15 – 23:33 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Visit Dustin’s website: https://www.drdustinyork.com/
Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryork/

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What if all that time you spent learning Python on YouTube or mastering Photoshop through online tutorials could actually count toward formal education credits?

For this episode, we’re at the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) latest conference, to talk with Dr. Joe Sallustio, veteran higher ed expert and Co-Founder and Host of The EdUp Experience podcast. We chat about how learning has fundamentally changed and why it may be time for higher education to wise up to the trend of video-based learning.

After all, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit are the go-to places for millions of people to get answers or to learn new skills. So if you pour hours and hours into learning a topic, shouldn’t that count for something?

Joe explains how ‘Credit for Prior Learning’ (CPL) could help to bridge the gap between how people actually learn today and higher education by awarding credits for lived experience and skills. Joe also shares his advice for anyone new to making videos, and explains how AI can knock down the barriers to entry if you’re ready to start making training videos.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:13 Introduction to Joe and his background in higher ed
02:13 – Joe’s biggest tip for using images and video in learning content
03:05 – 04:55 How teachers can start to use images and videos as part of training
04:55 – 06:30 How new video creators can get past the barriers to entry
06:30 – 07:47 How to create viewer-friendly content based around their expectations
07:47 – 08:16 Why video subject and viewer intention determine the ideal length
08:16 – 10:28 How ‘credit for prior learning’ could bridge the gap between traditional education and online learning
10:28 -13:03 Should higher ed offer ways to prove knowledge outside the norm?
13:03 – 13:15 How to connect with Joe
13:15 – 14:08 Joe’s final take
14:08 – 14:27 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesallustio/

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What makes you click away immediately from a video vs. stay glued to the screen? Maybe it’s overwhelming background music or cursor movements that make you feel seasick.

We’ve all seen videos that don’t quite click for us (and perhaps made a few of them ourselves). So, in this episode, we look at common instructional video mistakes to avoid to keep your learners watching. It’s an older episode and one of our most popular ones but is still packed with plenty of must-know tips.

Host Matt Pierce sits down with Andrew DeBell (Sr. Learning Solutions Strategist at Atlassian), Cara North (Founder and Chief Learning Consultant for The Learning Camel), and Chandra Owen (our former Lead Instructional Designer), to hear their biggest tips on pacing, audio, editing, and how to make sure viewers get the most valuable information. And because this is a safe space here, everyone shares their own common mistakes and things they’re still working on. After all, even the pros can make mistakes.

P.S. Matt also reveals news about a brand new free TechSmith tool – Camtasia Online. Listen out for details in the intro or click the link below.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 04:00 Introduction to Cara, Andrew and Chandra
04:00 – 08:23 When do you choose to use video?
08:23 – 11:37 One tip for improving how they use video or images in their work
11:37 – 12:27 Ad break
12:27 – 15:22 The number one thing that ruins a good video
15:22 – 21:09 Small mistakes that can make a video hard to watch
21:09 – 26:04 The top reasons people stop watching videos
26:04 – 30:34 Music at the top/tail end of a video
30:34 – 34:07 Using picture in picture in video best practices
34:07 – 39:09 The mistakes we’ve made and are still working on
39:09 – 43:08 Speed round questions
43:08 – 43:58 Best place to connect with Cara, Chandra and Andrew
43:58 – 46:08 Final takes
46:08 – 47:04 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdebell/
Connect with Cara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caranorth11/
Connect with Chandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandraowen/
Get started with Camtasia online: https://camtasia.techsmith.com/

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Learning and development isn’t just up to the folks in the L&D department anymore. In this episode, we hear how modern workplace communication and learning extend to the wider organization, thanks to technology breaking down barriers in visual communication.

Host Matt Pierce sits down with David Kelly, former Chairman and CEO of The Learning Guild, to explore how L&D has changed over his career and why the role of an L&D professional needs to go beyond just creating content.

David brings over two decades of learning and performance leadership to this episode, sharing his take on how AI and modern communication tools are transforming the way we learn and share our messages across workplaces.

We talk about the cultural shifts happening in L&D (and workplaces in general) in the age of AI and visual communication, plus how leaders can model those behaviors for their teams. He also breaks down the key skills that L&D people need today, including innate curiosity and the ability to articulate well.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:47 Introduction to David
01:47 – 03:21 David’s biggest tip for using images or video in learning and development
03:21 – 05:42 How to embrace areas of discomfort in modern learning design
05:42 – 09:45 Why L&D pros need to move beyond the mindset of just producing content
09:45 – 14:10 The must-have skills that L&D people need today
14:10 – 16:43 The role of visuals in modern workplaces and L&D
16:43 – 20:34 How to get people to embrace using visuals as part of their everyday lives
20:34 – 25:00 What leaders can do to push that culture forward
25:00 – 29:50 David’s speed round questions
29:50 – 30:41 David’s final take on L&D
30:41 – 31:34 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lnddave/

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Want to know the secrets of the L&D content pros?

Become an even better visual designer today with these simple, quick tips for improving your approach to creating content. We hear from three visual design and learning strategy experts in part two of our special 250th episode celebration.

Hear how to escape the “curse of knowledge” from Abbey Cooke, Director of Training & Onboarding at Effective School Solutions, why visuals should be the supporting act not the star of the show from Jeff Weaver, Expert in L&D, Training, Culture, and OD, and how to stay organized with your content strategy from Robyn Defelice, Intrapreneur, Author & Presenter, Learning Strategist for her company RADLearning.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:32 Introduction
01:32 - 03:06 Abbey’s advice for overcoming the “curse of knowledge”
03:06 - 05:03 2 tips for being more effective with your learning design
05:03 - 09:37 Jeff’s advice on how to use visuals to support the message
09:37 - 14:03 Robyn’s process of using templates, batching, and staying on track
14:03 - 18:05 Tools that help Robyn stay organized and productive
18:05 - 18:24 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Abbey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-like-the-road/
Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreybweaver/
Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdefelice/

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We like to ask anyone who joins The Visual Lounge, what’s your one take you want to give our audience? It’s an open-ended question so we always get a good variety of unique answers and love hearing the advice, life lessons, and mindset changes we can apply to using video and images in our work.

To celebrate our 250th episode milestone, we bring together friends of The Visual Lounge to ask them this question.

In part one of this episode, you’ll hear from:

Betty Dannewitz, Learning Solutions Architect at Blanchard
Jeff Batt, Course Author & Owner at Learning Dojo
Destery Hildenbrand, Learning & Development Consultant at Destery1Kenobi
Kassy Laborie, Speaker, Author, Virtual Training Pioneer at Kassy LaBorie Consulting
Nick Floro, Learning Architect, CEO at SealWorks Interactive Studios

Each one offers insights into their own processes and fresh and valuable advice. We talk about everything from pushing through creative blocks, using AI to help with storyboarding or writing, gathering feedback from learners, to becoming a repurposing pro. Tune in to hear from experts who are living and breathing the world of video and visual design.

For part two, we’ll be talking to more great people to hear their thoughts and advice on how they approach content creation. Stay tuned for more coming soon!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:46 Introduction
00:46 - 01:30 Jeff Batt shares backstory on his career
01:30 - 02:47 Why you need to be an artisan
02:47 - 04:29 What to do when you feel stuck in a creative rut
04:29 - 08:34 Destery’s advice for staying up to date with the latest tech
08:34 - 09:45 Concrete benefits of using AI
09:45 - 11:08 Why Kassy Laborie sees AI as a handy writing partner
11:08 - 12:33 How using AI helps Kassy achieve her goals
12:33 - 13:36 How AI helps Kassy assess writing
13:36 - 15:59 Nick Floro talks about how easy it is to get feedback these days
15:59 - 17:30 How you can get L&D departments to buy into using new tech
17:30 - 20:22 The trend of AI tool integration in everyday tools
20:22 - 22:10 Betty Dannewitz’s tips for creating extra content
22:10 - 23:16 How repurposing content affects how you build it in the first place
23:16 - 24:08 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate
Betty Dannewitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifyouaskbetty/
Betty’s website: https://ifyouaskbetty.com
Jeff Batt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbatt/
Destery Hildenbrand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desteryhildenbrand/
Kassy Laborie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/
Kassy’s website: https://kassylaborie.com/
Nick Floro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfloro/
Sealworks Interactive Studios: https://www.sealworks.com/

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Is video always the best way to teach something? Video has transformed the world of workplace learning and still makes up a huge part of it today. Just about any workplace, big or small, can create training videos with minimal cost. But it doesn’t always make it the right tool for the job.

In this throwback episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce revisits a conversation with Jonathan Halls, author and head of his own company as a workplace learning and talent development consultant.

Jonathan breaks down the three questions to ask to determine whether video is the right medium to use and his take on why overly polished content isn’t always necessary. We get a little geeky about learning science to explore how learning actually occurs in the viewer’s minds and how this shaped Jonathan’s whole mindset on training content.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:08 Why we’re revisiting this episode
01:08 – 03:56 Introduction to Jonathan
03:56 – 04:52 Jonathan’s quick tips for using video in workplace learning
04:52 – 06:04 The mindset shift Jonathan recommends
06:04 – 09:24 Three questions to ask to decide on a learning medium
09:24 – 14:47 How to provoke learning with video and why “learning” requires context
14:47 – 18:06 Where video is most effective in the learning journey
18:06 – 22:38 Do learning videos need to be overly polished?
22:38 – 29:41 Jonathan gives a quick breakdown on why he wrote his book
29:41 – 33:14 Speed round questions
33:14 – 34:30 Jonathan’s final take
34:30 – 35:55 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhalls

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In just a few short years, AI usage has boomed in the content creation world. Not just that, it’s also changed a LOT, and in ways many of us never predicted.

In this episode, Matt Pierce takes us back to 2023 when many of us were still experimenting with AI and had bold predictions about its future. He asked the audience on LinkedIn for predictions, fears, and insights into how people were using AI for video content.

How much has changed since then? Were our predictions right? Matt unpacks some of the top trends people were discussing, including AI for accessibility, dynamic learning, user-generated content, and the ins and outs of video production. A common theme that’s still relevant today is the role of authenticity and the human voice in our content. While AI can do a lot of the grunt work and can help us turn ideas into finished products, the human voice is still king.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:53 Introduction to the “State of the Union” of AI today
01:53 - 03:45 A look back at the LinkedIn conversation and how things have changed
03:45 - 04:42 How tech specifications have changed
04:42 - 07:51 AI’s role in enhancing video production
07:51 - 08:42 Why automation hasn’t eliminated the need for authentic voices
08:42 - 09:25 How future videos might adjust content for dynamic learning
09:25 - 10:13 Accessibility enhancements with AI tools
10:13 - 11:36 The future of interactive video
11:36 - 16:15 The rise of user-generated content in learning
16:15 - 17:10 How more digitization will affect learning content
17:10 - 23:18 The value of human connection and authenticity
23:18 - 26:21 Future tech and platform-specific considerations
26:21 - 27:33 Join the conversation
27:33 - 27:59 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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Have you ever felt a little out of your depth when making an extra complex or brand new video type? Maybe AI could help.

Host Matt Pierce shares his experience as someone used to creating training content, adapting to creating content for a commercial. We hear about the script drafting process, the challenges of balancing feasibility, including budget and resources, with creative ideas, and the different stages of storyboarding.

Naturally, we should always look at tools to help us out in unfamiliar territory. So Matt breaks down how he’s been using AI for tasks like creating casting calls, storyboarding, script analysis and prop identification, plus audio adjustments.

While AI is great at doing some things, Matt’s clear about one thing. It’s not able to (nor should it) do everything. But it's getting genuinely good at lifting specific parts of the video creation process to new heights. Matt also highlights our growing AI toolkit across Camtasia, Screencast, and Audiate to help you achieve what you want to do with your videos faster and more efficiently.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:26 Introduction
01:26 - 04:07 The process of learning to write scripts for commercial videos
04:07 - 07:39 Storyboarding your video – from stick figures to AI-generated characters
07:39 - 09:13 Other ways you could use AI in the scripting and storyboarding stage
09:13 - 10:19 How AI can improve background noise quality
10:19 - 11:18 What’s coming in Camtasia and Audiate that will help you make high-level videos
11:18 - 12:29 We’re at a turning point with AI
12:29 - 13:52 Matt’s favorite use cases for AI in making videos
13:52 - 15:26 Tools to help you create and share videos
15:26 - 16:16 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/
Screencast: https://www.techsmith.com/screencast.html/

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What’s really holding your learners back from absorbing the information they need? We’ve all been through training at some point that’s either confusing or too broad, or perhaps the kind that puts you to sleep.

The truth is that training and learning design are complicated. It’s a balancing act between the learners themselves (how they learn, their interests and attention span), the designers (their desire to create engaging content), subject matter experts (who have the knowledge but aren’t always the best teachers), and then the organization, which has its own goals to achieve.

So where does learning design typically fall short? In this episode, we welcome Sara Sorenson, Product Enablement Manager at Muck Rack, and Tim Slade, Founder of The eLearning Designer’s Academy, to explore the top mistakes they see in learning design, how we can get better at creating training, plus some things learners could do to help that information stick.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:45 Introduction to Sara and Tim
02:45 - 05:50 The biggest thing organizations are getting wrong about learning
05:50 - 11:01 How should organizations use subject matter experts?
11:01 - 14:29 Why sometimes organizations need processes, not training
14:29 - 20:37 What are learners getting wrong
20:37 - 25:20 Why learning at work is different to the learning experience in school or college
25:20 - 30:07 How can learning designers help learners feel okay about mistakes
30:07 - 37:17 What else can we do to help learners achieve the ideal outcome
37:17 - 38:13 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarasorensonid/
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sladetim/
Visit The eLearning Designer’s Academy: https://elearningacademy.io/
Subscribe to The eLearning Designer's Academy by Tim Slade: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CE3YBPX53oeKVsiTbhX2w?sub_confirmation=1

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You have just five seconds. So hook ‘em in, keep them watching, and make those seconds count.

Starting with a clear hook isn’t just for YouTubers looking to make it big. Even if you’re creating instructional videos that people have to watch for their job, you have just a few seconds to grab attention. If you don’t, the video might still play but their concentration will be long gone.

When you put all that effort into creating a video, the last thing you want is for your viewer to click away or leave it playing in the background while they’re thinking about what to have for dinner that night.

The short attention span thing is real. We all have 101 other things on our minds on any given day. So how do you grab attention and keep it? It all starts with a powerful hook.

Host of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, breaks down the power of hooks, including three tactics you can use to make your first few seconds count. You’ll learn about how and when to use hooks and some common mistakes to avoid for your next video.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:58 Introduction to video hooks
00:58 - 02:03 Why the first five seconds are the most important
02:03 - 02:38 The battle for viewer attention
02:38 - 03:35 Hook tactic 1: The bold statement
03:35 - 04:17 Hook tactic 2: Pain points
04:17 - 05:01 Hook tactic 3: Instant wins
05:01 - 05:37 Beware of clickbait
05:37 - 06:51 Top video introduction mistakes to avoid
06:51 - 08:15 Making internal videos people want to watch
08:15 - 09:27 Tie your hook to your internal audience
09:27 - 10:11 When flashy hooks aren’t needed
10:11 - 11:08 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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Here’s a secret… most people aren’t naturals on camera.

For many, it can be daunting and can even hold us back from trying to make videos in the first place. But if you’re running training or making content, video is no doubt a part of your job.

So how do you look good on camera? It’s a question we hear a lot, so we pulled this 2022 episode from out of the archive, which has some great tips from Diana Howles, the CEO and Co-Owner of Howles Associates.

You’ll hear practical tips on how to feel more confident, look more professional, and connect more authentically without feeling like you're faking it. We talk about how to “clean up” your on-camera image and get your message across more effectively, whether you’re doing live or pre-recorded videos.

Diana is an award-winning speaker, author, and international virtual trainer with 25 years of experience in the learning industry. She has conducted live online training for clients since 2000 and has taught virtual classes in more than a dozen countries. Diana is also the author of the book Next Level Virtual Training.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 03:14 Introduction to Diana
03:15 - 04:58 Diana explains the premise of her book, Next Level Virtual Training
04:58 - 08:25 What is an on-camera presence and why is it important?
08:25 - 12:55 What to do if you’re not comfortable on camera
12:55 - 15:11 How to tweak your on-camera presence for live vs. pre-recorded video
15:11 - 21:04 Steps to take to get more comfortable on camera
21:04 - 23:17 Standing vs. sitting while on camera: which is best?
23:17 - 29:30 Common mistakes people make on camera
29:30 - 41:04 How to use the B.L.E.A.C.H method to clean up your on-camera presence
41:04 - 43:18 Where to find more tips from Diana
43:18 - 49:07 Diana’s speed round
49:07 - 50:00 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianahowles/
Visit Diana's Website: https://howlesassociates.com/

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What do you need to know about the L&D space in 2025?

The L&D Global Sentiment Survey is now in its 12th year and records the trends, attitudes, top challenges, and priorities in the L&D space. This year, over 3,000 voters from almost 100 countries participated in the research, sharing their experiences and thoughts on L&D today.

We invited the author of the report Donald Taylor onto the show to get his thoughts on the biggest trends and insights revealed by the study. We talk about the ongoing focus on AI, and Donald shares his advice for those afraid of AI’s impact on their jobs. A theme throughout our conversation is that some in L&D could benefit from a mindset shift – away from singular tasks and individual tools and toward a greater focus on overall goals.

Download the full report in the links below.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:25 Introduction
02:25 - 03:47 Donald’s biggest tip for using images or video in L&D
03:47 - 07:00 Background on the study and why it became so important
07:00 - 10:51 How accurate is it to predict L&D trends from the study?
10:51 - 16:23 What influences early adopters to abandon new tools/ideas?
16:23 - 19:35 What the study reveals about AI’s influence in L&D
19:35 - 26:12 How L&D pros can change their mindset around using AI
26:12 - 29:00 Speed round questions
29:00 - 29:49 Where to find out more about the study
29:49 - 30:47 Donald’s final take
30:47 - 31:41 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Donald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/
Visit Donald’s Website: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/
Download the Global Sentiment Survey 2025: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/global-sentiment-survey-2025/

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Can using AI in visual design ever be truly creative? This week’s guest would go one step further and call AI the “future of creativity.”

Mike Parkinson, Principal of 24 Hour Company and Owner of Billion Dollar Graphics, joins us for a special live show of The Visual Lounge, hosted at Training 2025, a conference and expo produced by Training Magazine.

We chat about where AI can fit into visual design and content creation and why Mike calls it a “friction fixer” or a “smart start” rather than a replacement for creative talent. His take on AI is to view it like a “drunk intern” – something that could help you in the creative process but not something you’d want to hand full control to.

For those who have struggled with AI prompts and results, Mike shares the three rules of using AI to get the most out of it. The running theme in this episode is that context is key and that always has to come from humans themselves. With context and the right approach, you can make AI a fundamental part of the creative process.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:22 Introduction to Mike
01:22 - 02:58 How to get better at using AI for images
02:58 - 04:02 Does AI follow the Ballmer curve?
04:02 - 06:23 What to do if you’re struggling with AI
06:23 - 09:36 Where most people get AI wrong
09:36 - 11:59 The best use cases of AI in visual design
11:59 - 14:24 Using AI to enhance usability, dopamine hit
14:24 - 16:20 Is using AI creative?
16:20 - 19:00 The dos and don’ts for those in the training space using AI
19:00 - 22:16 Speed round questions
22:16 - 22:55 How to connect with Mike
22:55 - 23:27 Mike’s final take
23:27 - 23:59 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-parkinson-bb364/
Visit the Billion Dollar Graphics Website: https://billiondollargraphics.com/
Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeparkinson_bdg/
Subscribe to Mike Parkinson and Billion Dollar Graphics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRDQaYfze62MYQ_CO5rjo1w/

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A while back, we sat down with Edie Clarke, Virtual Video Producer and Editor and YouTube Strategist, to talk about why simpler is often better when it comes to video creation. And guess what? That advice still holds up. So, we’re bringing this episode back for another listen.

With AI changing the way we create and edit videos, there’s never been a better time to embrace video content. The latest TechSmith research shows that audiences are demanding more authentic, concise, and engaging content – so if you’ve been holding off on making videos, consider this your sign to start!

Edie packs lots of advice into our discussion, including her top tips and go-to methods for scripting and shooting video, how to get over the fear of being on camera and how to avoid the perfectionism trap.

We also get a glimpse into the kind of coaching she provides to clients who want to improve their video skills, along with some of the tools she uses daily with clients to create videos and run her business.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:58 Intro
02:59 - 05:10 How Edie started using video
05:10 - 08:38 What success looks like for Edie
08:38 - 12:22 Edie’s tip for improving how you use video
12:22 - 16:06 Tips for keeping video simple
16:06 - 16:38 Why audio is the most important part of creating videos
16:38 - 19:46 Edie’s advice on writing scripts
19:46 - 23:49 Common hangups people have when starting videos
23:49 - 27:44 How to deal with perfectionism
27:44 - 31:04 Hard lessons from a career of video creation
31:04 - 32:00 Borrowing ideas and inspiration from other videos
32:00 - 38:07 Speed round questions
38:07 - 39:46 Edie’s final take on why you should embrace video
39:46 - 41:13 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Edie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtuallyinsync/
Edie's Website: https://edieclarke.com/
Subscribe to Edie on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@VirtuallyInSync/

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The medium of video transformed drastically since it was first invented, but there’s one thing that hasn’t. Regardless of whether you’re creating entertaining or training content, storytelling is at the heart of video.

The CEO of Cinécraft, Dan Keckan, heads up a learning solutions company that’s been around since 1939! As one of the first corporate training film companies, Cinécraft has evolved alongside the technology changes in video to become a training solution truly fitting in with the modern age of learning.

We welcomed Dan on the show to share a little backstory of the company and what he thinks has changed most about video as a learning medium. Dan emphasizes the importance of story above all else and shares his view that video training has increasingly moved away from passive productions to more interactive, gamified, and scenario-based learning models.

He also shares his take on where he sees video changing in the future and how generative AI is likely to impact learning design going forward.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:20 Introduction to Dan and Cinécraft
02:20 - 03:54 Dan’s number one tip for using images or video
03:54 - 06:30 The evolution of video and how Cinécraft has changed since 1939
06:30 - 08:24 How industry changes led Cinécraft to adapt their approach to storytelling
08:24 - 11:26 How Cinécraft thinks about learners differently today
11:26 - 13:56 Dan’s predictions for the future of learning design
13:56 - 18:29 How the role of video will continue to change
18:29 - 20:37 Dan’s favorite production in the Cinécraft archive
20:37 - 25:07 Speed round questions
25:07 - 26:18 Dan’s final take
26:18 - 27:25 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankeckan/
Visit the Cinécraft Website: http://www.cinecraft.com/
Subscribe to Cinécraft on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cinecraft/

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Storytelling is the golden ticket to understanding how we communicate and absorb information. It’s already a big focus in the marketing world. But what about learning design and training content? Can we (and should we) use storytelling to get key messages across? Spoiler: yes! And this episode is all about how to do it.

Christy Tucker is a learning experience design consultant who forges engaging learning experiences with the power of storytelling and multimedia content. She joins The Visual Lounge to take us through her tips for writing, using storytelling elements, and when to use multimedia to enhance your messaging.

We explore why knowing your audience and context is the starting point of all successful content and how you can learn more about your audience’s challenges, scenarios, and goals (even when you don’t have direct access to the information).

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:40 Introduction to Christy
01:40 - 02:34 Christy’s top tip for using images or video
02:34 - 05:41 How do you get started in multimedia production?
05:41 - 09:13 How to know what makes good writing for multimedia scenarios
09:13 - 11:50 Advice for getting better at writing
11:50 - 15:30 How to balance realistic dialogue with concise messaging
15:30 - 20:40 How to nail your audience focus when you don’t have all the information
20:40 - 23:08 When to use multimedia content in certain training scenarios
23:08 - 26:30 Speed round question
26:30 - 27:04 How to connect with Christy
27:04 - 27:32 Christy’s final take
27:32 - 28:30 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christytucker/
Follow Christy on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/christytucker.bsky.social
Subscribe to Christy’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@christytucker
Visit Christy’s blog: https://christytuckerlearning.com/

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Take your mind back to 2023. Generative AI was still relatively new on the scene, and we were all curious about how it would impact the world. Would it be a short-lived trend or would it signal a new age of tech? From content creation to data analysis, the potential of AI skyrocketed in just a few years and the technology and tools show no sign of slowing down.

For this episode, we head back to 2023 to our episode with Josh Cavalier, L&D expert and long-time friend of The Visual Lounge. While we chat about the trends and predictions we had in 2023 (which feels like ancient history in this AI world), Josh’s message for our listeners is still just as relevant today.

Josh shared his advice for anyone hesitant to use AI in video creation and how to overcome those common AI anxieties that leave content creators twitching. He has plenty of tips about crafting prompts, finding the right tools, and the best practices for getting the most out of gen AI. Plus, you’ll get to hear if our predictions on the future of AI were right or wrong.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:38 Introduction
02:38 - 03:27 Josh’s process for using video content
03:27 - 04:44 How to succeed in video content creation
04:44 - 06:17 Josh’s number one tip for creating videos
06:17 - 10:23 How AI helps Josh’s video processes
10:23 - 14:48 Getting the best results from AI
14:48 - 21:51 AI for scripting: the best practices and prompts
21:51 - 27:39 Where to start with AI
27:39 - 39:57 Combating AI anxiety
39:57 - 47:36 Josh’s speed round
47:36 - 48:05 Josh’s final take
48:05 - 49:02 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/
Josh’s Website: https://www.joshcavalier.com/
Eleven Labs: https://beta.elevenlabs.io/
Future Tools: https://www.futuretools.io/
Subscribe to Josh on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/joshcavalier/

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Rarely do we get the chance to hear the C-suite side of things when it comes to content and learning design. What do they really think about the training content they see out in the wild? But in this episode, we hear from business transformation expert and former Chief Learning Officer Christopher Lind on adapting your content creation process for the modern working world.

Christopher introduces us to what a CLO really is and offers a peek into his main responsibilities. He explains how L&D teams can work with their CLO (or do well without one) and how a CLO defines great content. The AI topic naturally comes up and we look at how it can improve processes or even make things slower if your process isn’t already working.

Christopher also shares his tips on using video tools, what makes great content, and how emotion should be at the heart of every piece of content.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:42 Introduction to Christopher
02:42 - 03:44 Christopher’s top tip for using images or video effectively
03:44 - 04:42 The emotional component of training content
04:42 - 07:03 What is a Chief Learning Officer really responsible for?
07:03 - 09:04 How to work with your CLO (and what to do if you don’t have one)
09:04 - 12:00 How leaders and L&D teams should approach AI and automation
12:00 - 15:02 How do we avoid being replaced in the AI age?
15:02 - 17:19 Why AI is like jet fuel to a process
17:19 - 19:41 Is AI a natural solution to the skills gap?
19:41 - 21:49 How AI is changing the nature of our professions and responsibilities
21:49 - 24:04 Advice from the C-suite: what makes content good?
24:04 - 27:40 Speed round questions
27:40 - 29:35 Why Christopher has been a long-time lover of TechSmith tools like Snagit
29:35 - 30:17 How to connect with Christopher
30:17 - 31:16 Christopher’s inspiring final take
31:16 - 32:02 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlind/
Subscribe to Christopher on Substack: https://substack.com/@christopherlind
Follow Christopher on X: https://x.com/ctlind?lang=en
Visit Christopher’s Website: https://christopherlind.co/
Subscribe to Christopher’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Christopher_Lind

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Get to the point. That’s the way you entice audiences and ensure they stay. While front-loading instructional videos with the ‘why’ is tempting, it’s the ‘how’ that audiences have tuned in for.

Attention spans are getting shorter and shorter, which is why you need to deliver value as soon as possible. This means a clear narrative, great video quality, and authenticity.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce meets with Doug Brunner, the Customer Education Manager at TechSmith. They discuss why video is the most effective way to deliver content, their biggest pet peeves when it comes to instructional videos, and some of the best features of Camtasia and Snagit.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:43 Introduction
05:06 - 06:25 Maximizing impact and saying “no”
10:01 - 13:34 The pros and cons of webinars and videos
14:03 - 17:12 The importance of first deciding on goals to hit with instructional content
17:31 – 21:46 Biggest instructional video pet peeve
21:58 – 23:24 How long you are given to grab someone’s attention
25:15 - 30:48 Three go-to features in Camtasia
31:09 - 32:01 Why the cursor is not the ‘hero’ of the story - the viewer is
32:18 - 37:10 Three go-to tools inside Snagit
37:30 – 42:28 Opinions on human AI avatars and AI-generated voices
42:32 – 43:34 Why content and the purpose should set the length of a video
43:34 - 45:15 Defining “bad video” and “bad audio”
46:36 - 47:55 Using the rounding corners function in Snagit or Camtasia
48:06 – 49:05 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-brunner-b193abb/
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/

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Training videos have a reputation for being dry and boring, but it doesn’t have to be this way!

By communicating value and involving your audience, training videos can be an engaging part of your development strategy, as well as, dare we say, something to look forward to?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce discusses widespread beliefs about training videos and debunks some myths. He highlights ways that training videos can be both useful and fun, and offers some suggestions about how to tackle common problems with their creation and delivery.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 00:19 Introduction
02:08 – 03:16 The pros and cons of using AI avatars in training videos
04:14 – 04:20 Gamifying training videos – turning them into a puzzle or a mystery
04:21 – 04:42 Communicating a training video’s value to the audience
05:42 – 06:47 Inclusivity in training videos is important – be intentional and thoughtful, especially with storytelling
07:01 – 08:15 The importance of talking speed in a training video – not too slow, not too fast
08:18 – 08:54 Training video content isn’t boring, but the delivery can be
11:21 – 12:03 Creating interactive training videos
13:04 – 14:21 Why understanding your audience is the key to creating great training videos
14:28 – 15:27 Outro

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Are you overcomplicating your videos? Great editing software comes packed with features that can transform simple videos into an all-singing, all-dancing production.

But just because those features are there doesn’t mean you have to use them… Sometimes less is more.

Matt Pierce dives into the art of simplicity in video production in this week’s episode of The Visual Lounge. He discusses the fine line between simple and simplistic, and how you can rethink each step of the video creation process.

But don’t worry. Simplicity doesn't mean boring! Matt shares insights on how to create elegant, impactful videos without overwhelming your audience.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:43 Introduction
00:43 - 03:23 What we can learn from Notion’s videos
03:23 - 06:31 How to focus on the right things
06:31 - 09:21 How to decide what should and shouldn’t be in your videos
09:31 - 10:48 The trick to making your wording simpler
10:48 - 13:20 How to make your videos simpler in the editing room
13:20 - 14:29 Why simple doesn’t mean boring
14:29 - 16:02 How a simple approach to videos helps you make patterns for future videos
16:02 - 17:28 What we can learn from other videos
17:28 - 19:17 Ask yourself this important question
19:17 - 19:52 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Notion’s Video: https://youtu.be/vH3Rp3wky-U?si=khf1-ZX5zF0zwUVc

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The success of any instructional piece of content is in how well the information is retained, memorized and actioned. After all, we want the lessons we teach to have an impact. So, if you want to level up your instructional design skills, you need to know how people actually learn first and foremost.

In this episode, we revisit a fascinating discussion with Julie Dirksen, Learning Strategy Consultant at Usable Learning and author of two brilliant books, Design for How People Learn and Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change.

Julie joined us back in episode 138 to talk about how instructional designers can tap into the psychology behind learning to make more effective content. She talks about the importance of getting to know your audience and receiving feedback to make sure you’re on the right path. We hear how she first got into instructional design, how she defines success, and her top tips for instructional designers to continue honing their craft. Julie also shares more about her book and recommends some great resources that inspired her. Since coming on the show, she’s released her new book, so be sure to check out all the links below.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 03:06 Introduction
03:06 - 05:51 How Julie got started in instructional design
05:51 - 09:59 Defining success in learning design
09:59 - 17:20 One tip for image and video in learning design
17:20 - 18:28 Ad break – check out the Video Viewer Trends report
18:28 - 21:21 Julie explains her book
21:21 - 25:24 What trips people up in learning design?
25:24 - 32:00 Simple vs cursive fonts and keeping learning design clear
32:00 - 35:40 What learning design pros need to improve on
35:40 - 39:48 The resistance to practice design
39:48 - 46:17 Are different learning styles a myth?
46:17 - 50:51 Where Julie turns to for self-development
50:51 - 52:12 Where to learn more about Julie’s work
52:12 - 53:08 Julie’s final take
53:08 - 53:39 Outro

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com/
Book by Clark Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Millennials-Goldfish-Other-Training-Misconceptions/dp/1947308378
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen/
Usable Learning: https://usablelearning.com/
Design for How People Learn: https://www.amazon.com/Design-People-Learn-Voices-Matter/dp/0134211286
Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change: https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Elephant-Design-Learning-Behavior-ebook/dp/B0C7ZFRRFH
2024 Video Viewer Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html

Design for How People Learn (Voices That Matter)

Millennials, Goldfish & Other Training Misconceptions: Debunking Learning Myths and Superstitions

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Matt Pierce dishes out exciting updates for Camtasia 2024 in this mini episode. Enhanced functionality around dynamic captioning plus new color labels for the timeline are two features that will help to make your editing experience a lot smoother – something we can all get behind!

He also teases an upcoming video mastery workshop at DevLearn in Las Vegas, a great opportunity for those looking to level up their video skills.

Matt tops off this short episode with an important reminder about the power of practice. Great tools and workshops can help you improve your video creation skills, but consistent practice is essential. There's no shortcut to success, even in the age of AI, and the effort we put into honing our craft is what makes it all worthwhile.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:30 Announcing the new minor version of Camtasia 2024
01:30 - 02:28 TechSmith’s video mastery workshop at DevLearn
02:28 - 05:46 The value of consistent practice and why there’s no quick path to success
05:46 - 06:20 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/
Check out Camtasia 2024: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/
DevLearn: https://devlearn.com/

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Have you ever needed a great story to help with your training? This episode focuses on the power of storytelling with Rance Greene, the Founder of School of Story Design and Needastory.com.

Host Matt Pierce and Rance explore the essential elements of compelling stories, including conflict and relatable characters, and how they can be used to drive behavior change in training. Rance shares practical tips on using visuals effectively and provides insights into creating engaging characters and scenarios, even for technical topics like system rollouts.

Whether you're an instructional designer, L&D leader, or an entrepreneur, Rance's tips in this episode will help you become a better storyteller and improve your training outcomes.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:18 Introduction
02:18 - 06:07 The power of visuals in storytelling
06:07 - 08:22 Common mistakes in storytelling
08:22 - 13:17 Creating relatable characters and strong conflict
13:17 - 18:02 Using stories in systems training
18:02 - 24:59 Visuals in eLearning
24:59 - 27:55 Naming characters in your story
27:55 - 31:32 Speed round questions
31:32 - 33:29 Conclusion and final thoughts

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Rance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rancegreene/
School of Story Design: https://www.schoolofstorydesign.com/
Subscribe to Rance's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rancegreene

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You asked, and we’re here to answer! Host of The Visual Lounge Matt Pierce has collected some of the most burning questions video trainers have about the art and science of making great videos.

Ever wondered how to coach a camera-shy subject-matter expert to shine on screen? Matt's got you covered with tips that'll turn even the most reluctant expert into a video pro. And for those battling with stubborn colleagues who think they know better than the "rules of video," fear not! Matt shares diplomatic strategies to work with differing opinions without rocking the boat.

We also address whether to update or remake outdated videos, why talking heads seem to dominate videos, and how to think about video analytics like engagement and viewer retention. Matt also gives his take on whether you really need to drop thousands on a new camera to make a great video.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:56 Introduction
01:56 - 06:00 How to make subject-matter experts feel comfortable on camera
06:00 - 08:35 How to work with differing opinions on how to make a great video
08:35 - 12:03 Should you update or remake older videos?
12:03 - 14:47 Why are talking head videos so popular?
14:47 - 16:59 How to think about data analytics
16:59 - 20:15 First 5 seconds are critical for engagement
20:15 - 25:14 How to make videos engaging
25:14 - 27:05 What equipment is really needed to make a good video?
27:05 - 30:04 How can you get colleagues to understand the power of pre-planning?
30:04 - 30:16 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/
Video Viewer Study: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html
TechSmith Academy Course with Info About Metrics and Data: https://academy.techsmith.com/path/basics-of-screen-recording/screen-recording-basics-publishing-and-analytics

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Who is your audience and what do they need? Whenever we create content, this should be top of mind. Whether we’re creating something fun and entertaining or educational and skill-based, our audience’s response and experience are the ultimate measure of success.

But what do people want to see in videos? The good news is you don’t have to guess! We look at what the average video viewer prefers in our Video Viewer Trends Report each year to get an up-to-date picture of how people are responding to video content in the here and now.

This year, we surveyed over 1,000 people and asked all the key questions any video creator wants to know, including how long videos should be, what the most important elements of a video are, where they watch, why they watch (and stop watching) and even what they think about AI tools used to create content. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce breaks down some of the top findings to help you create content that people respond to.

Download the full report in the link below for free, or tune in for an overview of video viewer trends.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:20 Intro to the new Video Viewer Trends Report
02:20 - 03:42 Why video is a preferred medium for consuming content
03:42 - 04:52 What types of videos are people watching?
04:52 - 05:45 Where and how often are people watching videos?
05:45 - 09:20 The top reasons people watch videos
09:20 - 11:02 Why video creators need to know this data
11:02 - 15:10 How long should a video be?
15:10 - 19:09 Why people want short vs. long instructional videos
19:09 - 22:44 The most important video elements that keep people watching
22:44 - 25:59 Which elements of videos are most important to viewers?
25:59 - 28:25 The most common reasons people stop watching videos (the good and the bad)
28:25 - 30:24 What viewers think about AI in video creation
30:24 - 34:29 Why TechSmith makes this report and what else you can learn if you download it
34:29 - 36:41 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Download the 2024 Video Viewer Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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Let’s face it, talking to a camera is not something that comes naturally to anyone. And it can be daunting to look at that lens and come up with something coherent, energetic, and valuable to say once you hit record.

But just like many things in the world of video, it’s a skill you can learn and this episode breaks down how to improve your on-camera presence.

Joining the podcast is Meredith Marsh, an awesome video creator who helps people get better on camera and grow their audiences through her online courses and YouTube channel. She breaks down her top tips for looking, feeling, and speaking better on camera—whether you’re a YouTuber or creating corporate videos at work. We hear about her approach to editing and the BFF framework she uses to turn rough footage into high-value content that her audience loves.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:42 Introduction
01:42 - 03:03 Meredith’s top tip for improving how you use video
03:03 - 05:19 Why people struggle on camera
05:19 - 09:55 Where to start if you want to appear on camera
09:55 - 14:59 Meredith’s framework for making the editing process easier
14:59 - 17:10 Advice for those who are not confident on camera
17:10 - 25:13 How to manage your energy when filming videos
25:13 - 29:00 Speed round questions
29:00 - 30:00 Where to learn more and connect with Meredith
30:00 - 30:32 Meredith’s final take
30:32 - 31:16 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithpaynemarsh/
Meredith’s Websites: http://meredithmarsh.co/ and http://vidpromom.com/
Follow Meredith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithmarsh.co
Subscribe to Meredith's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@meredithmarsh

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Let’s get those creative muscles working! The secret to great learning content is just as much about creativity in your messaging as the content itself. How you deliver your content is key to that information being absorbed and remembered, so don’t be afraid to get a little creative.

In this episode, host Matt Pierce sits down with Tim Slade, Founder of The eLearning Designer’s Academy and renowned expert in visual communications. His top tip for creators using images or videos? Tap into your creativity. Remember when you were a kid and could dream up just about anything? Don’t lose sight of that! As adults, many of us lose the natural creativity and imagination we explored as kids, but Tim explains that we can tap into that again by trying something a bit different (and being okay if it doesn’t work out).

Tim shares how he uses modern tools to bring his imagination to life and how he gets inspiration from just about anywhere he looks, from TV commercials to ads at airport kiosks. He explains why he approaches animation design like a theater production, seeing each little element as its own character telling a story.

Tim offers some great insights into his processes, why he values simplicity, and how he gauges whether his work will be effective. We also talk about the elephant in the room… AI and its impact on learning design. Tim cautions us against over-reliance on AI and explains that human creativity is what will really set your design apart.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:23 Introduction
00:23 - 01:55 Tim’s top tip for getting better at using images or video
01:55 - 03:40 Why sometimes simple tools are the best way to bring your imagination to life
03:40 - 05:33 How Tim finds inspiration everywhere he looks
05:33 - 07:17 Tim’s balanced method of using repeatable processes and new ideas
07:17 - 09:02 How to know when to stop – the signal vs. noise test
09:02 - 10:27 How to assess whether your work will be effective or not
10:27 - 12:41 The role of AI in learning design and why it’s no replacement for creativity
12:41 - 14:35 Tim’s advice on experimenting with new ideas
14:35 - 18:18 How to find the time to play with new ideas
18:18 - 21:35 Speed round questions
21:35 - 22:17 Tim’s final take
22:17 - 23:11 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sladetim/
The eLearning Designer's Academy: https://elearningacademy.io/
Subscribe to The eLearning Designer's Academy YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2CE3YBPX53oeKVsiTbhX2w?sub_confirmation=1

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Did you know that humans process visual information 30 times faster than blinking? And that we’re far more likely to remember things we see than things we hear or read?

In other words, there’s a good reason that marketing and educational content have become so visual-centric. Visual content is the very best way to get your audience to consume, understand, and retain your message. But how do we make sure we’re using visuals effectively?

Joining this episode of The Visual Lounge is Nicky Pasquier, a marketer, YouTuber, and certified Canva whizz. She explores how to tie your visual content closely to your business and branding aims, and explains what brands often get wrong about visual content. We also hear about her process of using Canva and TechSmith tools to create consistently great imagery for her brand.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:34 Nicky’s top tip for using visuals effectively
02:34 - 03:48 Nicky’s advice for staying consistent with visual branding
03:48 - 06:16 Why businesses are still struggling with visual branding
06:16 - 07:53 How to find a balance between entertaining content and content that drives results
07:53 - 09:27 How businesses can create more effective content
09:27 - 14:37 The role of emotion in images and videos
14:37 - 16:58 Common pitfalls for using images consistently
16:58 - 18:20 The role of color in visuals
18:20 - 21:30 Advice for learning about the psychology of color
21:30 - 23:09 How color fits into Nicky’s content
23:09 - 24:50 Speed round questions
28:38 - 29:52 How to connect with and learn more about Nicky’s work
29:52 - 31:09 Nicky’s final take
31:09 - 32:17 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickypasquier
Follow Nicky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicky.pasquier
Visit Nicky's Website: https://www.nickypasquier.com
Subscribe to Nicky's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NickyPasquier

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What does it take to design a software certification program that remains relevant even when that software gets a fresh update? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Jeff Batt, the Owner and Content Author of Learning Dojo, shares his journey to create Camtasia's certification program.

Jeff talks about the challenges of maintaining a certification program and making sure videos can be easily updated after feedback and software tweaks. His method involves a modular approach to content, where videos are designed as independent modules rather than a linear sequence. This method allows for easier updates and additions without disrupting the entire training flow.

While embarking on this project, Jeff learned the value of scripting videos, explaining how it not only helps ensure they’re concise but also makes it easier to update them so they’re relevant and valuable for learners.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:25 Introduction
02:25 - 03:28 Jeff’s top tip for using images or video in your work
03:28 - 07:28 Where to begin when creating a certification program
07:28 - 10:20 Advice and guidelines for creating a certification program
10:20 - 14:02 What Jeff learned by working on the Camtasia program
14:02 - 17:15 Processes to make sure you can replicate your work when updating videos
17:15 - 19:40 Why Trello is Jeff’s secret weapon for staying organized
19:40 - 22:13 Jeff discusses the type of videos he was asked to create
22:13 - 25:23 How Camtasia helped the creation process
25:23 - 31:30 How he helped to redesign the quizzing aspect of the program
31:30 - 35:32 Speed round questions
35:32 - 36:23 How to connect with Jeff
36:23 - 38:02 Jeff’s final take
38:02 - 39:07 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbatt/
Follow Jeff on X: https://x.com/JeffBattLXD
Learning Dojo: https://learningdojo.ninja
Subscribe to Learning Dojo’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LearningDojo
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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How do you know if your video content is genuinely resonating with learners, or is it just another piece of corporate training that gets lost in a busy day?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce sits down with Richard Fleming, a seasoned filmmaker and learning designer for his company Sage Media, to dig into what truly makes effective content.

Richard explores the need for videos to make an emotional impact to influence learning and decision-making and why understanding the feelings you want to evoke in your audience is crucial for learning design.

Richard introduces the concept of the self-determination theory, highlighting the importance of fostering autonomy, competence, and relatedness in training design. He also talks about innovative ways to assess content effectiveness, including wearable technology that measures engagement through physiological responses like dopamine and oxytocin levels. Groundbreaking tech like this allows creators to gauge not just if learners are watching, but whether they are emotionally connected to the material.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:48 Introduction
01:48 – 02:37 Richard’s top tip for using video in your work
02:37 – 05:17 His advice for people hesitant about working with emotion in corporate spaces
05:17 – 08:27 How do we know if our content is effective?
08:27 – 11:05 How tech can measure interest and emotional reaction to content
11:05 – 16:55 Richard explains the self-determination theory
16:55 – 20:31 Why we need to give learners something to do
20:31 – 30:01 Short or long videos – which works best in training content?
30:01 – 34:45 Speed round questions
34:45 – 36:40 What it was like working on a Super Bowl commercial
36:40 – 38:00 Why Richard decided to pivot his career from marketing to training
38:00 – 39:07 How to connect with Richard
39:07 – 41:09 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/visualstoryteller/
Follow Richard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/director.fleming/
Visit Sage Media’s Website: https://sage.media/
Subscribe to Sage Media’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sagemedia/

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Can AI help you make educational videos? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce sits down with AI and L&D expert Josh Cavalier, the Founder of JoshCavalier.ai, to explore how to effectively use AI.

Josh is quick to point out that AI isn’t a replacement for our expertise and skills, but it can act as a handy partner to help you streamline your process. The key to getting the most out of AI is in your prompting approach, which Josh prefers to call “prompt design” rather than “prompt engineering.” He encourages anyone who wants to use AI to experiment with prompts and try to make them as detailed as possible to yield consistent results.

We hear about his process and unique method for testing new AI tools, and the advice he has for people getting started with AI prompting. Whether you’re an L&D designer or content creator, Josh’s tips are a great starting point for experimenting with AI.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:59 Introduction
00:59 - 02:42 Josh talks about his background in L&D
02:42 - 04:33 How people can get started with AI
04:33 - 06:30 Using AI to help with educational videos
06:30 - 07:44 How to vet results once you see some success
07:44 - 09:26 Scaling and repeatable work with AI
09:26 - 11:48 Why he prefers the term prompt “design” over engineering
11:48 - 13:06 How to experiment with prompting in everyday life
13:06 - 14:00 Where to connect with Josh to learn more
14:00 - 14:37 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/
Josh Cavalier's Website: https://www.joshcavalier.com/

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Did you know that making your educational content more accessible can enhance the learning experience for everyone? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce sits down with accessibility advocate and CEO of Build Capable, Sarah Mercier, to explore the world of accessible learning design.

We hear about Sarah’s journey and insights on making educational content more accessible to all learners, when she realized just how important it is, and her tips for getting started with your own content.

She discusses how accessibility isn't just about accommodating specific disabilities, but about removing barriers for everyone. Sarah provides practical tips for content creators, such as incorporating closed captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions into video production. She encourages a "progress over perfection" approach and suggests starting with small steps and continuously improving accessibility practices.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:28 Introduction
01:28 - 07:20 Why is it important to get better at accessibility?
07:20 - 12:50 How to make accessibility a part of your practice
12:50 - 16:10 Getting started with accessibility and dealing with feedback
16:10 - 17:08 How to find out more about Sarah and her resources
17:08 - 17:32 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcmercier/
Build Capable: https://buildcapable.com/

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What is “practical video,” and will it become the future of instructional video creation? Practical video involves creating not just video, but also immersive experiences.

Debbie Richards, Chief Technology Officer at Creative Interactive Ideas, sits down with Matt Pierce on The Visual Lounge to talk about the practical applications of video in instructional design and development.

Recorded as part of the LearningDev Camp series, this conversation sheds light on how video can be a powerful tool beyond just creating tutorials or marketing content. We hear about Debbie’s experiences working on a VR project in Oklahoma, where she and her team used various video techniques to capture elements for an immersive learning environment. From recording ambient sounds to taking 360-degree footage, Debbie explains how these practical video applications help developers recreate realistic scenarios without physically being on-site. The episode also touches on the cost-effectiveness of using video for remote development work, especially in industries like oil and gas, where on-site visits can be tricky.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:57 Introduction
00:57 - 03:52 What is practical video?
03:52 - 07:10 Debbie’s advice for capturing practical video
07:10 - 08:17 Making things realistic when capturing video
08:17 - 09:38 Debbie shares an example of working with oil and gas companies
09:38 - 09:53 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cre8iveii/
Learning DevCamp: https://learningdevcamp.com/

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Did you know that there are more AI-generated images now than there are photos in the entire history of photography? It’s a mind-blowing stat when you think about how fast things are moving!

Join host Matt Pierce on The Visual Lounge as he sits down with Stella Lee, a seasoned expert in education technology at the Learning DevCamp. Together, they explore the importance of involving end users early in the ideation stage, the significance of a well-rounded strategy for learning and development, and the evolving role of video content in today's AI-driven landscape.

Stella offers practical advice for leaders on setting realistic goals, understanding organizational culture, and navigating the challenges that come with implementing educational technology solutions. Whether you're a developer or an organizational leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:15 Introduction
00:15 - 01:34 Meet Stella Lee
01:34 - 03:36 Understanding learning strategy
03:36 - 05:16 Key considerations for leaders in learning strategy
05:16 - 08:36 Challenges in implementing learning strategies
08:36 - 12:07 The role of video in learning and development
12:07 - 13:28 The impact of AI on video and learning
13:28 - 13:48 How to connect with Stella
13:48 - 14:24 Conclusion and final thoughts

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Stella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellal/
Learning DevCamp: https://learningdevcamp.com/

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Creating videos can be a lengthy process with many tools and people involved. But when the pandemic hit, TorranceLearning had to adapt fast and figure out a way to make high-quality videos without having a team in the studio all at once.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we sit down with Megan Torrance, CEO of TorranceLearning, to explore how she's revolutionized video production for her small business. Megan shares her journey of adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, transforming her video setup into a one-person operation that's both efficient and versatile.

Megan dives into the nitty-gritty of her streamlined process, from using shot lists to expedite editing to leveraging review tools for collaborative work. She explains how this newfound efficiency has dramatically improved their turnaround time, allowing them to update course content, respond to client needs, and create marketing materials in record time. But it's not all business - Megan also emphasizes the importance of injecting fun and authenticity into their videos, keeping things engaging for their audience.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 00:52 Introduction
00:52 - 02:18 How the pandemic forced TorranceLearning to change how it produces videos
02:18 - 03:12 The benefits of streamlining the production process
03:12 - 04:54 Why it pays to inject a little fun into your videos
04:54 - 05:50 How TorranceLearning saves time with its new process
05:50 - 08:40 How her new process has enhanced her business
08:40 - 08:52 How to connect with Megan and TorranceLearning
08:52 - 09:09 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/
TorranceLearning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/

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Do you edit videos with your eyes or your ears? It may sound like an odd question, but hear us out!

Many video editors focus on visuals first, which are definitely important. But audio is just as (if not more) important to your videos. In fact, the number one reason why people stop watching a video is poor audio.

Joining this episode of The Visual Lounge is Sam Rogers, President & Principal Consultant of Snap Synapse, a content production company that specializes in learning and development. He’s also a musician, so it’s safe to say that audio is a big part of his life.

In this episode, Sam explains why video editors need to take an ear-first approach to editing videos. His approach isn’t just about audio quality. It’s also about whether that audio is helping your video tell a story, get a message across, and make your audience feel what you want them to feel. He shares some tips for leading with audio in this episode, whether that be voice, music, or sound effects, to help you make the most impactful videos.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:32 Introduction to Sam
01:32 - 02:55 Why Sam takes an ear-first approach and what it means
02:55 - 04:31 The role of things beyond voice in videos
04:31 - 06:32 The role of music in supporting a story
06:32 - 07:34 Tips for leading with the ear when editing
07:34 - 08:08 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrogers/
Snap Synapse: https://snapsynapse.com/

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What comes to mind when you think of workplace communication? Do your eyes glaze over when someone fires up the latest PowerPoint presentation? Sadly, boring workplace comms is pretty common, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt has a great conversation with Grant Crowell from Design Laboratory Inc, a Senior Training Specialist at Microsoft, and author of the book, GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!

Grant explains his approach to making workplace communication more fun and engaging – and why that results in better information absorption. He explores why storytelling is so important as well as the use of visuals, video, and what he calls “playful mindfulness.” We also hear his thoughts on using AI and acronym-speak in the corporate world, plus why he prefers to come up with his own fun names for corporate terms.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 Introduction
01:51 Grant’s top tip for making images or video better
03:21 The importance of story in communication
05:11 Why workplace communication is often boring
11:53 Practical steps for transforming your communication style
17:12 How to help people overcome resistance and hesitancy to make communication more fun
20:42 The role of video in avoiding boring content
24:59 Speed round
32:44 Grant’s final take
33:21 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Grant on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/grantcrowell
Subscribe to Grant’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/grantcrowell
Grant’s book, GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!: https://www.amazon.com/GRANTASMS-Creative-twisted-words-people/dp/0578523469/

GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!

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With over two decades of experience at the crossroads of education and technology, Instructional Designer Ephraim Ross provides invaluable insights on the significance of craftsmanship in your work during his appearance on The Visual Lounge.

Hosted by Matt Pierce, this episode dives deep into tips and best practices for creators, focusing on visual efficiency, the innovative use of AI tools, and enhancing video and audio quality. Ephraim emphasizes the need for continuous learning and making time to hone your craft despite busy schedules. From the benefits of teleprompter technology and camera streaming apps to advanced features in Snagit and Camtasia, this episode is packed with practical advice for L&D professionals and marketers alike.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 02:15 Introduction
02:15 - 05:02 First tip: make time to take time
05:02 - 05:42 Tools, tips and temperaments
05:42 - 14:41 Camera streaming apps and AI tools
14:41 - 17:44 Snagit tips and tricks
17:44 - 22:13 Camtasia tips and tricks
22:13 - 28:52 Speed round questions
28:52 - 32:46 Final take and conclusion

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Ephraim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimross/
Email The Visual Lounge on: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com

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How can we create videos that people pay attention to? With many in the content world claiming that attention spans are shrinking, The Visual Lounge host, Matthew Pierce, has a different take…

In this episode, Matt explains why he believes that attention spans aren’t the problem. It’s just that there’s so much content battling for our attention (never mind our busy daily lives!)

Matt explores why you need to know the fundamentals of what makes a good video and how to tell a story with your content to keep people watching. He explains why it’s often the first five seconds of a video that determines whether someone will stick around and why you may need to make the effort to re-engage viewers for longer videos.

AI is a big topic in the content creation world. But while AI spells opportunity for video creators, it doesn’t mean we can get away with not knowing the basics. You need to know how to tell a story and what your audience is looking for to maintain viewer interest.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:21 Introduction
01:21 - 02:50 Reflecting on past guests and the lessons they’ve shared
02:50 - 04:11 The fundamentals of video creation
04:11 - 07:51 Why attention spans aren’t shrinking
07:51 - 08:58 How to keep audiences engaged past the first five seconds
08:58 - 13:26 Why you need to know your audience
13:26 - 16:51 Why video creation is a learnable skill
16:51 - 19:03 AI may help but you still need to know the fundamentals
19:03 - 20:16 Outro and final thoughts

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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Today’s global businesses want to make sure their messages are heard far and wide. But sometimes, that means crossing a language barrier. Whether it’s marketing content or training content, getting your message across quickly and effectively is critical.

Poorly translated materials could put a spanner in the works of what you’re trying to achieve. But even if the translation is word-for-word perfect, without intentional efforts to localize that content, it’s easy for your message to get lost in translation.

In this episode, we sit down with Roberto Aiello, the Senior Learning Experience Designer at Personio, about realities, challenges, and his tips for localizing content effectively. He explains why localization is about much more than just translation. For the message of your content to be translated and absorbed by your audience, it needs to feel native to that person.

Roberto talks about the common difficulties that can come up while localizing content including cultural references and phrases that don’t translate well into other languages. He shares some examples he’s come across as a native Italian speaker now living in Dublin. Roberto has some great advice for anyone involved in localizing content, and explores what to watch out for and why you need to know your audience well.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:56 Introduction
01:56 - 02:55 Roberto’s tip for using images and video
02:55 - 04:30 Roberto’s background as a non-native English speaker
04:30 - 08:36 What it means to localize content and why it’s more than just translation
08:36 - 11:29 How you can begin translating and localizing content
11:29 - 13:19 Common issues that cause translation difficulties
13:19 - 17:20 How to find balance in a localization project
17:20 - 19:39 Things to be aware of when localizing
19:39 - 23:26 Why you need to understand your audience well
23:26 - 27:28 Speed round questions
27:28 - 28:00 Roberto’s final take
28:00 - 29:08 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Roberto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertoaiello/

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On this podcast, we talk about creating video. We talk about editing video. But then there's the art of distributing your video and getting it out there so people can find it.

And having your audience find it is a critical piece of the puzzle!

Of course, we’re referring to search engine optimization (SEO). In this episode, we welcome SEO coach and entrepreneur Samantha North. She talks about the importance of SEO in video distribution, the interplay between written content and video for better SEO, and how to start and succeed in SEO. Samantha shares insights from her extensive background in digital marketing and her journey toward mastering video SEO.

She also provides practical tips on keyword research, video optimization, and leveraging AI tools. The episode rounds out with Samantha’s advice on building a diverse online presence to enrich your brand and safeguard against algorithm changes.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:14 Introduction
01:14 - 04:40 Tips for using video to enhance your SEO
04:40 - 07:10 The basics and the importance of understanding SEO
07:10 - 10:14 Practical steps and tools for starting with SEO
10:14 - 17:00 Creating SEO-optimized content
17:00 - 21:47 The power of video in SEO and content strategy
21:47 - 24:26 Building an online brand universe
24:26 - 29:27 Speed round questions
29:27 - 30:55 Final thoughts and takeaways

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/northsamantha/
Connect with Samantha on Twitter https://twitter.com/sjnrth/
Visit Samantha’s Website https://samanthanorth.com/
Find Samantha on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaOtpoJyMj18q31bdHqP-Ug/

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Is AI really coming for your job… or will it enhance it?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce discusses the importance and practical uses of AI with Brian Sykes, the founder of AdJourney, plus a seasoned branding and marketing strategist and expert in generative AI.

They cover ways to integrate AI into everyday tasks, explore various AI tools, and address common concerns about AI, such as job displacement and copyright issues. Brian emphasizes the significance of AI as an amplifier for human capabilities and shares advice for leveraging AI effectively. The conversation also touches on the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential positive impact on various industries.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 - 01:39: Introduction
01:39 - 02:48 Brian’s advice for creatives using images or video
02:48 - 03:46 Brian’s journey with AI
03:46 - 07:29 What AI is best at doing right now
07:29 - 12:08 The questions people should be asking AI now to get it to do the best job
13:20 - 22:41 Some of the concerns with AI around copyright, creativity, and the future of work
22:41 - 27:28 Speed round Q&A
27:28 - 28:17 How to connect with Brian
28:17 - 29:00 Brian’s final take
29:00 - 29:49 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwsykes/
Follow Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theBrianSykes
AI Explore’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AI.Explore
Visit Brian’s Website: https://thebriansykes.com/
A.I. Explore: https://www.aiexplore.co/
A.I. Lab: the-AI-Lab.com

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“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The legendary quote from Maya Angelou sums up the take-home message of this episode nicely.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we welcome Anastasia McCune, Instructional Designer for ChalkDust Consulting and eLearning Media Consulting, to talk about interactive videos and instructional design.

Videos are a fantastic tool for training and development, but interactive scenarios can take things one step further. Anastasia discusses where regular videos shine, but also where interactive videos can help viewers put those lessons into practice. She talks about how interactive videos that prompt the viewer to do something can help the message stick far better in your viewers’ minds than regular videos.

She explains her process for designing interactive eLearning experiences with the use of storyboards and shares some examples of her favorite projects, including Deloitte’s interactive recruitment experience (linked below!)

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:22 Introduction
02:22 – 04:14 One tip Anastasia has for improving how you make videos
04:14 – 06:13 Where video shines as the best medium
06:07 – 07:03 Why interactive learning methods help viewers practice the lessons they learn
07:03 – 09:31 How making and planning interactive videos is different from regular content
09:31 – 15:55 How often Anastasia uses interactive videos and when it works best
15:55 – 21:42 Weighing up when to use interactive elements vs. regular training videos
21:42 – 23:54 Advice for making better screen-recorded content
23:54 – 28:26 Speed round questions
28:26 – 29:18 Anastasia’s final take
29:18 – 30:02 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Anastasia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-mccune/
Anastasia’s website: http://anastasiamccune.com/
Deloitte’s Interactive Recruitment Experience: https://corp.kaltura.com/resources/videos/interactive-video-example-recruiting-for-deloitte/

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Nowadays, trainers and L&D professionals often turn to the power of video to deliver training. But a video alone doesn’t guarantee your viewers will learn and retain the information. So how do you create a video that provokes true learning?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we’re joined by Jonathan Halls, the President and CEO of Jonathan Halls LLC, a Professor at George Washington University, and a best-selling author.

Jonathan reveals his top tips for using video in training scenarios, what he’s learned from his background in the BBC, and what people often get wrong about using video. We hear his insights into how we can use videos to provoke learning and what true learning really means in different contexts.

Jonathan shares his take on one of the top questions in the video creation world – how polished do videos really need to be? He also breaks down the three principles of training video creation – purpose, polished, and professional – and how they can guide you when creating your own content.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:40 Introduction
02:40 – 03:49 Jonathan’s tip for using video in training scenarios
03:49 – 04:55 What he learned from his TV background
04:55 – 08:16 What people get wrong about using video and how to decide when to use it
08:16 – 17:00 How to provoke learning with videos (and what it really means)
17:00 – 21:29 How polished do training videos need to be?
21:29 – 28:35 An overview of Jonathan’s book
28:35 – 32:05 Speed round questions
32:05 – 33:20 Jonathan’s final take
33:20 – 34:47 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhalls/
Jonathan’s website: http://www.jonathanhalls.com/
Read the book, Creating Training Videos: Professional Quality With a Smartphone: https:/www.amazon.com/Creating-Training-Videos-Professional-Smartphone/dp/1953946968/

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As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Visuals are a quick, efficient, and effective way of getting your message across, so your audience understands and retains key information. But how do you create effective visuals?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we welcome back Mike Parkinson, keynote speaker and trainer, Principal of 24 Hour Company, and Owner of Billion Dollar Graphics. Mike gives an in-depth look at how you can tap into the nature of the human brain to create the best visuals. We hear how to work with the automatic and manual sides of our brains to deliver information effectively.

He explains his step-by-step process, starting with goals and audience to working out your means and motivators – all before you even start thinking about how your visuals will look. For a masterclass in creative visuals and visual messaging, don’t miss this episode!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:55 Introduction
01:55 – 02:54 Mike’s tip for making images better
02:54 – 06:21 Why should you deliver your message in visual form
06:21 – 09:27 How to start crafting your message
09:27 – 14:00 Tying messages to emotions to engage people
14:00 – 17:16 Means and motivators in your messaging
17:16 – 22:05 Taking chunks of information and turning it into a story
22:05 – 24:24 How to convey a message visually
24:24 – 26:14 The benefits of following a clear process
26:14 – 29:45 Why AI can be a “smart start” but not a replacement for creatives
29:45 – 33:50 Speed round questions
33:50 – 34:32 Mike’s final take on using visuals
34:32 – 35:27 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-parkinson-bb364/
Follow Mike on X: https://twitter.com/Mike_Parkinson
Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeparkinson_bdg/
Mike Parkinson and Billion Dollar Graphics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRDQaYfze62MYQ_CO5rjo1w
Billion Dollar Graphics: https://billiondollargraphics.com/

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What makes great educational content? We dig into the anatomy (quite literally) of what makes a successful video in this episode with Taim Dawod, a recently graduated medical doctor who found success on YouTube.

Taim began his channel as a way to learn and remember information in med school, but quickly realized that he wasn’t the only one benefiting from his videos…

The Taim Talks Med YouTube channel has built a following of over 150k subs with hundreds of videos on anatomy. What started as a channel of humble presentations for his own benefit has grown into a library of engaging and helpful animated medical lectures. We hear about his journey from med school to media and the process he uses to craft each video.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:40 Introduction
01:40 – 02:46 One tip for creating videos
02:46 – 06:30 Why Taim started a YouTube channel
06:30 – 08:15 The main thing that made a difference to his videos
08:15 – 10:34 Making learning content in the way you like to learn
10:34 – 15:34 How Taim decides what content topics to cover
15:34 – 19:47 Taim’s step-by-step process for creating videos
19:47 – 21:12 How Taim balances making videos with his job as a doctor
21:12 – 24:23 How Taim battles with the expectation to upload and found a healthier approach
24:23 – 26:46 Tips for medical students looking to make content
26:46 -34:16 Speed round questions
34:16 – 35:06 Taim’s final take
35:06 – 36:16 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Taim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taimtalksmed/
Subscribe to Taim Talks Med on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaimTalksMed
Watch Taim’s video - How I Make Educational Videos (2024) – 7 Steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZx5UWhkHaI

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It’s no news that our attention spans are tiny in the modern world of online content, social media, and everything else on the internet. For video creators, this means it’s a constant battle to grab attention and share information that people absorb.

You might think you’re safe in the L&D space. After all, workplace educational content means you have a somewhat captive audience. But is that audience really engaging with and absorbing the content? Or is that content competing for brain space with the latest MrBeast video?

In this episode, we welcomed Matt Gjertsen, Founder of Better Every Day Studios, a learning and development consultancy that teaches people how to create better content. We explore the challenges that L&D creators are up against, how we can create better videos, and the lessons we can take from successful content creators on YouTube. He explains how L&D creators can scale their efforts, speed up content iteration, and develop a pre-planning strategy for videos.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:57 Introduction
01:57 – 03:24 Matt’s top tip for creating better videos
03:24 – 05:53 Why L&D should take lessons from YouTube creators
05:53 – 08:54 How L&D can scale and speed up content iteration
08:54 – 12:42 Why a solid pre-planning strategy is essential before you hit record
12:42 – 16:27 What YouTubers and content creators get right when it comes to grabbing attention
16:27 – 19:32 Why your videos’ titles and descriptions shouldn’t be an afterthought
19:32 – 21:21 Why better videos mean better learning
21:21 – 24:22 Does L&D content need to be entertaining?
24:22 – 26:42 What not to copy from YouTube as an L&D creator
26:42 – 30:12 Speed round questions
30:12 – 31:00 Matt’s final take
31:00 – 32:05 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgjertsen/
Better Every Day Studios: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/
Better Every Day Studios YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6sHpKEkdnD0-VKOIBAxcMA
Making Better podcast: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.com/making-better

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If you want to level up your content creation game and make the best videos possible, grab a pen and take some notes from this episode.

We sit down with the Co-Founders of Millbrook Studios, Carl Lechner and Tripp Green, to hear about what makes a great video and how you can improve the performance of your content.

Carl and Tripp share tips on how creators can battle with audiences’ dwindling attention spans to get the message across and how to keep people engaged with your content. They also explain why the best way to learn is to learn from the best.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:38 Introduction
02:38 – 05:33 Top tips for creating videos
05:33 – 07:59 What to know before working with a studio like Millbrook Studios
07:59 – 11:02 Advice on how to get started making videos
11:02 – 14:35 How to make videos engaging
14:35 – 17:24 How Millbrook Studios works with clients on idea generation
17:24 – 19:23 Common issues when working with clients and creators
19:23 – 21:55 How Carl and Tripp help clients narrow down ideas for content
21:55 – 24:34 Where Carl and Tripp go for inspiration
24:34 – 27:53 Speed round questions
27:53 – 28:59 Carl and Tripp’s final take on creating videos
28:59 – 30:02 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Carl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carllechner4/
Connect with Tripp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippgreen/
Follow Millbrook Studios on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millbrook-studios/
Millbrook Studios: https://www.millbrookstudios.com/

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New ways of working, besides being in the office all day, have been a huge talking point since the pandemic pushed many of us into remote or hybrid work. But is this trend dying down in 2024?

We published the 2024 Workplace Flexibility Trends Report recently to dig into what the data says about workplace flexibility today. To talk through the findings, we welcomed two experts on workplace flexibility and analytics – Nida Mehtab, the CEO and Founder of Caryatid, and Kate Lister, President of Global Workplace Analytics, to the podcast.

We explore what the data says about workplace trends around remote and hybrid work, flexible hours, how different generations of workers prefer to work and take part in meetings, and much more.

Download the report today to learn more. You can find the link in the resources section below.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 03:03 Introduction
03:04 – 03:58 What the Workplace Flexibility Trends Report is about
03:59 – 06:30 The standout findings from our research
06:31 – 08:32 How to find a balance between remote and office working
08:33 – 11:23 Tapping into the “why” of returning to the office
11:24 – 16:41 Why companies aren’t providing the resources to return to the office
16:41 – 24:13 How to bring flexibility into meetings
24:13 – 26:18 How AI tools can help you give everyone a voice in meetings
26:19 – 36:18 Accommodating mixed feelings on commuting to the office and meetings
36:19 – 42:01 How younger generations prefer to communicate
42:02 – 43:16 Why workplaces need to find a middle ground that works for the organization and employees
43:17 – 46:48 How to connect with and learn more from Nida and Kate

Important links and mentions:

Download the 2024 Workplace Flexibility Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/research-2024-workplace-flexibility-trends-report.html
Connect with Nida on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nida-mehtab-26499672/
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klister/
Caryatid: https://www.caryatid-space.com/
Global Workplace Analytics: https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/
Follow FutureWorkforce on X: https://twitter.com/FutureWorkforce

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At first glance, it might seem that marketing and Learning and Development (L&D) are very different. But if you dig a little deeper, they both have similar goals – to grab attention, raise awareness, and spread a message to the audience.

So, what can L&D creators learn from marketing? It turns out a lot! In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we speak with Bianca Baumann, VP of Learning Solutions & Innovation at Ardent, and Mike Taylor, Learning Consultant at Nationwide, to get their thoughts on using marketing tools and techniques to create great educational videos and eLearning materials.

We look at some of the lessons we can take from marketing around getting audience attention and building audience personas to drive your message home. We look at tools and tactics commonly used in marketing that can be applied to anyone creating learning content and why, like in marketing, we need to think about the audience’s thoughts and feelings.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:33 Introduction
02:33 – 03:38 Bianca and Mike’s top tips for using video
03:38 – 05:09 Why Bianca and Mike borrow marketing strategies for L&D content
05:09 – 07:52 How L&D professionals can grab attention with their content
07:52 – 11:45 How can L&D start to learn from marketing?
11:45 – 14:02 Why L&D people are hesitant about using marketing tactics
14:02 – 16:15 What L&D creators can learn about audience emotion
16:15 – 18:36 Questions that L&D can ask learners to improve learning content
18:36 – 21:48 How L&D can avoid getting hung up on having limited budgets
21:48 – 25:39 Why we need to look beyond the L&D world for tools and tech
25:39 – 29:48 Speed round questions
29:48 – 30:40 Mike and Bianca’s final takes
30:40 – 31:40 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketaylor/
Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancabaumann/

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By now, many of us are content connoisseurs. With millions of videos out there in all different shapes and sizes, we need to be selective with what we consume vs. scroll past.

So, is your imagery – whether that’s images or videos – resonating with your audience?

We invited Leanna Pham, Director & Executive Producer of the widely popular Social Pros Podcast, to The Visual Lounge to share her insights and expertise on creating imagery that engages audiences.

In this episode, she shares some great advice for using images and video to reflect your brand more effectively and how brands can get started with visual content. We hear her thoughts on creating content that fits the platform and audience rather than trying to post everything everywhere and what the seven-second rule means for video content.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:00 Introduction
02:00 – 03:14 Advice for using images in the workplace
03:14 – 05:46 Practical production tips on video, lighting, and audio
05:46 – 11:05 How brands can let their personality shine through
11:05 – 16:51 Why you should adjust content to fit the platform
16:51 – 18:21 Why you can’t please everyone
18:21 – 20:36 How to follow the seven-second rule in video
20:36 – 24:05 Lessons from MrBeast
24:05 – 26:37 Being “real” on social media and in your content
26:37 – 32:20 Speed round questions
32:20 – 33:11 Leanna’s final take
33:11 – 34:12 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Leanna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-pham/

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Times have changed in the world of video creation. The “rules” of the past have been broken, issuing a new age of how we make and watch videos.

Whether you’re a content creator, an influencer, or are creating videos in a corporate setting, you should still aim to master the basics of what makes a good video. After all, the goal of your video is to deliver value and solutions to your audience.

But how we approach shooting, scripting, editing, and everything in between is ripe for experimentation.

In this episode, host of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, looks at the evolution of video and breaks down the best practices today. Tune in to hear about the latest video trends and how you can run with them to create engaging videos your audience will love.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:21 Introduction
01:21 – 02:20 How video has evolved
02:20 – 03:03 Why you should learn the “rules” so you can break them
03:03 – 04:03 Should you script your videos?
04:03 – 06:45 The benefits of templatizing elements of your videos
06:45 – 08:14 Should you use AI to help you create videos?
08:14 – 10:40 Why the audience’s needs are still the top priority
10:40 – 15:01 The benefits of creating multi-purpose content
15:01 – 16:40 Why quality of production is irrelevant if you don’t have the basics
16:40 – 20:23 The evolution of editing videos
20:23 - 21:33 How restraints in the creative process impact video (for better or worse)
21:33 – 22:37 What really makes a good video
22:37 – 23:37 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

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Getting content out there fast is more important than ever. You don’t want to keep people waiting for your content, after all. But getting faster at video creation is no easy thing, and the last thing you want is to push out low-quality content just in the name of speed.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we hear from Brandon Burtner, the Senior Director of Learning Strategies and Solutions at Scaled Agile, on his approach to accelerating workflows in video creation.

A big takeaway from this episode is to not just focus on the production side of things but to also be mindful of the planning process, project management, file management, and everything that needs to happen before you hit record.

Brandon takes us through some steps in the agile work method and explains how you can accelerate your workflows and collaborate with stakeholders and contributors more efficiently.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:18 Introduction
02:18 – 05:09 Brandon’s top tip for improving how you create videos
05:09 – 07:02 What it means to accelerate flow
07:02 – 11:19 How to start accelerating flow for your videos
11:19 – 12:32 How to approach project management in a team
12:32 – 15:04 How to weigh up “busy work” vs. important project management work
15:04 – 18:31 The importance of minimizing handoffs and dependencies
18:31 – 21:41 Using templates to accelerate workflows
21:41 – 27:10 Optimizing practices for production
27:10 – 31:07 Speed round questions
31:07 – 31:47 Brandon’s final take
31:47 – 32:46 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-burtner/
Scaled Agile: https://scaledagile.com/

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With millions of videos at our fingertips, what is it that makes you stop scrolling and click on a video?

Aaron King, an entrepreneur and filmmaker of the DeepSnap YouTube channel, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to give his take on what makes scroll-stopping videos. We hear about how he got started in content creation, coming in from the world of entrepreneurship, and what he’s learned about content in the past few years.

Aaron talks about the power of video in helping to build his brand and why he thinks that being yourself and true to your brand will help you forge a deeper connection with your audience.

This episode marks 200 and counting of The Visual Lounge! It was great to hear that Aaron shares the TechSmith philosophy of leveling up your skills with every video you create.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 01:47 Introduction
01:47 – 03:13 Aaron’s top tip for improving your videos
03:13 – 07:03 What is a video hook and how can you start using them?
07:03 – 11:21 How to create interesting content, no matter your topic
11:21 – 15:11 How to make sure your video has great audio that draws people in
15:11 – 16:29 Stumbling across new ideas in the comment section
16:29 – 24:27 Why Aaron decided to become a content creator
24:27 – 25:29 Why speed is so important when you’re starting out in your journey
25:29 – 28:43 Speed round questions
28:43 – 29:22 Where to find Aaron and information about his brands
29:22 – 30:11 Aaron’s final take on creating great videos
30:11 – 31:21 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepsnap/
Follow Deep Snap on X: https://twitter.com/deepsnap
Deep Snap: https://deepsnap.com
Subscribe to Aaron’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@deepsnap

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Whether you’re in training, in learning development or you’re a creator making videos for your own YouTube channel, learning and understanding are key, which is why it’s great to welcome Dr Clark Quinn PhD back onto The Visual Lounge to talk about cognitive media.

Dr Quinn provides learning experiences and design strategy to corporations, higher education government, and not-for-profit organizations. He joins this episode to take a deep dive into the idea of cognitive properties as it relates to media, how to translate this knowledge into the media you create and why no one should be creating video for video’s sake.

Join us for this episode to get a deeper understanding of how to integrate thinking and learning with technology to improve organizational execution, innovation and ultimately performance.

Learning points from the episode include:

An introduction to Dr Clark Quinn PhD
Why you shouldn’t make video for videos sake
What are cognitive properties in relation to media
How to translate this knowledge into video
Should you use templates for video creation that can be repurposed?
Other things to understand about cognitive properties
Advice for creators struggling to find time to iterate on what they’ve created
Speed round questions
Clark’s final take
Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Clark at Quinnovation.com Quinnovation.com
Follow Clark’s blog Learnlets.com
Connect with Clark on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/

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Content creation is no walk in the park. While many underestimate what creators do all day, there’s a lot of work and necessary skills that go into producing content week in, week out.

Joining this episode of The Visual Lounge is Britt Carter, the Creator Success Manager at GigaStar and one-half of the duo behind The Betting Belle YouTube channel. Britt’s career has seen her work with big-name content creators, including MrBeast and Ryan Christopher Slots. Now, she runs her own YouTube channel featuring casino and gambling content.

Fully immersed in the world of content creation, Britt has some great advice for creators on video creation, networking, using analytics, and learning to use video editing tools. Tune in to hear why she believes that building solid relationships in your industry and consistency are the keys to success.

Learning points from the episode include:

Introduction
Britt’s top tip for improving your videos
Advice for staying consistent with your content
Why content creation is no easy feat
What new content creators should focus on
Britt’s advice for building relationships in the content creator world
How to become more comfortable on camera
The challenge of creating gambling content
Britt’s journey to becoming a video editor
Why it’s important to find the right tool for your needs
Speed round questions
Where to connect with Britt and her content
Britt’s final take on content creation
Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Britt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyjocarter/
Follow Britt and The Betting Belle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrittc/ and https://www.instagram.com/bettingbelle/
The Betting Belle: http://bettingbelle.com
The Betting Belle YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/@bettingbelle

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How do you become a better video creator? Sometimes, other creators make the best teachers. Who better to learn from than those who have been in the same boat?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we speak with Rob Balasabas, the Head of Partnerships & Community at Uscreen, whose top tip for creators is to surround yourself with other creators.

Rob explains why collaboration, not competition, is key to succeeding in the creator space and shares stories of how he’s managed his own creator journey. We also hear his advice on working with brands as a creator and then, on the flip side, how brands can hire creators themselves. He also breaks down the top two trends that he’s seen grow in the video space.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – 02:31 Introduction to Rob
02:31 – 04:42 – Why we should learn from other creators
04:42 – 06:29 Why collaboration is so important in video
06:29 – 10:30 The top thing that video creators are struggling with
10:30 – 12:07 The benefits of bring guests onto a podcast
12:07 – 18:12 Rob’s advice for creators working with brands
18:12 – 22:50 How brands can approach creators
22:50 – 26:59 The biggest trends in content creation right now
26:59 – 31:33 Speed round questions
31:33 – 32:32 Rob’s final take
32:32 – 33:28 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas
Follow Rob on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/rob_balasabas?lang=en
Follow Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robsotheraccount/
Rob’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/socialmediaclub

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Script or no script – which side are you on when creating videos?

It’s one of the top debates in the video creation world, and there’s no clear-cut answer. After some recent experiments where we tossed out the script, we weigh up the pros and cons of scripting your videos in this episode.

Joining the debate are TechSmith’s Ryan Knott, Marketing Content Strategist, and Andy Owen, Video Producer, to share their thoughts on whether scripts are necessary and the best times to use one.

As a video producer, Andy shares his experience of editing videos without a script, and Ryan explains why sitting in on recordings as a writer can help you reshape your scripts to sound more natural. While Andy and Ryan are firmly team script, they explain that it depends on the type of video you want to make, how much time you want to spend on it, and why you should always consider your viewer when deciding.

Key Moments:

00:00 – 02:18 Introduction
02:18 – 03:41 Ryan and Andy describe their roles in making videos for TechSmith
03:41 – 05:10 Why Ryan and Andy started experimenting with the no-script approach
05:10 – 06:55 The benefits of having a writer in the recording studio
06:55 – 09:30 Andy describes the transition from working with scripts to working without
09:30 – 10:25 How scripting helps to keep you on track
10:25 – 14:35 Striking a balance between having a script vs. no script
14:35 – 18:56 Why saving time by not writing a script could take longer overall
18:56 – 20:40 The challenges of editing unscripted videos
20:40 – 28:30 Scripted videos vs. unscripted – Andy and Ryan share their votes and advice
28:30 – 29:19 Outro

Key Links:

YouTube Reaction Videos Made Easy with Camtasia Rev
Learn more about Camtasia

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Whether you’re a B2B or B2C brand, grabbing and holding your audience’s attention is everything. So could YouTube be the ideal place to build a dedicated, long-term following?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Finn McKenty, founder of Punk Rock MBA and Head of Product at URM Academy, shares the benefits to creating YouTube content. He talks about how it’s less competitive than other social platforms and how it could help build rapport with your peers before meetings and talks.

But how do you get started? Well, Finn says a little experimentation is OK! It doesn’t matter if your first video doesn’t explode, so long as you’re providing something valuable to your audience.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:17 – Finn’s tip for making better videos
03:15 – What role YouTube can play in the growth of your business
06:19 – Why YouTube shouldn’t be your “dumping ground”
07:12 – How important is personality on corporate YouTube?
11:31 – Is consistency important?
16:24 – How to get started on YouTube
22:00 – What constitutes success on YouTube?
23:18 – Finn’s Speed Round
26:38 – The final take
27:10 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Finn on LinkedIn
Follow Finn on Instagram
Find Finn’s website
Subscribe to Finn on YouTube

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Adding videos and GIFs to your customer learning strategy can add a brand-new dimension to your content. But what role do they play and how do you know which to choose?

Videos are useful during the onboarding process and for evergreen content, whereas GIFs can be helpful to explain advanced concepts, says Greg Mead, Senior Instructional Designer at ClickUp.

Greg joins The Visual Lounge to share how he creates content to engage thousands of learners with learning tool, ClickUp University. He tells us his top tips for defining and generating engagement, the advantages of visual content over text and how customer feedback shapes the path his content takes.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
01:36 – Greg’s tip for using videos and GIFs
02:56 – Unpacking findings from ClickUp University surveys
03:36 – When to use video and when to use GIFs
05:54 – Why use video and GIFs instead of text?
07:36 – How customer feedback led Greg to shift his content focus
09:24 – The first steps toward making video content that scales
12:08 – Defining and generating engagement
17:03 – Greg’s career as a video creator
22:03 – Greg answers Speed Round questions
26:59 – The final take
27:25 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn
Follow Greg on Twitter/X
Follow Greg on Instagram
Visit ClickUp University
Subscribe to Greg on YouTube

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If you’re a creative, pitching ideas to stakeholders can be stressful! So how can you adapt your strategies, control your variables and form ideas you’re proud to pitch?

Guy Bauer, Founder and Creative Director of B2B video marketing agency Umault, tells us his tips and tricks as he joins The Visual Lounge.

He says your first step should be to form a strong, clear idea that you’re happy with and that won’t be misunderstood by your management. Asynchronous communication is his go-to method to communicate ideas, as it allows you to combine the energy of live calls with the clarity of emails.

Plus, hear Guy’s top tips for growing your creative tastes…and why Weezer is still a great band!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
04:39 – Guy’s tip for video creators
06:48 – Why you need clear ideas and strategies before making videos
11:52 – Why creative ideas should be discussed asynchronously
17:38 – Allowing your stakeholders to previsualize your ideas
21:07 – Making sure you have confidence in your ideas
23:18 – Controlling variables in your pitches and processes
26:55 – How to grow your creative taste
32:27 – Hear Guy’s Speed Round answers
39:22 – The final take
40:45 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Umault on LinkedIn
Follow Umault on Twitter/X
Follow Umault on Instagram
Visit the Umault website
Subscribe to the Umault YouTube channel

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On The Visual Lounge, we often talk about getting better, leveling up, and improving how we make and use video by 1%.

It's great to talk about, but what's the secret to that happening? Pretty easy; you have to do something. However, for that to work, you need to not just talk about it but make the time available to play, experiment, to try new things with the videos you create.

Thanks for being a viewer of the channel. From all of us at TechSmith & The Visual Lounge podcast, we want to wish you a wonderful and successful 2024!

Key points from this episode:

00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Thinking about scheduling
01:00 - Put together the idea of Leveling Up and Scheduling.
01:35 - Build in time and space to play around with and explore new ideas
02:05 - How I learned from building the TechSmith Academy
02:40 - If you want to get better - do this!
03:08 Video is about exploring and learning through experimentation, leading to better problem-solving skills.
04:00 - Give yourself time!
04:58 - What are you thinking about?

Important links and mentions:

Want to get better at video? Check out TechSmith Academy - free learning about creating and using video.

Looking for video editing software? Try Camtasia

podcast #videocreation #learnin

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Creating video content can be a highly effective way to spread the word about your brand and build authority in your industry. But the toughest thing can often be just getting started…

So how can professionals fight their fears and take those all-important first steps towards growing their business through video?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, we ask someone who has been there and done it – Texas master plumber, entrepreneur and YouTuber Roger Wakefield. Roger is a plumber by trade but chose to expand his marketing strategy by creating simple, direct videos that help out his audience.

Roger shares the lightbulb moment that prompted him to start making videos and how we went from knowing nothing about video to becoming the go-to guy for DIY and plumbing tutorials on YouTube.

If you’re thinking about creating video content, but have a list of reasons why you shouldn’t – this episode is for you!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
03:10 – Roger’s top tip for improving your videos
04:18 – Sharing your mistakes and growing from them
05:05 – Why Roger chose to make YouTube content
06:45 – Roger’s lightbulb moment!
10:10 – The first challenges Roger faced as a creator
11:20 – The benefits of hiring a YouTube consultant
14:57 – What makes Roger great at his job?
16:58 – What makes a good video?
19:20 – The number one thing for video success
20:41 – A look at Roger’s team
24:30 – Roger shares his Speed Round answers
32:14 – Roger’s final take
33:05 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Subscribe to Roger’s YouTube channel
Subscribe to TheTradeTalks on YouTube
Follow Roger on LinkedIn
Follow Roger on Twitter/X
Follow Roger on Instagram
Visit Roger’s website

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Whether or not you have a brand-new camera or premium microphone, you are missing a trick if you don’t unlock the power of storytelling. But what makes it so important? And how can video creators reap the benefits?

YouTuber and video marketing course creator Amanda Horvath joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share why storytelling should be the beating heart of your content.

She explains how to showcase your authentic self on camera, align your personality with company values on brand channels and reminds us of something super-important…aim to improve your videos 1% every single time.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:17 – One tip for improving your videos
04:12 – Why storytelling really matters in video
06:47 – The do’s and don’ts of storytelling
10:15 – Making quality videos with simpler equipment
11:27 – Where story comes into video creation
16:11 – Explaining energetic transfers during video creation
17:38 – Sharing your personality on brand channels
21:56 – Aligning with your company’s values and goals
25:42 – Amanda’s Speed Round answers
31:09 – Amanda shares her final take
31:40 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Subscribe to Amanda’s YouTube channel
Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Visit Amanda’s website

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Creators can gain traction and build a dedicated following without hair and make-up, expensive cameras or top-of-the-range microphones – as long as they provide value to their audience.

Sharing valuable messages in a friendly, informative and engaging way is more than enough to start seeing success, says YouTuber, food blogger and cookbook author Lisa Childs.

Lisa joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share her recipe for success, detailing her introduction to video creation and how she built her YouTube channel to reach 250,000+ subscribers – plus the challenges in between!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:30 – Lisa’s top tip for improving your videos
04:14 – How Lisa started making cooking videos
05:00 – Why video creators should learn and adapt
06:35 – What Lisa’s previous career taught her
10:47 – Lisa’s first steps as a creator
12:09 – Lisa’s biggest challenges as a creator
15:57 – Does Lisa use templates and structures for her videos?
19:41 – Providing value without high-tech equipment
22:00 – The moment Lisa realized her success as a creator
26:36 – Lisa’s experience with Camtasia
29:19 – Speed Round questions
38:11 – Lisa’s final take
38:49 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn
Follow Lisa on Instagram
Visit Lisa’s website
Subscribe to Lisa on YouTube

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Explore the art of efficient video creation with a focus on time management…

Each stage of production takes consideration, time and effort, so what tools and processes can you put in place to streamline your workflow and create fantastic videos faster?

This is part 2 of our fascinating conversation with YouTube creator, speaker and entrepreneur, Nick Nimmin. In it he explains his super-organized video creation process and takes us through the tips, tricks and hacks that make his work easier.

Nick tells us the benefits of keeping things simple, why your main goal should be to provide your audience with maximum value and tips on how to do that. Plus he explores how AI tools can help with ideation and shares a welcome reminder – don’t expect instant results. Even the seasoned pros are always learning!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
01:34 – Nick’s tips for speeding up video creation
06:08 – ChatGPT’s helpful feature for ideation
09:24 – Discussing Nick’s set-up
12:44 – What you need to get started making videos
15:36 – The beauty of simplicity
17:57 – Focus on providing value to your audience
21:44 – Does every YouTube creator need to consider brand?
27:30 – Don’t expect instant results!
33:02 – A quick tip for designing thumbnails
36:24 – Nick’s final tips
42:29 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Nick’s YouTube channel
Visit Nick’s website

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For any video creator, efficiency is critical. Ideating, scripting, recording and editing can be hard work, so what can you put in place to make things run more smoothly?

On this episode, we ask Nick Nimmin, YouTube creator, entrepreneur and speaker for his tips and tricks. He takes a deep dive into his content creation strategy, explaining how he leverages audience feedback to form ideas for his videos and uses AI tools to speed up his workflow.

Plus, he shows us his content file structure, guides us through his editing process and provides one tip that could save you tons of time.

Learning points from the episode include:

· 00:00 – Introduction

· 03:06 – Why time can be a challenge for video creators

· 05:16 – Top tips on ideating for video creation

· 10:41 – Using AI for video creation, good or bad?

· 19:07 – How Nick keeps his video creation fast and efficient

· 23:04 – Why Nick creates more than one video in a day

· 26:34 – Nick’s content file structure

· 31:42 – How long does it take to edit videos?

· 38:30 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

· Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

· Subscribe to Nick’s YouTube channel

· Visit Nick’s website

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Whether you create videos for YouTube or internal training content, you should have one top priority – keeping your audience engaged.

But what steps can you put in place to make sure this happens? And what should you do if your videos aren’t making the desired impact?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce shares top tips for making engaging YouTube and internal content, why jump cuts could be the simple tool that makes your videos more compelling and why it’s vital you know your audience.

Remember: bring them in, create content for them and keep them watching.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
00:57 – Fighting for attention on YouTube
02:45 – The YouTube creator mindset
05:44 – Applying a creator mindset to internal training content
07:29 – How AI could impact video creation
08:53 – The power of jump cuts
11:33 – Find your style
11:52 – Experimenting with TechSmith content
13:13 – What’s on screen in your videos?
15:52 – Knowing your audience
16:54 – Bring them in, create content for them and keep them watching
17:00 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Follow Matt on Twitter

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Whatever type of presentation you’re delivering it’s important to remember that building a relationship with your audience is paramount. Your slides are not the presentation, you are the presentation, says Senior Director, Customer Education, Leslie Chamberlain.

Leslie joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to guide us through making effective, “sense rich” presentations faster, from concept to completion. She provides tips on keeping things clear and concise and balancing individualism with brand values. Leslie also dives into the importance of appealing to your audience’s senses in order to make presentations more memorable.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:49 – How Leslie became involved in customer success
05:13 – Making learning presentations successful
06:49 – Leslie’s tip for using videos and images in presentations
09:04 – Brand vs individual in your presentations
10:43 – The first steps towards a great presentation
16:14 – Making your ideas sense-rich
19:06 – Where people get stuck making presentations
24:54 – Should you script presentations?
26:47 – How to condense information and keep things short
31:40 – Hear Leslie’s Speed Round answers
35:57 – Leslie’s final take
36:36 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-chamberlain-a3475121/

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To thrive in the modern workplace, good communication is critical. But how can managers identify the most efficient ways to exchange messages with their teams?

We asked Jane Bozarth, Director of Research at Learning Guild, to join us on The Visual Lounge and help unpack our recent research report, ‘Chaos to Clarity: How to Thrive in the Modern Workplace’.

Jane shares her thoughts on the most interesting findings from the research, explaining how to make meetings more productive, leverage the benefits of asynchronous videos and use visuals to enhance your communication.

Plus, she shares why it could be time to change the medium you’re using to better connect with your team.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Introducing the research report
03:58 – Are meetings still popular?
05:53 – How to make meetings more productive
07:46 – When to use asynchronous video
10:07 – Are meetings always the right medium to convey information?
12:32 – How to make asynchronous video effective
17:39 – Sending better emails
22:15 – Visuals make your messages more effective
25:51 – Jane’s final thoughts on the report
28:49 – Jane’s Speed Round
36:45 – The final take

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn
Visit the Learning Guild website
Find the research report here

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Managers – do you communicate enough with your team members? This guest says you should always communicate more than you think.

Communication is key to success in any workplace, so we asked Jeremie Brecheisen, Managing Director at Gallup, on The Visual Lounge, to share his expert advice.

Jeremie shares what good communication means to him and how we can prevent proximity bias as teams continue to mix remote and onsite working. Plus, hear how asynchronous communication can boost productivity and cut out distractions.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:57 – Getting to know Jeremie
04:57 – Defining healthy communication in the workplace
08:12 – Using visuals to breed strong communication
11:55 – Dealing with proximity bias
21:03 – Do we have too many meetings?
27:26 – Benefits and drawbacks of asynchronous communication
31:50 – Practical advice on workplace communication
33:54 – Speed Round Questions
38:48 – Jeremie’s final take
40:26 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Jeremie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiekbrecheisen/
Jeremie’s Gallup articles: https://www.gallup.com/people/JeremieBrecheisen.aspx?a=246527&p=1
Jeremie’s Gallup piece on the Four Essential Dynamics of Hybrid Work: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/390944/four-essential-dynamics-hybrid-work.aspx

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We are seeing illustrations being used more and more to represent brands and their goals, but how do you land on a visual that works and what are the things to consider?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we are joined by Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Lainey Yehl to talk about the steps that go into creating successful illustrations, what makes good graphic design and how to tell stories through your visuals.

Plus, Lainey gives us insights into her own career, what graphic design trends are on the horizon and shares details about her contribution to our Snagit update.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:19 – How Lainey began her career in illustration
03:51 – Why everyone is creative
04:47 – What makes a project successful?
06:52 – Advice for being successful with images
08:42 – Why are more organizations using illustrations?
11:17 – The power of storytelling through illustration
12:07 – Outlining the creative process from concept to final product
15:06 – Keeping up with illustration trends
16:52 – How Lainey illustrates
20:27 – Exploring Lainey’s work for TechSmith
22:14 – Does she have creative freedom?
23:46 – Incorporating diversity and inclusion
25:07 – The importance of accessibility
26:48 – The top trends to look out for
29:17 – Lainey’s Speed Round
34:29 – Final take
35:05 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Lainey on LinkedIn
Follow Lainey on Instagram
Visit Lainey’s website

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Video production is more accessible than ever, making it a viable option for all content creators. But what is it about video that makes it such an excellent option for training professionals?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, we are joined by Abbey Cooke, Learning and Digital Collaboration Manager at Southern States Cooperative and owner of Lizard Brain Learning.

Abbey shares how she got started in her industry, why she prioritizes the social aspects of training and how she measures her success.

Plus, she provides tips on adding a touch of creativity to training content and gives us the top secrets behind her 60k+ follower TikTok profile.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Intro
01:45 – How Abbey got started making videos and images
03:51 – How to define success in video creation and social media
06:16 – A tip for video and image production
07:33 – How short-form video has impacted Abbey’s work
10:55 – The social aspect of training
14:18 – What helps build bridges between remote trainees?
15:50 – What should be a video vs another type of content?
20:37 – Metrics and indicators
22:10 – Applying creativity to corporate social media content
26:37 – Extra advice from Abbey
28:36 – Abbey’s TikTok tips and tricks
30:56 – Abbey’s Speed Round questions
36:57 – Final take
37:41 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Abbey on LinkedIn
Visit the Lizard Brain Learning website
Follow Abbey on Instagram
Follow Abbey on TikTok
Subscribe to Lizard Brain Learning on YouTube

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Drumroll

Snagit 2024 is out and packed full of new and improved features to help you make video a part of your everyday toolkit – whether you’re a beginner or a video pro.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we sat down with TechSmith’s Nick Rich, Associate Technical Product Manager, who has been responsible for helping us launch these brilliant new features. Hear Nick explain how our new mouse cursor options, timeline display, combined videos, and sharing features can help to take the hassle out of creating videos.

Learning points from the episode include:

02:39 – How Nick got his role at TechSmith
04:05 – What makes successful images and videos?
06:00- Nick’s top tip for working with images and videos
10:43 – Snagit 2024’s new cursor features
14:09 – A look at the new Snagit timeline display
16:40 – How Snagit users can combine videos
21:59 – How to share Snagit captures with Microsoft Teams and more
25:35 – Features you may have missed in Snagit
26:30 – Why we decided to enhance Snagit’s onboarding experience
27:12 – How to use Snagit’s share link feature
29:59 - Nick’s favorite Snagit 2024 feature
30:45 – Speed round questions
36:21 – Nick’s final take

Important links and mentions:

Download Snagit 2024: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-rich/

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Looking to deploy social learning in your workplace? Prioritize what your people need and identify how they want to experience it.

Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, Learning Strategist and founder of Your Instructional Designer, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share top tips on implementing social learning, pitching it to your C-suite and determining whether it’s doing its job.

Plus, she explores why video is so effective for social learning and why authenticity should always be front of mind.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:14 – How Nicole got into instructional design
4:25 – What defines success for social learning?
6:23 – Nicole’s tip for using video and images in the workplace
9:16 – What good social learning could look like
10:41 – Can social learning just be natural?
11:49 – What makes it work/not work?
13:29 – What can prevent social learning from working well?
15:01 – The most creative ways to implement social learning
17:32 – The best ways to measure social learning’s success
22:08 – Why video works for social learning
28:33 – Be inspired!
30:21 – Speed round
35:51 – Nicole’s final take
36:36 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn
Follow Nicole on Instagram
Visit Nicole’s website
Subscribe to Nicole’s YouTube channel

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Content can be the glue between your operations and your customers’ experiences, but how can image and video creators best use customer insights to make that content effective?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Sunny Hunt, founder and CEO of Hunt Interaction, shares top tips for creating effective content to bridge that gap with your customers.

Plus, she tells us the best ways to get to know your audience, spread the customer-first mindset across your organization and reap the benefits of generative AI.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Intro
02:20 – How Sunny got started in customer experience
03:39 – Defining success in her work
05:09 – Advice on using videos and images to bridge the gap with customers
07:10 – What content Sunny focuses on
08:27 – How knowing your audience leads to better content
10:16 – Building a better connection with customers (the first steps)
14:01 – Make building better customer connections a team-wide mindset
16:30 – Sunny’s views on AI to help build customer connections
20:46 – The potential authenticity hazards of generative AI
26:12 – Sunny’s favorite tools to connect with customers
28:47 – Sunny’s Speed Round answers
38:11 – Final take
39:21 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Sunny on LinkedIn
Follow Sunny on Twitter
Visit Sunny’s website

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If you put lots of effort into creating images and videos, you want it to have an impact, right?

That’s what we chat about in this episode of The Visual Lounge with Mike Simmons, Speaker, Advisor, Coach, Fractional CRO/Sales Leader, and Enabler for Catalyst A.C.T.S. Mike shares how he first got started with images and video, and why simply starting can be the hardest but most important step.

We hear about his method for balancing impact vs. energy when creating content and why you need to create and get feedback to find that sweet spot and level up your skills.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
03:31 – How Mike first started using images and video
05:01 – What makes a successful video
06:45 – Mike’s method for getting feedback
09:19 – Mike’s top tip for making images and videos
11:36 – How Mike defines “accelerating impact” with video
14:08 – The tools Mike uses to help him create videos
19:29 – Mike’s advice for getting started
24:30 – How you build momentum after getting started
26:31 – Overcoming the risks of experimenting with videos
31:52 – Questions to ask yourself to motivate you to start creating
33:51 – Speed round questions
39:38 – Mike’s final take

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesimmons/
Catalyst A.C.T.S: findmycatalyst.com
Catalyst A.C.T.S’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa66Q2SqaPCA_TbhrOVNOCA

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It’s The Visual Lounge’s third birthday!

To celebrate, host Matt Pierce shares some of the most memorable and insightful moments from the past three years.

This episode features clips from Brian Fanzo, Cara North, Josh Cavalier and plenty of other incredible guests discussing the importance of understanding your viewers, making the first jump into video, why accessibility is essential and lots more.

A huge thank you to all of our guests and every listener who has tuned in. Here’s to another three years!

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
00:10 – A message from Matt Pierce
02:12 – Josh Cavalier on understanding your audience
03:10 – Owen Hemseth/Owen Video on the G.R.E.A.T. principle
05:00 – Brian Fanzo on identifying what makes you great on video
07:09 – Jonathan Halls on taking inspiration from TV
08:58 – Lee LeFever on storytelling on video
11:22 – Diana Howells explains B.L.E.A.C.H.
13:26 – Matt Pierce on making the most of your equipment
15:17 – Peter Hopwood on the benefits of being self-critical
16:45 – Elizabeth Pierce on using video to engage an audience
18:28 – Matt Pierce and Jayne Davids on speeding up your video production
21:50 – Paul Wilson on why quality is key
23:37 – Andrew DeBell on making videos look better
25:07 – Matt Pierce on why you should cut more from videos
26:22 – Emily Weiss on using interaction to engage with your audience
28:28 – Cara North on the value of accessibility
31:20 – Edie Clark on why now is the time to create videos
33:03 – Josh Cavalier on aiming high in video
34:43 – Troy Hunt on why perfect is the enemy of good
35:57 – Matt Tidwell on how to make your first video
37:36 – Matt Pierce on getting better every day
38:02 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Josh Cavalier

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn
Follow Josh on Twitter
Follow Josh on Instagram
Visit Josh’s website

Owen Video

Connect with Owen on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Owen’s YouTube channel

Brian Fanzo

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn
Follow Brian on Twitter
Visit Brian’s website
Subscribe to Brian’s YouTube channel

Lee LeFever

Connect with Lee on LinkedIn
Visit Lee’s website

Jonathan Halls

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If you want to upgrade your sales strategy, first start with how you communicate. Emails and phone calls can only take you so far.

If you want to communicate in a way that gets the message across and helps you stand out, then images and videos are the way to go.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Peyton Towler, Head of Global Growth at TechSmith, breaks down how videos and images can help you sell more effectively. He also shares some advice on how to help people who aren’t confident on camera, how to get the balance right when communicating with prospects, and the benefits of personalized videos.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:46 – How Peyton first got involved with sales
05:15 – How Peyton defines success in sales
07:05 – Peyton’s top tip for using images and video
09:02 – Using images and video in sales on a daily basis
10:45 – The best use cases for videos and images internally and externally
14:05 – Tips for those uncomfortable with using video
17:10 – How to protect the brand in a team using images and video
20:49 – Using generic vs. personalized videos
22:52 – How to determine whether using video and images are worth it
26:10 – The value of personalized videos
28:00 – Speed round questions
34:32 – Peyton’s final take

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Peyton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peyton-towler/

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Is there a communication disconnect at your workplace? Maybe in-person or Zoom meetings are not working the way you’d like. Or perhaps lengthy emails are just causing more confusion than ever.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we explore five “broken” workplace communication methods and ways to improve them. Communication can and should be flexible if you want to get your message across efficiently, and that might mean experimenting with things like video and asynchronous communication.

Joining this episode are TechSmith’s Emmie Musser, Senior Portfolio Marketing Manager, and Daniel Foster, Director of Strategy, who share some brilliant tips you can try out today.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 – Introduction
02:43 – How Emmie first became interested in workplace communication
04:02 – What successful workplace communication looks like
05:34 – Tips for using visuals in the workplace
08:10 – How modern communication in the workplace is broken
10:52 – Why some organizations prefer in-person working
13:21 – The top ways communication is broken
17:00 – How to decide when to use visuals to communicate
22:11 – How to overcome the challenges of asynchronous working
24:16 – Advice for changing up workplace communication
28:43 – Why meetings without context are inefficient
30:18 – How asynchronous work can boost engagement
32:21 – A better way to deliver metrics updates
35:33 – How could AI change the way we communicate
38:19 – Speed round questions
44:56 – Daniel and Emmie’s final takes

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfoster/
Connect with Emmie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmiemusser/
An Experiment to Build an Async-First Culture: https://bit.ly/3KZuRuR
5 Ways You Never Thought To Use Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/learn/webinars/5-ways-you-never-thought-to-use-snagit/

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What’s the secret to effective customer education?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Adam Avramescu, VP of Customer Education & Engagement at Personio, explains the principles behind his Customer Education Manifesto and how they can help your business reach positive outcomes for retention, expansion and lifetime value.

Plus, he shares his route into the industry, how videos and images play a role in customer education and how to gauge success.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:06 – Adam’s first steps into customer education
5:22 – Success in customer education
10:09 – Using images and videos
13:19 – What is the Customer Education Manifesto?
21:01 – Customer education to help a business scale
27:43 – Speed over quality?
34:54 – Is it OK to keep things simple?
39:08 – Adam’s Speed Round
44:53 – Final take
45:32 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn
The Customer Education Manifesto
‘Customer Education’ book
Listen to the CELab podcast

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What does success mean for customer education professionals, and how can they make sure they reach their goals?

Debbie Smith, President of CEdMA, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share the top skills required to excel in customer education.

She tells us her advice for creating customer education videos, the importance of keeping business goals in mind and the best metrics by which to gauge your success.

Plus, Debbie makes her predictions for the future of customer education.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:51 – Debbie’s first steps into customer education
5:23 – Why success in customer education can’t have one definition
6:25 – Top tip for using videos and images for customer education
8:17 – The best starting point for budding customer education pros
9:37 – Keeping a customer focus
13:00 – Balancing creative and business objectives
16:12 – Where do customer education pros sit within companies?
19:53 – Often-overlooked metrics
23:22 – What’s in store for the future of customer education?
26:55 – Top tips for certification programmes
30:52 – Why project management skills are crucial
31:58 – Debbie’s Speed Round
38:21 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn
Visit the CEdMA website

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Creating video doesn’t always have to be complicated. The Visual Lounge guest Edie Clarke, Virtual Video Producer and Editor, explains in this episode why simpler is often better when it comes to video.

Edie packs lots of advice into our discussion, including her top tip for creating videos, how to avoid perfectionism, the best approach to scripting, and much more.

We also get a glimpse into the kind of coaching she gives to clients who are trying to get better at creating videos themselves. Edie also shares some of the tools she uses every day with clients to create videos and run her business.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 - Intro
2:51 – How Edie started using video
5:08 – What success looks like for Edie
8:24 – Edie’s tip for improving how you use video
12:08 – Tips for keeping video simple
15:52 – Why audio is the most important part of creating videos
16:29 – Edie’s advice on writing scripts
19:35 – Common hangups people have when starting videos
23:36 – How to deal with perfectionism
27:36 – Hard lessons from a career of video creation
30:57 – Borrowing ideas and inspiration from other videos
31:46 – Speed round questions
37:57 – Edie’s final take on why you should embrace video
39:28 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Edie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtuallyinsync/
Edie Clarke’s website: https://edieclarke.com/
Edie Clarke’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@VirtuallyInSync

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What’s the secret to anytime, anywhere training? This week’s guest makes the case for video.

JD Dillon, Founder and Principal of LearnGeek and Chief Learning Officer at Axonify, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge.

He explains how video can be used to train frontline workers, how it adds unique value for learners and why the communicator of the message is crucial to impactful video content.

Plus, JD shares the story behind his book, The Modern Learning Ecosystem, and why, despite its power, video isn’t always the right medium to use.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Intro
2:14 – JD’s first steps into video
6:27 – Defining success in video
8:47 – One tip to make better videos with learning outcomes
12:21 – The challenges of creating learning content for frontline workers
17:59 – Why training needs support from everyone in the organization
23:04 – When is the video the right medium?
26:33 – Harnessing video the right way
27:55 – Anyone can create video!
30:14 – Details on JD’s book
34:28 – JD’s Speed Round
41:10 – JD’s final take
42:11 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow JD on LinkedIn
Visit the LearnGeek website
Visit the Axonify website
Follow Axonify on Twitter
The Modern Learning Ecosystem Framework

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It’s clear the world of video is changing, but what are the most significant shifts facing video creators in the near and distant future?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, our Learning & Video Ambassador, shares his thoughts on the future of video. Matt has given a presentation on what video creators should expect and asked industry experts, peers and former podcast guests for their predictions.

Here, he shares some of the most prominent predictions, including how AI will shape production processes, the continued rise of user-generated content and the importance of accessibility. Plus, he explains why, whatever the future holds, authenticity is key.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:19 – Things have already changed
3:34 – Are things getting easier?
4:17 – How AI will impact video
7:13 – The future of dynamic learning
8:05 – Enhancing accessibility and functionality
10:10 – The ongoing rise of user-generated content
14:50 – Some silly suggestions!
15:04 – Digitized backgrounds and virtual effects
15:30 – The importance of authenticity
17:49 – Maintaining human connection in video
21:46 – More predictions for the future
24:24 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Matt’s LinkedIn post
Follow Matt on LinkedIn
Follow Matt on Twitter

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There’s always emotion behind change, so how can video creators convey change in a positive way, leaving their audience inspired?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Jake Gittleson, Senior Expert in Learning Design at McKinsey & Company, shares his thoughts.

Jake runs a research and innovation lab, helping individuals identify what they should be aware of and what they should consider changing, using video to get his messages across.

Jake shares how he communicates change effectively through videos, detailing his processes, best practices and starting steps.

Plus, he tells us about his podcast, The Learning Geeks, and reveals his proudest career moment.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:13 – How Jake started using video in the workplace
4:22 – How he defines success in leading change through video
7:13 – One tip for using images and videos
8:55 – Jake explains his job
11:46 – Building human connection in videos
15:07 – The practical side of Jake’s work
17:06 – How you can get started storytelling on video today
18:38 – Telling the right story
21:13 – Jake’s favorite ways to tell stories
28:16 – Jake’s podcast, The Learning Geeks
30:15 – Speed Round questions
39:30 – Jake’s final take
40:16 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

The Learning Geeks podcast
Matt’s appearance on Learning Geeks
Find Britt Andreatta’s books
Connect with Jake on LinkedIn

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Effective video content can encourage people to have deep conversations that help them develop in the workplace. But what are the first steps in using video to impact a learning culture?

Andrew Barry, founder of learning consulting and creative production company, Curious Lion, shares his thoughts on this episode of The Visual Lounge.

Plus, Andrew shares his definition of a learning culture, the do’s and don’ts of building one and why it starts with leadership.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:28 – Andrew’s first experiences with video
4:46 – How he defines success for video
6:29 – One tip for those using video and images
8:42 – What is a learning culture?
10:59 – First steps to implement a learning culture
18:14 – Make the implicit explicit
20:51 – More ways video can impact learning culture
26:36 – Production quality for learning videos
34:26 – Advice for adopting a growth mindset
37:48 – How setting a learning culture helps you
38:26 – Andrew’s Speed Round questions
43:08 – Hear Andrew’s final take
44:13 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Andrew on LinkedIn
Follow Andrew on Twitter
Subscribe to Andrew on YouTube
Curious Lion Learning
Subscribe to the Curious Lion Learning newsletter
The Four Horsemen of the Work Culture Apocalypse article

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If you’re looking for a new way to educate your audience, showcase your value and spread your message, this is the episode for you!

On this week’s The Visual Lounge, we are joined by Rob Wilson, video creator and YouTuber-in-Residence at VidIQ. He helps creators realize their ambitions and become financially sustainable in the process.

Rob shares how he defines success on YouTube, tackles the biggest misconceptions around the platform and gives top tips for navigating the algorithm.

Plus, he tells us three things you should know before starting out on YouTube.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:35 – How Rob got started in video
5:59 – Defining success on YouTube
9:09 – Rob’s top tip for video creators
12:47 – The biggest misconceptions about YouTube
17:52 – What does your audience want?
20:36 – Benefits of having a strong presence on YouTube
25:17 – Top three things to know before starting out
30:14 – Using metrics and measuring growth
38:11 – Rob’s Speed Round
45:03 – Here’s Rob’s final take
46:17 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Find Rob on LinkedIn
Follow VidIQ on Instagram
Follow VidIQ on Twitter
VidIQ website
VidIQ on YouTube

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Ready to amplify your video production superpowers with AI? From prompting to finding tools and everything in between, this episode of The Visual Lounge is the perfect guide to get you started.

Whether you’ve already started using it or feel afraid about jumping in, this episode is teeming with tips, ideas and pointers to help you unlock AI’s potential.

We are joined by friend of the show and learning & development expert Josh Cavalier on this edition of The Visual Lounge. Josh guides us through AI best practices for every stage of production, how to overcome AI anxieties and how to engineer the optimal prompts for ChatGPT, plus loads more.

In case you’ve not heard him on the show before, Josh also shares his career backstory and top video tips! Don’t miss out!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:58 – How Josh uses video
2:41 – Finding video success
4:05 – One tip from Josh
5:38 – How AI helps Josh’s video processes
9:43 – Getting the best results from AI
14:02 – AI for scripting: the best practices
21:21 – Where to start with AI
26:51 – Combating AI anxiety
39:21 – Josh’s Speed Round
46:40 – Josh’s final take
47:09 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Eleven Labs
Future Tools
Josh’s website
Subscribe to Josh on YouTube
Follow Josh on LinkedIn

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What sets apart the hobbyists from the pros on YouTube?

It’s all about consistency. Salma Jafri, a Video Marketing Coach, Consultant and Speaker, is a big believer in brand consistency on YouTube, and how it can help build a loyal following.

She joins The Visual Lounge to explain her process behind visual branding consistency and shares some top tips that she gives to fellow video creators. Salma also digs into how consistency looks different for everyone and why it’s not just about posting as much content as possible.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Intro
2:10 – How Salma first got involved with video
3:28 – How Salma defines success
6:23 – One tip Salma has for improving images or videos
8:06 – Salma’s playbook for consistency
14:10 – How to find the right consistency
15:17 – The importance of video structure in consistency
18:08 – The metrics Salma looks at most
21:58 – How to achieve consistency with visual branding
25:07 – Speed round
29:47 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

YouTube Playbook 2023: https://salmajafri.com/playbook
Connect with Salma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salmajafri/
Salma’s website: https://salmajafri.com
Salma’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/salmajafri
Follow Salma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/salmajafri

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What makes a successful video? The answer to that question is different for everyone. However there are some things that all creators more or less agree on.

For example, as this week’s guest says, if your video is packed with information, engaging to watch and super-enjoyable, you’ve done your job (no pressure!). If you need some extra tips to help you reach these goals, this episode has them all.

Kelly Rush, TechSmith’s very own Technical Product Manager, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge.

Kelly explains what we set out to improve, the latest features and one key reason why you should download the 2023 Camtasia update.

Plus, he shares his early career memories and a ton of tips for listeners.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:27 – Backstory on Kelly & Matt at TechSmith
2:06 – How Kelly first used video
3:38 – What makes a successful video?
5:27 – One tip for the audience
7:06 – What’s new on Camtasia?
9:12 – Camtasia’s home window
10:42 – Use of free and premium assets in Camtasia
14:07 – More highlights from the new Camtasia release
15:35 – Releasing dynamic backgrounds
17:24 – What is a Lottie file?
19:03 – Dynamic backgrounds (continued)
23:05 – Where/when to use dynamic backgrounds
25:52 – Other brand-new features
29:34 – Why should you download the update?
31:06 – Kelly’s Speed Round
37:21 – Kelly’s final take
37:47 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Kelly on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Kelly on YouTube

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Have you found yourself putting enormous time and effort into creating a video, only to end up dragging it straight to ‘trash’?

Feeling like your work’s not good enough is tough, which is why it’s so great to hear that you’re not alone. On this episode of The Visual Lounge, we’re delighted to welcome creative powerhouse, Eddie Grey.

Eddie is a Los Angeles-based musician, composer and video creator who has also collaborated with TechSmith. In this episode, he shares his journey – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Eddie talks about the art of starting badly and lessons he’s learned from mistakes made over the years. Plus, he shares actionable tips for using sound and music in videos, finding your own success and allowing time to level up.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
0:59 – Introducing Eddie
2:24 – How Eddie started with video
3:27 – Achieving video success
6:23 – A tip for video creators
8:10 – The videos Eddie is creating
9:31 – The art of starting badly
12:02 – Can your work be too bad to share?
13:50 – How Eddie made and still makes progress
18:58 – Finding the time to progress
21:01 – Using music and sound in videos
22:40 – Sourcing the right music for videos
24:23 – Common mistakes using music in videos
26:23 – Eddie’s Speed Round
30:11 – Final take
30:43 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Eddie’s TechSmith project
Subscribe to Eddie on YouTube
Follow Eddie on LinkedIn
Follow Eddie on Instagram
More places to find Eddie’s work

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Get ready to level up your content game as this week’s guest provides actionable tips to enhance your strategy with video.

Andrew DeBell, Senior Learning Content Strategist at Atlassian University, returns to The Visual Lounge for this episode.

He shares how he got started making video, explains why AI is not to be feared by content teams and shares advice on creating systems to prioritize and manage video production in your content strategy.

Plus, Andrew shares his one top tip for all video creators. Don’t miss it!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:25 – Let’s introduce Andrew DeBell!
2:13 – How Andrew began in video
5:23 – How to define success in video
7:20 – Andrew’s key tip for video production
9:33 – AI: Should we be fearful?
10:57 – What is Atlassian University?
12:03 – What content strategy means for Andrew
14:51 – Andrew’s content challenges
16:51 – Content decision-making
18:43 – Organizing and systemizing content
20:58 – Deciding what types of content to make
26:12 – Achieving content consistency
28:34 – Keeping up with changes and staying adaptable
37:58 – Andrew’s Speed Round
44:54 – Final take
45:49 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Andrew’s website: https://andrewdebell.com/
Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdebell/
Jam Campus: https://www.youtube.com/@JamCampus/featured

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Would your business benefit from creating learning simulation videos?

These step-by-step videos can help learners master their craft and reach their A-game.

But we know how it is…they seem too complicated or costly, or maybe they’re just low down your to-do list. However, this guest breaks it down perfectly so you can get started right away.

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, we are joined by Debbie Richards, Chief Technology Officer at Creative Interactive Ideas.

Debbie provides a masterclass in creating learning simulation videos, explains why storyboards are so crucial and reveals the top mistakes people make when getting started.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:13 – Introducing Debbie
2:44 – How Debbie got started in video
4:34 – Defining success in video
5:51 – Top tip for image and video in L&D
8:52 – Let’s define learning simulations
12:35 – Can creating simulations be expensive?
14:31 – Where to start
16:24 – Debbie’s storyboard process
18:08 – Next steps after planning
24:30 – Last steps before it’s finished
26:38 – Deciding what components to use
32:35 – Extra tips and advice
33:38 – Debbie’s speed round
37:24 – Final take and outro

Important links and mentions:

Creative Interactive Ideas website
Follow Debbie on LinkedIn
Follow Debbie on Twitter
Follow Debbie on Instagram

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Ready to create videos that stop the scroll and wow your audience?

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, TechSmith Learning & Video Ambassador, delivers a masterclass on how to level up your video content.

Matt provides tips to make your videos pop, such as maximizing the impact of text, bringing images to life and using music wisely.

Plus, he provides step-by-step techniques to polish your work and make it stand out from the crowd. Head to YouTube to watch the video version and see Matt’s demonstrations.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Intro
1:28 – Shoutout – send us reviews!
2:27 – Skip the jump cut
6:31 – Cut the boring stuff!
10:08 – Make text pop
14:28 – Bring still images to life
19:25 – Using music to enhance and emphasize
25:17 – Mastering color correction
31:56 – Keep things consistent!
38:26 – Recap time
39:19 – Final take and outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Matt on LinkedIn
Follow Matt on Twitter

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We’re covering something a little different this week on The Visual Lounge…

In this episode, we are joined by YouTube creator Nico Edward. Nico creates reaction videos on the channel WhatchaGot2Say where he has almost 300,000 subscribers.

Nico takes us through his YouTube journey, how he uses Camtasia to streamline his production and editing processes and explains how to create impactful reaction videos.

Tune in for this, plus plenty of chat about K-pop superstars BTS!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
2:57 – Nico’s first steps in video
5:28 – What makes a successful video
8:02 – One tip for video creators
10:31 – Defining reaction videos
11:59 – What makes people love reaction videos?
15:54 – Nico’s production process
18:54 – How much editing does Nico do?
22:54 – Making decisions for YouTube
25:45 – What surprised Nico about video
28:36 – Coping with workload
30:56 – Nico’s speed round
34:27 – Why Nico loves BTS!
39:15 – Final take (big up Camtasia!)
40:30 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Nico on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Nico on YouTube
Follow Nico on Twitter
Follow Nico on Instagram

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Video lets your personality shine through…and having an Australian accent no doubt helps too!

On this episode of The Visual Lounge, we are joined by Troy Hunt, Pluralsight Information Security Author & Instructor. Troy reveals all about how he got into creating videos, his scripting processes and why video is the perfect medium for him.

Plus, he shares how he became a tech pro, where he turns for inspiration and his experiences with Snagit.

Troy is also the founder of data breach aggregation service, Have I Been Pwned? Don’t miss this!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:01 – Introducing Troy
2:25 – Troy’s first use of video
3:28 – Defining success with video usage
6:07 – One tip for video creators
7:44 – Choosing what content to create
9:50 – Video creation – innate or practice?
12:20 – How Troy gets going when creating a course
14:03 – To script or not to script?
15:48 – How much Troy edits his content
19:16 – Troy’s video production process
21:34 – Secondary uses of video in Troy’s work
23:48 – Making technical videos understandable
25:46 – Troy’s advice for technical video creators
26:56 – How Troy uses Camtasia and Snagit – a story
29:18 – Troy’s speed round
35:03 – Troy’s final takes
35:21 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Troy’s website
Have I Been Pwned?
Report URI
Follow Troy on LinkedIn
Follow Troy on Twitter

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Want to build an academy for your educational video content?

This episode of The Visual Lounge features Jaclyn Anku, Director of Community and Education at Gusto, and Elliott Morin, Creative Director at 3Motion Creative and Creative Founder of Jettison Creative.

Jaclyn and Elliott explore their work together on Gusto Academy, how the project came about and why building an academy was the right move for them.

Plus, they share tips on asking your superiors to back academy projects, deciding what content to feature and why, even on a small budget, academies can be super effective.

A true masterclass in academy creation!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:28 – Introducing the guests
2:51 – Let’s introduce Gusto
3:34 – Customer education at Gusto
4:55 – What Jaclyn has done at Gusto
7:52 – Why they started an academy
10:13 – Deciding on what content to create for an academy
15:38 – How to get investment on an academy
19:36 – Structuring your content
22:09 – How Elliott meets Jaclyn’s requirements
24:37 – Presenting skills
31:37 – Impact of bringing a community together for video production
34:52 – Updating and adding to your academy content
37:20 – Gusto’s docuseries partnership
39:10 – Jaclyn and Elliott’s speed round
45:06 – Elliott’s final take
45:40 – Jaclyn’s final take
45:58 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Jaclyn on LinkedIn
Follow Elliott on LinkedIn
Gusto website
3Motion Creative website
Intellum documentary about the building of the Gusto Academy

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When done right, video learning can be so effective. But what does the research tell us we can improve?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Patti Shank, President of Learning Peaks, explains how instructional video creators can make their work easier to process.

Patti discusses how she got started in the industry, her articles on research around eLearning and tells us the one thing hindering instructional video creators in 2023.

Patti is a renowned researcher, speaker, author and workplace learning expert so you can rest assured, these opinions are backed by research!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:00 – Introducing Patti Shank
2:03 – How Patti got involved in video
4:45 – Success for instructional video
6:12 – One tip for working with video
10:48 - Patti’s eLearning Industry articles
12:59 - How the brain processes video vs other media
21:19 - Surprising research around video
27:02 - Using video effectively in learning
34:17 - The biggest mistakes instructional video makers make
37:18 – Speed round questions
42:49 – How to follow Patti
43:33 – Final take from Patti
44:18 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Patti on LinkedIn
Follow Patti on Twitter
Patti’s website
Patti’s piece on eLearning Industry

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Gaining the trust of your audience is a tough task. In fact, it’s much easier to lose it!

That’s why we invited Peter Hopwood, Global Speaking and TEDx Coach, to take us through his top tips on building trust, holding your audience and coming across like a pro on camera.

Peter runs his own business, Hopwood Story & Speaker Coaching, and also works in coaching, strategy and hosting roles for TEDx, Microsoft and the European Commission.

On the episode, Peter explores his route into the industry, how to connect with your audience (and how to know you’re doing so), plus the importance of how you look and sound.

Peter also serves up expert advice and his final take for anybody creating image and video content.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:18 – Introducing Peter
2:47 – Peter’s roots in the industry
6:31 – Defining success on camera
15:53 – Peter’s one tip for being on camera
21:10 – Why is trust so important on video?
28:20 – Defining the role of visual aids
34:01 – Stuff to avoid that break your audience’s trust!
43:54 - Peter’s Speed Round
49:05 – Final take
49:58 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Peter’s website: http://www.peter-hopwood.com/
Peter Hopwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhopwoodpublicspeaking?originalSubdomain=uk
Peter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HopwoodMedia
Peter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterhopwood/

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When you break educational content down to its fundamentals, it’s all about helping people to address a need or solve a problem. And that’s what informs all of Kevin Stratvert’s videos.

With almost 2 million subscribers on YouTube, Kevin teaches millions of students around the world every month across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms to help them master technology, achieve more at work, and succeed at school. He's been featured on CNBC, Fast Company, GeekWire, and Windows Central. He's an ex-Microsoft Product Manager and is now a full-time educational content creator.

Kevin joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share a look into his process, why his videos are about solving problems, and his tips for improving your own videos. We also hear about how he first got into video and how he defines success when it comes to creating content.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 - Introduction

1:48 - What led Kevin to start making videos

3:52 – How Kevin defines video success

7:40 - Kevin’s top tip to improve your videos

8:53 – Why Kevin decided to become a content creator

13:08 – Kevin’s process for creating videos

17:14 – The editing and recording process

20:28 - What other creators can learn from Kevin’s process

23:38 – How Kevin designs slides

26:37 – Video length and the impact on viewer retention

30:22 – Speed round questions

34:28 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstratvert/
Follow Kevin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevstrat
Follow Kevin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinstratvert/
Kevin Stratvert’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/kevinstratvert

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Hybrid work is about balancing meetings with getting your head down, while allowing yourself the odd break, all while contending with family life continuing around you (or maybe noisy neighbours!).

If that sounds familiar, this episode could help.

Amy Casciotti, Vice President of Human Resources, joins Matt Pierce, Learning & Video Ambassador at TechSmith, to delve into our Async First experiment from July last year.

The experiment helped us cut down meeting times and find new ways to communicate asynchronously.

Amy shares why TechSmith chose to run the experiment, how it worked and what she’d change next time.

Plus, she provides expert advice on using videos and images in the workplace.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:06 – Introducing our guest Amy Casciotti
2:08 – Replacing meetings with videos
3:48 – What makes for good asynchronous communication?
6:14 – One tip to improve your use or video/images at work
7:50 – TechSmith’s Async First white paper experiment
11:20 – Hesitations around the experiment
12:14 – Biggest takeaways from Async First
13:33 – Human approach at TechSmith
16:06 – Having more asynchronous communication
19:46 – How Async First affected team wellbeing
23:25 – What would Amy change if the experiment ran again?
25:38 – Other asynchronous meeting techniques/ideas
26:55 – Why TechSmith did the experiment
29:58 – Amy’s Speed Round answers
35:52 – Amy’s final take
36:21 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycasciotti/
Async First white paper: https://bit.ly/TVL-asyncfirst

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Old content can be a treasure trove of value, but you need to brush off the dust and repurpose and refresh it.

Sometimes that means turning in-person training into an online course or a series of videos, which can be a challenge if you’re brand new to video.

To chat more about this, Matt Tidwell, CEO of ThinkThru, joins The Visual Lounge. Matt’s company builds customer education programs, including videos and online courses. He shares his top tips on how to get started with video, how to improve your content, and the best ways to translate old content into different mediums for maximum results.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 - Intro
2:27 - How Matt first got started with images and video
4:27 - What makes a successful video
10:24 - Matt’s one tip to improve videos
11:25 – Matt explains more about his work
17:06 – How Matt helps clients get started with video
20:10 – The difficulties of going from in-person experiences to on-demand media
23:33 – What works best as a video vs. in-person experiences
30:13 – Advice for companies transitioning to digital learning experiences
34:19 – Speed round questions
39:20 – Matt’s final take
40:12 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

ThinkThru: https://www.thinkthru.co/
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmatttidwell/

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Whatever type of videos you are producing, the key to doing it successfully is to build effective processes you can rinse and repeat.

Whether it be how your equipment is set up, the way you edit, write, or record your videos, having repeatable processes in place can help you scale your videos at a sustainable pace.

This week’s guest on The Visual Lounge is Tim Slade, founder of The eLearning Designer’s Academy. He explores how using efficient processes has helped him in his work, plus he tells us how he got started in video creation and his tips and tricks for creating video courses.

Tim also explains how processes can help ease your burden when it comes to post-production and expresses how important it is to be natural and show off your personality on video.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:11 – Introducing Tim Slade
1:58 – The first video he made compared to now
4:50 – Defining success for a video course
6:16 – One tip for improving video content
7:42 – Tim introduces his project
10:39 – How to start planning for a big project
13:35 – To script or not to script?
16:10 – How Tim deals with heavy post-production tasks
18:38 – How he makes things simpler – reusing and repeating
23:56 – Advice for batch-producing videos
27:38 – Extra advice for repeatable, efficient video production processes
29:39 – Tim’s Speed Round questions
35:40 – Tim’s final take
36:36 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sladetim/
https://www.elearningacademy.io
https://www.timslade.com

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The video creation journey is different for everybody. But is there a secret sauce in that recipe for success?

Josh Cavalier, Learning Architect – Digital Technologies at American Tire Distributors and Mark Lassoff, Video Instructor and Founder at Dollar Design School, join this episode of The Visual Lounge to give us a sneak peek into what makes their work so great.

Josh and Mark explain how they got going in the world of educational video, discuss the power of AI and reveal some of the biggest video creation mistakes they’ve made!

Plus, they discuss why high-end technology isn’t the key to success, provide top takeaways for listeners and tell us what they believe is the secret sauce for great video content.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Intro
3:14 – The first video Josh and Mark ever made
6:33 – What should ALL video creators know?
12:23 – Video producers’ secret sauce
17:58– What’s changing the game in video?
32:11 – The Video Mastery Intensive
38:28 – Speed round questions
47:08 – Final takes and outro

Important links and mentions:

Josh’s website: joshcavalier.com
Mark’s website: dollardesignschool.com
Follow Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/
Follow Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklassoff/
The Video Mastery Intensive workshop: https://learningsolutionscon.com/program/pre-conference-activities/co-located-events/video-mastery-intensive/

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How do you know that your presentation has been successful?

It can be challenging to discern what “success” actually means when you make a presentation. But, in this episode of The Visual Lounge, our guest explains the formula he follows to smash it out the park every time.

Tommy Re, President of Vital Talent, joins the show to explain how presentations should inform, persuade and inspire, the importance of knowing and resonating with your audience and the key points from his brilliant book, ‘The Power of Presentation’.

Plus, Tommy reveals his interesting former career and provides unmissable advice on image and video creation and presentation.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:14 – Introducing Tommy Re
3:00 – How Tommy began using presentations
5:17 – Defining success
6:43 – A tip for visually improving presentations
9:03 – Why did Tommy write his book?
11:01 – Live presentations
13:19 – Inform, persuade and inspire
18:14 – Getting to know and resonate with your audience
22:28 – Switching up structures
25:23 – Transferring presentation skills to video
26:09 – What role should text play in presentations?
31:10– Extra advice from Tommy
34:08 – Speed round questions with Tommy
38:18 – Final take and outro

Important links and mentions:

Follow Tommy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-re-4277513/
Vital Talent website: www.talentisvital.com
Buy ‘The Power of Presentation: A Vital Guide to Delivering Compelling Business Presentations’: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Presentation-Delivering-Compelling-Presentations/dp/1642252522

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Sometimes the best thing you can do as an instructional designer is to step into your learners’ shoes. Whether you’re delivering content on compliance or something completely different, keep your learners in mind at all times.

That’s advice that’s served Cath Ellis well throughout her career. Cath is an eLearning Designer and Developer who creates powerful learning experiences for learners around the world.

Cath joins us on The Visual Lounge for a fantastic talk about her background as well as some insights into the types of projects she helps clients with. Cath shares some great takeaway pieces of advice and discusses how she approaches learning a new tool, her thoughts on AI, and why YouTube is a goldmine for educational content.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Intro
2:15 – How Cath got started with eLearning
5:28 – How to define success when creating learning content
8:30 – Cath’s top tip to improve using images or video
10:41 – Cath explains the types of eLearning projects she works on
14:40 – How Cath approaches a new learning project
21:54 – The process of learning a new tool
25:07 – ChatGPT writes a poem for Cath
28:58 – The top video tools in Cath’s toolbelt
31:28 – The biggest barriers to learning video tools
35:37 – Cath’s prediction for creating learning content in 2023 and beyond
41:02 – Speed round questions
47:32 – How to find out more about Cath’s work
48:42 – Cath’s final take on creating learning content
49:19 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

Cath Ellis’ website: https://www.cathellis.com/
Connect with Cath on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathmellis/
Follow Cath on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathellis

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Remote working can add extra challenges for employees. It may feel harder to collaborate on projects, difficult to build structure and put systems in place, and for some it can feel isolating at times.

So, in this episode, Emily Whitmer, Learning & Development Team Leader at Southwest Airlines, explains that when leaders in learning design manage remote teams, it can help their employees have the best possible work experience.

Emily provides tips on how to build a ‘remote ecosystem’, explains why psychological safety is so crucial in remote teams, and shares her views on asynchronous work.

Plus, she explores the similarities and differences between in-person and remote working and shares a ton of fantastic image and video tips that you simply can’t miss!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:38 – Introducing Emily Whitmer
2:25 – How she first became involved in remote work
4:39 – Defining success in remote team leadership
8:03 – One tip for image and video creators working remotely
10:11 – Sharing useful information
11:53 – Defining remote work
13:52 – The role of asynchronous work
15:44 – Psychological safety in remote work
25:10 – Emily’s favorite image and video tools
29:32 – What does video have over written text?
36:16 – The benefits of ‘water cooler’ chats in remote work
38:04 – Onboarding in a remote workspace
41:45 – Emily’s speed round questions!
47:19 – Emily’s final take

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Academy: Learn how to use and create better images and videos (for free): https://academy.techsmith.com/
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilywhitmer/

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Color is something we see everywhere, every second of every day. It’s something we never really question or think about too much.

But color choices are so important in any design or branding and play a huge part in how we communicate with audiences and customers.

Tracy Parish, Education Technology Specialist at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Toronto, Canada, joins Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning & Video Ambassador, on this episode of The Visual Lounge to discuss why color needs to be carefully considered in learning design.

Tracy shares a ton of valuable tips and tricks about what to keep in mind when picking color combinations, considering cultural meanings behind color and selecting tools that can make the job easier. Some truly eye-opening words from Tracy in this episode, so don’t miss it.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction

1:03 – Introducing Tracy

2:08 – How Tracy entered the world of design

4:00 – How to define success in design

5:15 – One tip to improve images/videos

8:37 – What’s the purpose of color in design?

9:50 – Using color to “beautify”?

10:57 – What to bear in mind when choosing colors

17:23 – How do we know if we’re using color correctly?

18:49 – Color to enhance learning

24:03 – Tap into your current environment

24:58 – Using color picker sites

27:10 – Making your design accessible

30:58 – Tool and resource suggestions from Tracy

36:14 – Cultural perceptions of color

39:15 – Pantone’s Color of the Year

41:59 – Tracy’s speed round!

46:18 – Final take

46:54 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Academy: Learn how to use and create better images and videos (for free): https://academy.techsmith.com
Stark accessibility checker: https://www.getstark.co/chrome
Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyparish/
Tracy’s website: tracyparish.ca

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This is a special episode of the Visual Lounge podcast featuring tips and ideas from a variety of team TechSmith about our products, including Camtasia, Snagit, and Audiate. We discuss topics such as asynchronous communication, connection over perfection, hotkeys, and editing out mistakes. There is also a special opportunity for a few folks - listen for Emmie Musser - who has an exceptional opportunity for the first 5 individuals to follow her instructions.

Find tips including:

Keep it up—asynchronous communication is associated with a 29% increase in workplace productivity.
Remember it's about connection, not perfection.
Set a bigger goal that matters to you, perhaps increasing the number of people you can reach with video or decreasing the number of meetings you need to attend.
Use Option-Z to zoom the canvas to 100% and Command-Zero to fit the video into the canvas.
Set up hotkeys with Snagit to save time.
Use the search in Audiate to find keywords and points in the video that need to be cut.
Make big motions with your hands when making mistakes to flag for yourself.
Use the pause button while recording in Snagit or Camtasia.
Use the Snagit blurring feature to show employees steps without sharing private information.

Wishing all of our listeners the best of the holidays and a wonderful 2023 so that you can level up and continue to make the most of all of your opportunities to use images and videos.

And a special shout out to all of the TechSmithies featured in this episode who answered the call to record themselves and share.

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Do you want to save time in the editing chair? Who wouldn’t?

A lot of our video editing time is spent tidying things up. Getting rid of “ums,” “ahs,” and little pauses can feel tedious and time-consuming.

But there is a better way – using Audiate. Rather than editing with waveforms in Camtasia, you can use Audiate’s handy text-based editor to clean up your videos much faster.

In fact, we recently put Audiate to the test and found that it could save up to 40% extra time while editing!

Hear all about it in this episode of The Visual Lounge. From our brand new studio, Matt Pierce speaks with Joe Dearman, Sr. User Experience Designer, and Erin Cloutier, User Experience Researcher at TechSmith. We take a closer look at our research, how we tested Audiate, and we also get a practical demo of Audiate at work.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:53 – What is Audiate?
2:36 – Erin explains what a UX researcher is
3:22 – A little background on the research we did
6:33 – How our participants saw a 20-40% time saving while editing with Audiate
8:47 – Building a successful workflow between Camtasia and Audiate
12:53 – How Camtasia and Audiate’s integration makes editing faster
13:51 – How to tweak your workflow to save time
15:17 – What differences the research participants saw when they tested Audiate
17:44 – A demo of the Camtasia-Audiate integration. (Watch the demo on YouTube)
18:58 – How to edit your video faster with text
23:44 – How much time you can save editing a long webinar
27:06 – Speed round questions
32:54 - Outro

Important links and mentions:

Learn more about Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html
Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html
Connect with Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-cloutier-msuxd-6571a5a1/
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedearman/

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Everything needs a refresh eventually…and that includes e-Learning!

Jonathan Hill, Head of E-Learning at Entain, believes it’s personality and humor that e-Learning often lacks. But why is it so important?

Jonathan joins Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning & Video Ambassador, in this episode of The Visual Lounge to discuss challenging traditional workplace learning.

He explains the benefits of adding humor to your educational content, what defines success in L&D for him and provides a ton of expert advice for anybody creating educational video content. A true must-listen!

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – Introduction
1:05 – Introducing Jonathan Hill
2:28 – How he started using video
6:05 – What success in workplace learning means to Jonathan
8:59 – One tip to improve using video for workplace learning
10:34 – TechSmith Academy ad break
11:42 – Defining workplace learning
15:00 – How to create a good workplace learning culture
20:57 – The role of multimedia in workplace learning
23:55 – Introducing non-L&D experts to workplace learning
28:47 – Using humor in workplace learning
32:57 – How to convince leaders to allow you to use humor
40:04 – Jonathan’s favorite dad joke
41:13 – Speed round questions
46:33 – Final take!
47:18 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Academy: Learn how to use and create better images and videos (for free): https://academy.techsmith.com
Follow/connect with Jonathan Hill on LinkedIn
Follow Jonathan on Twitter

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If you want your learning content to have the best possible impact on your audience, there’s only one thing for it...you need a solid strategy in place!

Whether your go-to learning method includes videos, images, or something else entirely, starting out with a strategy is the best way to ensure you’re choosing the right medium to deliver training.

Treion Muller, CEO and Founder of The Modern Learning Architect, is on The Visual Lounge to share his strategy secrets and frameworks for delivering the best learning content.

He explores the power of video, why your content should be problem-led, not solution-led, and how to measure success and tie metrics to wider business goals.

Learning points from the episode include:

00:00 Intro
00:59 Matt introduces Treion Muller
02:48 How Treion got started using images in videos
04:25 Defining success for learning content
06:26 Why less descriptive text is more on slides
09:00 What does a Chief Learning Architect do?
18:35 Innovation in the L&D space
20:14 Criteria for the modality of a piece of learning
26:16 Ask the right questions when creating your content
32:01 Treion’s C.A.R.E.S framework
35:01 Speed round questions
40:26 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Treion on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treionmuller/
The Modern Learning Architect: https://modernlearningarchitect.com/
The C.A.R.E.S. framework: https://blog.elblearning.com/who-c.a.r.e.s.-how-learning-got-its-bad-rap-what-we-can-do-about-it

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It happens to the best of the best, even those people who have been making videos for years. A creative slump can feel impossible to get out of sometimes.

You might lack inspiration or motivation, or self-doubt might have crept in, making any creative work an uphill battle. If that sounds familiar, then this episode of The Visual Lounge is for you.

Host Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning & Video Ambassador, explores what it means to be in a creative slump, how you can kickstart your motivation again, and why perfectionism is the enemy of progress. He explains why taking baby steps is the best way to escape a creative funk because, from there on, you can only progress more and more.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – 1:09 Introduction
1:09 – 2:46 Why the creative slump is so common
2:46 – 5:31 Why it’s so important to reduce barriers in your creative process
5:31 – 15:21 Top tips for getting out of a creative slump from video experts
15:21 – 18:16 How to avoid perfectionism
18:16 – 20:12 Why you should aim to make small improvements before big changes
20:12 – 22:16 How to spark ideas with the power of Google Docs
22:16 – 23:09 How to kickstart inspiration
23:10 – 25:05 The power of positive psychology
25:05 – 27:54 Why the best way to get out of a slump is to start (anything)
27:54 – 28:44 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

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Worried about “ruining” your tutorial videos? We’ve got you covered in this episode of The Visual Lounge!

We have an awesome panel of experts, including Andrew DeBell, Senior Learning Experience Strategist at Atlassian, Cara North, Founder & Chief Learning Consultant at The Learning Camel, and Instructional Designer Lead at TechSmith, Chandra Owen.

Andrew, Cara, and Chandra join forces to break down their top pet peeves for instructional videos and their best tips for avoiding them while improving the effectiveness of your visual content. We cover the best use cases for video, why pre-work is an essential step, common visual/audio mistakes, and why feedback is key.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – 3:27 Intro
3:27 – 7:43 The best use cases for video
7:43 – 11:00 Tips for improving images or videos
11:00 – 11:51 Mid roll
11:51 – 14:42 Pet peeves that ruin an otherwise good video
14:42 – 20:48 Small things that can hold a video back
20:48 – 25:22 How important audio is to a video
25:22 – 29:55 Should you use music in tutorial videos?
29:55 – 33:27 Should you use picture-in-picture in your videos?
33:27 – 38:28 The common mistakes Andrew, Cara, and Chandra are still working on
38:28 – 43:19 Speed round
43:19 – 45:19 Final takes on how to avoid ruining a good video
45:19 – 46:16 Outro

Important links and mentions:

Connect with Andrew DeBell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdebell/
Connect with Cara North on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caranorth11/
Connect with Chandra Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandraowen

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Instructional design is not easy and, for that reason, getting feedback is essential. Making sure you’re on the right path and proving the efficacy of your work is so important in working towards a successful career.

Ask fellow professionals, follow your customers and watch them use what you create. Gauging people’s opinions on what you build can sure be uncomfortable, but it’s worth it in the end.

That’s the opinion of Julie Dirksen, Learning Strategy Consultant at Usable Learning, who joins Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, on this episode of The Visual Lounge.

Julie explains how she got into the instructional design game, how she defines success in the industry and reveals what trips folks up when they first enter instructional design.

Plus, she takes a deep dive into her book and tells us what resources inspire her.

Learning points from the episode include:

0:00 – 2:43 – Introduction

2:43 – 5:33 – How Julie got started in instructional design

5:33 – 9:35 – Defining success in learning design

9:35 – 17:00 – One tip for image and video in learning design

17:00 – 17:56 – Ad break

17:56 – 21:06 – Julie explains her book

21:06 – 25:01 – What trips people up in learning design?

25:01 – 32:01 – Simple vs cursive fonts and keeping learning design clear

32:01 – 35:17 – What learning design pros need to improve on

35:17 – 39:25 – The resistance to practice design

39:25 – 45:56 – Learning styles – not a thing?

45:56 – 50:34 – Where Julie turns for self-development

50:34 – 55:45 – Julie’s speed round

55:45 – 56:39 – Final take

56:39 – 57:26 – Outro

Important links and mentions:

TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com
Book by Clark Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Millennials-Goldfish-Other-Training-Misconceptions/dp/1947308378
Julie’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Design-People-Learn-Voices-Matter/dp/0134211286
Usable Learning: https://usablelearning.com/
What Viewers Want: 2021 Video Viewer Study Deep Dive: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/what-viewers-want-2021

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How effective are your videos? There’s only one way to find out – by digging into the numbers. Video metrics can tell you if your video is effective, reaching the right people, and performing how you want. That way, you’re not left guessing if your video strategy is on the right track. Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, talks us through the importance of different metrics and how you can gather this all-important data. As you look at video metrics and data, you'll notice that each platform has its own way of displaying them, and this episode of The Visual Lounge will look at both YouTube and Wistia's analytics. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 Introduction 1:08 – How Matt got started with video metrics 1:50 – How to define success with video metrics 3:47 – Matt’s one tip for improving your images and videos 5:44 – Midroll 6:45 – An introduction to YouTube metrics 8:14 – Why Views is one of the most important metrics 10:22 – Why you need to look at Watch Time 11:40 – What View Duration tells us about the content 13:06 – Pay attention to Retention rates 18:33 – What Reach, Impressions and Clickthrough rates tell us about audience behavior 22:50 – Other metrics that are useful to check out 24:09 – How to use metrics on Wistia 28:39 – How Wistia’s Heat Maps reveal more about viewers 30:05 – How to look at analytics on different platforms 32:20 – Speed round 36:30 – Final take on video metrics

Important links and mentions: TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com/ (https://academy.techsmith.com)

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Drumroll…Snagit 2023 is here! And with it comes a host of intuitive new features and some new and improved fan favorites. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce sits down with Paul Donahue, Senior Technical Product Manager, and Emmie Musser, Senior Portfolio Marketing Manager at TechSmith, to get the latest. Emmie and Paul take us behind the scenes of Snagit 2023 to share details of the new release, their top features, and how Snagit helps you perfect workplace communication with images and videos. Tune in to see what’s new or download Snagit 2023 today. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 - Introduction 2:43 – How Emmie and Paul first got started with Snagit 5:09 – What workplace communication should look like 6:11 – One tip to improve your use of images or video in the workplace 8:35 – Ad break 9:56 – New features to expect in Snagit 2023 11:56 – What the Snagit development team wanted to achieve this time round 16:09 – Paul explains how Screen Draw works 21:12 – Use cases for Screen Draw 23:38 – A simpler option for sharing videos with your team 25:34 – What a new and improved Screencast looks like 29:38 – How Screencast makes collaboration easier 30:46 – How you can use Screencast for free as a Snagit user 32:16 – Paul explains how your data is safe in Snagit 2023 33:44 – The features Paul and Emmie are most excited about 35:42 – Overlooked Snagit features 38:20 – Features that Paul’s most proud of working on 39:57 – How Snagit can help improve workplace communication 41:43 – Speed round questions 47:53 – Paul and Emmie’s final take on Snagit 2023 48:54 - Outro

Important links and mentions: Download Snagit: https://techsmith.com/download/snagit (techsmith.com/download/snagit) Learn more about Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html) TechSmith Screencast: https://www.screencast.com/ (https://www.screencast.com/)

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Before you start creating video content, there are a few things you need to know. Whether you are starting at the beginning, or have plenty of experience behind you, this is a must-listen for anybody creating educational video content. TechSmith’s Learning & Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, is joined by Tiffany Taylor, Director, EDU Success & Education at Handshake, on this edition of The Visual Lounge. She shares what led her to create video, how she defines success and why keeping things simple and small is key. Plus, Tiffany shares her definitive 6 R’s to consider before creating video content. Learning points from the episode include: 1:18 – Introducing Tiffany Taylor 2:26 – How did Tiffany start using video? 4:57 – Defining a successful video 7:25 – Make sure video is the right medium for your content 10:27 – Introducing Tiffany’s 6 principles for video content 11:08 – Reiterating your design formula 13:47 – The beauty of pausing videos 17:51 – Why repetition is key 20:33 – Keeping things simple and small 23:14 – Are organizations nervous about choice? 25:20 – Audience trust and change based on feedback 31:36 – Diversity of Learning and Accessibility 34:23 – Why collaborate on content? 39:01 – Tiffany’s Speed Round 43:16 – Tiffany’s final takeaway for the audience

Important links and mentions: Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-taylor-learner/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-taylor-learner/) Handshake: https://joinhandshake.com/ (https://joinhandshake.com/) Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html) Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html) TechSmith Academy: https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html (https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html)

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Thumbnails and titles are the bait that reels viewers into YouTube content. Not only are they great for SEO, but they also define your brand and catch the audience’s eye. But what makes a good YouTube thumbnail? And how do you write a great title? In this week’s episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning & Video Ambassador, is joined by Paul Wilson, freelance e-Learning designer and Adobe Captivate Teacher. Paul explains how he creates videos and shares his top tips for creating thumbnails and titles that grab attention and get results. Learning points from the episode include: 0:53 – Introducing Paul Wilson 2:25 – How Paul got started using screen videos 4:50 – How does Paul define success? 7:29 – One tip for using videos 10:03 – Paul’s introduction to screencasting tutorials 12:15 – Interval vs. external videos 14:11 – What Paul’s video creation process looks like 17:00 – Function vs. appearance 20:31 – Paul on consistency and templatization 23:49 – Mastering video titles 26:48 – What makes a good YouTube thumbnail? 34:31 – Speed round questions 39:00 – Final take!

Important links and mentions: TechSmith Academy: Learn how to use and create better images and videos (for free): https://academy.techsmith.com/ (https://academy.techsmith.com) Subscribe to Paul’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CaptivateTeacher (https://www.youtube.com/c/CaptivateTeacher) Follow Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/captivateteachr (https://twitter.com/captivateteachr) Follow/connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/captivateteacher/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/captivateteacher/)

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What makes a great video script? Whether you’re brand new to scripting or want to brush up on the best practices, there’s so much to unpack from this episode of The Visual Lounge. TechSmith’s Content Marketing Specialist, Ryan Knott, joins the show to share his advice on best practices, what to do vs. avoid, how to nail your tone, and so much more. If you’ve never scripted a video before, it’s easy to overthink it. The good news is that simpler is usually better, and Ryan has plenty of actionable tips to share in this episode to help you get started. Learning points from the episode include: 01:18 How Ryan got started using scripts for video 02:45 What does a successful script look like? 04:18 Ryan’s tip for using images and video 05:57 Why writing a script can be useful 07:29 What are the essential elements of a script? 08:20 Tips for using visual cues 11:35 Finding the right tone for your script 14:24 Considering language and word choices 18:00 Why you should read your script out loud 20:26 What makes a good script writer? 22:23 Let the content on screen speak for itself 24:15 Consider accessibility 27:06 Ryan’s final piece of advice for writing a script 29:07 Find out more about Ryan

Important links and mentions: Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html TechSmith Academy: https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html

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Successful presentations require planning and focus…and one specific part of your presentation that needs a great deal of both is visuals. Visuals play a significant part in how presentations come across and so it’s important to remember a few things. In this week’s episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, Learning & Video Ambassador, explores how to use effective visuals to enhance presentations. He explains how they should grab the audience’s attention but not distract them from what you’re talking about. It’s all about letting the audience hear what you say while giving them something visual to connect to. Learning points from the episode include: 00:55 – How Matt first got involved in using more visuals in presentations 02:16 - How to define success for visuals in a presentation 04:24 – Matt’s one tip to help you improve using images 07:59 – Different options for visuals in presentations 08:31 – Why visuals are so important 10:42 – Why you should try to eliminate as much text as possible from the slides 15:35 - Use Contrast. Repetition. Alignment. Proximity. (C.R.A.P.) 19:39 - Do your elements and visuals go together? 20:56 - Make something memorable 22:07 – How to use anchoring to tie visuals with ideas 23:51 - How to use dual encoding 24:54 – Think about the unexpected and use that to draw attention 26:52 – When to turn off your slides when making a point or when you want focused attention 27:17 - Where to find great images for slides and presentations

Important links and mentions: TechSmith Academy: Learn how to use and create better images and videos (for free): https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3VEMDVmWG95YVlBMzNQWGVuOTh1aFYzZXNjQXxBQ3Jtc0ttbFpEanFJUjhXQnpRd2diMElkQ1NnVW9EMFBXTm1MRlVWLUZ6dl8wbkUtcWlvRnVvN1dkVmQwQjF3OUpMNDI1VWx3c2FXSU1XZXpBWWt2emhNc0RjQzd2MHZmemRVZ0MzR0dlWlJBdE5nRy1hY0lISQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Facademy.techsmith.com%2F&v=y0f1qHGapUk (https://academy.techsmith.com) Article about presentation design: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUkyZzFoR09JVGs3SWJNYzZwZ1BrT3JIcGhNd3xBQ3Jtc0trS3VQWmFudHRMZFBKNkpDajhSYXgzMm52cjd3X2I2LV9ZQVRRQWJkQ3JhZ2hyTm4xRmd0OU96cVhIYXktNlZEWnBybmJkczRkdWdTOTVCM0tWZTNVNUFOWDAyZWcxc3M5STA5dmwwekthNndqUEhBdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F%40dannysmith%2Fgood-slide-design-a95a44c3abc2&v=y0f1qHGapUk (https://medium.com/@dannysmith/good-s...) Article about anchoring https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkxmSG9wQ3p2VGZWQmJONEEyazI1TWotREc4Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuYmFmWldPN1lzNmZ2Z25kcUFhXzVmNXdldjNsXzR2MXZyZURVN3dDaDhZSDB2Nm8yRHNKcEM5b0pXdmR2SHV0MTRQam82d1VpZldCS2ZvcFJad2tKeDR3WDg3b1VnRHVtTnIwenJWZTY0Yk1UUDdZRQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nlpu.com%2FArticles%2Fartic28.htm&v=y0f1qHGapUk (http://www.nlpu.com/Articles/artic28.htm) Made to Stick Book: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFByekVtMTBydWpfSURhTVB5X21fT0ZnUkRqUXxBQ3Jtc0tuc2plV3JZWEpYbVZCU3M4VDFUWVhuVnBRMjlxT1FnbGZhU0NrVm1TclE5X2pHUVB0MU41VkNYY1FISVI4Y1h0blBQdGdzQU12ei04SnhqLUlwTWhpa01JanVKOFZ4RlRMUUpWcno3bHBBQUN3T0hwcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fheathbrothers.com%2Fbooks%2Fmade-to-stick%2F&v=y0f1qHGapUk (https://heathbrothers.com/books/made-...) TechSmith Assets: https://library.techsmith.com/ (https://library.techsmith.com) - with one subscription, you can access a whole library of stock images, music, sound effects, video clips, and more

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We've had a great break, but we're coming back soon with new shows, new guests, and some new ideas and approaches. This episode is a short one to give you some of those details. Some of the changes you can expect in future episodes include some new formats to the interviews, slightly shorter shows (in most cases), and a variety of other small tweaks to hopefully make watching & listening to the show even better. To watch the full video, go to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gMwWX9Ffc7o

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Register for the Level Up Event by TechSmith here: https://bit.ly/3PIKjuO (https://bit.ly/3PIKjuO ) Looking to Level Up your video creation game? We have the event for you! Come hear more amazing speakers like Adam Avermascu, Tiffany Taylor, Dee Kapila, Matt Pierce, and more! Whether you’re making product demos, software marketing videos, explainer videos, onboarding videos, tutorials, or other screen recordings, this event will help you create more engaging content faster. At TechSmith, we’ve been helping our customers with various explainer and screen recording videos for over 30 years. Everyone seems to need this content, and we want to share our knowledge with you! Register for the Level Up event here: https://bit.ly/3PIKjuO (https://bit.ly/3PIKjuO ) Also, don't forget to check out and subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/thevisuallounge (https://www.youtube.com/c/thevisuallounge )

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Creating your first video can be a daunting experience, and this week’s guest has to do it in front of the entire The Visual Lounge audience! In this week’s episode, we’re joined by return guest Kassy LaBorie, Founder and Principal Consultant at Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC., as she navigates the ins and outs of creating her own video. Matt takes her through some editing basics, such as cutting, adding all sorts of media to her finished video, and even how to pick some accompanying music. Kassy is the Original Virtual Training Hero, and she’s on a mission to transform the virtual learning space into a more interactive, interesting, and engaging one. She specializes in developing trainers to be engaging and effective when facilitating programs in platforms such as Zoom, WebEx, Adobe Connect, and others. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 – 03:26 Intro 03:27 – 10:47 Preparing and scripting your video 10:48 – 12:06 Matt and Kassy discuss editing issues 12:07 – 18:40 Adding your assets to Camtasia 18:41 – 19:53 What’s the right size for your video 19:54 – 29:02 Cutting your video 29:03 – 34:10 Cutting your audio with Audiate 34:11 – 43:49 Adding assets to your video 43:50 – 46:27 Adding themes and your brand colors 46:28 – 47:46 Matt explains Z-order 47:47 – 53:30 Using Screen recordings in your video 53:31 – 55:00 Fine-tuning the B-roll 55:01 – 59:43 Adding music to your video 59:44 – 01:02:59 Adding animations 01:03:00 – 01:05:05 Tweaking final details and exporting the video file 01:05:06 – 01:11:30 Matt’s final pieces of advice 01:11:31 – 01:15:19 Outro

Important links and mentions: Kassy LaBorie Consulting: https://kassyconsulting.com/ (https://kassyconsulting.com/) Connect with Kassy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/) Learn more about Content 10x: https://www.content10x.com/ (https://www.content10x.com/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/ (TechSmith Academy). To watch the full video, go to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kpA2WuWoeRM

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Looking to take your video and image content to the next level? Well, you’re in the right place! Matt Pierce, Learning and Video Ambassador at TechSmith, is joined by eight industry experts on this episode of The Visual Lounge. From embracing video imperfections to keeping things consistent and double-checking image attributions, these guests have a lot of helpful advice to offer. Joining this episode are: Andy Owen, Social Engagement and Video Manager at TechSmith Tricia Ransom, Senior Learning Experience Designer at TaskUs Jason Valade, Instructional Designer/ATD Master Trainer – Customer Education at TechSmith Joseph Suarez, Independent Learning Experience Designer at Suarez Media Production Tracy Parish, Education Technology Specialist at Southlake Regional Health Centre Mike Taylor, Learning Consultant, Nationwide Leslie Chamberlain, Senior Director of CX at CareerPlug Dave Derington, Director of Customer Education at ServiceRocket

Hear eight invaluable tips to take with you on your video and image creation journey – whatever stage you’re at. Listen to the full episode now and head to the TechSmith Academy website for more. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 – 1:48 – Intro 1:48 – 7:30 – Andy Owen’s tip 7:30 – 12:52 – Tricia Ransom’s tip 12:52 – 18:32 – Jason Valade’s tip 18:32 – 27:27 – Joseph Suarez’s tip and Tricia’s thoughts on consistency 27:27 – 32:23 – Tracy Parish’s tip 32:23 – 38:01 – Mike Taylor’s tip 38:01 – 44:38 – Leslie Chamberlain’s tip 44:38 – 56:31 – Dave Derington’s tip 56:31 – 57:34 – Outro

Important links and mentions: TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com/ (https://academy.techsmith.com/) Andy Owen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/) Tricia Ransom on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TriciaRansom (https://twitter.com/TriciaRansom) Tricia Ransom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciaransom/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciaransom/) Jason Valade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvalade/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvalade/) Joseph Suarez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joseph_Suarez (https://twitter.com/Joseph_Suarez) Joseph Suarez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephsuarez/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephsuarez/) Tracy Parish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tracy_Parish (https://twitter.com/Tracy_Parish) Tracy Parish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyparish/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyparish/) Tracy’s Creative Common and media resources: https://e-learning.zeef.com/tracy.parish#block_18269_images (https://e-learning.zeef.com/tracy.parish#block_18269_images) Mike Taylor on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiket (https://twitter.com/tmiket) Mike Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketaylor/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketaylor/) Leslie Chamberlain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-chamberlain-a3475121/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-chamberlain-a3475121/) CareerPlug: https://www.careerplug.com/ (https://www.careerplug.com/) Dave Derington on Twitter: https://twitter.com/davederington (https://twitter.com/davederington) Dave Derington on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derington/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derington/) Dave Derington’sServiceRocket programme: https://www.servicerocket.com/dave-derington (https://www.servicerocket.com/dave-derington)

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Mistakes – everyone makes them, but most of the time we try to hide them. What should we be doing instead? Acknowledging that we’re not perfect while looking for ways ‘level up’ in every single video we make. That’s why in this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce, Learning & Video Ambassador, explores the six top mistakes he still makes in his videos. Matt doesn’t just point out the blunders, he also gives clear and precise steps on how to tackle them. So, if you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over in your videos, you’re in pretty good company. In Matt’s view, perfection is a tough goal to meet, but taking a proactive approach to get better at video creation is the way forward. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 00:19 Intro 00:20 - 02:08 Why we’re going to be discussing common video mistakes 02:09 - 04:51 The importance of leaving breathing room when making videos 04:52 - 07:24 How to solve the issue of leaving breathing room in videos 07:25 - 15:55 Why you should map out your video content beforehand 15:56 - 17:42 The importance of being intentional about editing 17:43 - 19:24 Why people make the mistake of not being aggressive during the editing process 19:25 - 20:56 Things to consider when editing 20:57 - 26:26 Why you should dial it down on the transitions 26:27 - 31:24 The importance of watching your videos before rendering it 31:25 - 40:39 Why analyzing your video afterward is necessary 40:40 - 42:23 Matt gives a recap of the 6 common mistakes he tends to make in video creation 42:24 - 42:42 Outro

Important links and mentions: Download Camtasia 2022: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia-upgrade.html (https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia-upgrade.html) Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=videomistakes (TechSmith Academy)

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Getting started with video creation? Then one of the most basic things you need to master is how to choose the right types of videos and images to get your message across. With that in mind, Matt Pierce, Learning and Video Ambassador at TechSmith, talks about the ABCs of making videos in this episode of The Visual Lounge. As he tells us, video creation isn’t as hard as some people make it out to be. But there are some key decisions that can either make or break the final product. Learn the secret formula for a great video structure, as well as what kind of videos or images to use in different scenarios in the full episode. Learning points from the episode include: 02:55 - 05:08 Matt shares a few things to keep in mind as you start creating videos 05:09 - 07:03 Why the purpose of your video is important 07:04 - 09:15 How to think about the structure of your videos 09:16 - 14:59 The basic parts of a video 15:00 - 18:49 Matt talks about video structure in terms of a bigger framework 19:50 - 22:21 How to budget the time you spend on different aspects of your video 22:22 - 22:56 Picking the right visuals 22:57 - 27:56 What equipment do you need to make videos 27:57 - 24:21 Goals vs Outcomes when creating videos 24:22 - 26:09 Choosing the right images and/or videos for an information share out 26:10 - 32:13 Choosing the right images and/or videos for repeated questions 32:14 - 39:35 Things to consider as you go through repeated questions 39:36 - 45:39 Choosing the right images and/or videos for training 45:40 - 49:47 Choosing the right images and/or videos for feedback 49:48 - 55:55 Matt’s tips for anyone starting out 55:56 - 57:22 Conclusion 57:23 - 57:47 Outro

Learn more about the https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html (TechSmith Academy).

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Camtasia 2022 unlocks even more great features and capabilities than ever before. Joe Dearman, User Experience, and Brooks Andrus, Product Technical Manager at TechSmith, hopped on to this episode of The Visual Lounge to share their favorite features, what to expect from Camtasia 2022, how its “epic cursors” work, and much more. Joe and Brooks take us behind the scenes of Camtasia’s development and how this new iteration aims to help video creators level up their content. Find out what new features to expect and see some sneak peek demos in the full episode. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 – 4:06 Intro 4:07 – 5:39 The elevator pitch for Camtasia 2022 5:40 – 7:46 The path from idea to delivery 7:47 – 10:59 What’s new with cursors in Camtasia 2022 11:00 – 14:39 Why the TechSmith team decided to focus on cursors 14:40 – 19:37 Why cursors are the new “lead actor” of videos 19:37 – 21:10 How to avoid overdoing it with cursor sizes 21:11 – 22:45 Camtastia demo time 22:46 – 27:20 Building a new central location in Camtasia 27:20 – 35:08 Camtasia’s new templates and assets 35:09 – 40:06 The stars of the new library and what was most fun to develop 40:07 – 46:06 How to use Audiate within Camtasia to edit audio with text 46:06 – 48:08 Brooks' and Joe’s top Camtasia features 48:08 – 50:47 What it’s been like working in the TechSmith development team 50:47 – 58:22 Speed round 58:22 – 59:22 Outro

Important links and mentions: Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html) What’s New in Camtasia 2022: https://www.techsmith.com/learn/tutorials/camtasia/whats-new-camtasia/ (https://www.techsmith.com/learn/tutorials/camtasia/whats-new-camtasia/) Upgrade to Camtasia 2022: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia-upgrade.html (https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia-upgrade.html)

Learn more about the https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html (TechSmith Academy).

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Introducing video content to your arsenal is not an easy task. It’s a gradual procedure, and mistakes will certainly be made along the way. But that’s OK. In this episode, master virtual trainer Kassy LaBorie joins Matt Pierce on The Visual Lounge for a step-by-step tutorial on how to create her first video for her business. From the early planning stages to nailing your script (or deciding whether you need one), Matt and Kassy discuss how to navigate the basics when stepping into the world of video. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 – 01:10 – Intro 01:10 – 01:51 – Matt introduces Kassy 01:51 – 02:47 – Matt introduces the premise of the episode 02:48 – 04:29 – Why Kassy wants to make a video 04:29 – 05:31 – Matt and Kassy discuss advantages of video content 05:31 – 08:44 – Kassy explains her ideas for her first video 08:44 – 12:48 – Pinpointing an ideal outcome for the video 12:50 – 15:53 – Choosing how to host a video 15:54 – 20:39 – Measuring whether a video is serving its purpose 20:41 – 24:32 – Forming a message to connect with the target audience 30:53 – 37:51 – How to formulate a scripting plan 38:23 – 48:56 – Building on from engaging introductions 49:06 – 57:11 – Kassy asks Matt final questions and next steps 57:12 – 58:46 – Outro

Important links and mentions: Kassy’s website: https://kassyconsulting.com/ Connect with Kassy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ TechSmith Academy Scripting Course: https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-of-writing-using-scripts

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com (TechSmith Academy).

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Video creation skills aren’t “built in a day.” Like everything else worth learning, it's a gradual process that you’ve got to embrace every step of the way. To share the story behind his stellar video creation skills, Jeff Batt, Learning & Development Specialist and Founder of Learning Dojo, joins The Visual Lounge. He takes us back in time to where it all started to talk about his humble beginnings in video creation. Jeff also explains his production process and shares some insightful advice for anyone looking to up their video-making skills. Jeff has a wealth of experience ranging 10+ years in the digital learning and media industry. He also has a strong background in web development and is a regular conference speaker covering eLearning technologies such as Captivate and Camtasia. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 00:39 Intro 00:40 - 01:46 Matt tells us a bit about Jeff 01:47 - 03:27 Jeff shares additional insights about himself 03:28 - 05:28 How Jeff got his start in video making 05:29 - 08:24 Jeff’s evolution as a video creator 08:25 - 10:28 Challenges Jeff first encountered when developing his video skills 10:29 - 15:00 Jeff talks us through his gear setup 15:01 - 17:29 The equipment you should get if you’re just starting out 17:30 - 21:35 Common mistakes beginners should avoid 21:36 - 29:24 Jeff’s video and learning content creation process 29:25 - 31:46 Agile vs Waterfall methodologies 31:47 - 40:13 How Jeff plans out multiple pieces of content as opposed to one video 40:14 - 42:10 What interface Jeff uses on his Rode Procaster 42:11 - 43:44 Where to find Jeff online and on social media 43:45 - 52:39 Matt’s speed round questions 52:40 - 53:27 Outro

Important links and mentions: Learning Dojo: https://learningdojo.ninja/ (https://learningdojo.ninja/) Learning Dojo’s YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearningDojo (https://www.youtube.com/c/LearningDojo) Jeff’s Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jeffbattlxd (https://mobile.twitter.com/jeffbattlxd) TechSmith’s Video Gear Wish List: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-gear-wish-list/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-gear-wish-list/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= how-i-improved-my-videos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/?p=210313 (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-i-improved-my-videos/)

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Whether you’re an L&D professional, video creator, or a software developer, your industry has probably been bitten by the hybrid work bug in one way or the other. This isn’t a challenge we can master overnight, but all it takes is the right information to get you moving in the right direction. Michelle Massey, VP of Community Outreach and Customer Operations at TechSmith, joins Matt on this episode to share some practical steps and advice that make for a more wholesome hybrid work environment. She talks about organizational culture and how it affects the hybrid work setup and also doles out a few tips on how to communicate better in a hybrid work environment. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 00:49 Intro 00:50 - 01:34 Matt introduces Michelle 01:35 - 02:56 Michelle shares some insights about herself 02:57 - 05:27 Why the topic is vital for everyone regardless of industry 05:28 - 07:13 A practical example of how to communicate in a hybrid environment 07:14 - 14:57 What role does organizational culture play in establishing hybrid work environments 14:58 - 19:04 How to manage communication in a hybrid work environment 19:05 - 21:17 What is hybrid work 21:18 - 28:28 Tips to enhance better hybrid communication 28:29 - 37:30 How to be resilient as work conditions evolve 37:31 - 45:28 How Michelle’s communication approach has changed since she started using Snagit and Camtasia 45:29 - 53:08 Speed round questions 53:09 - 53:38 Outro

Important links and mentions: Reach out to Michelle: m.massey@techsmith.com Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massey-32970b4/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-massey-32970b4/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=effective-hybrid-workplace (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/?p=209941 (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/effective-hybrid-workplace/)

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Microphones, lights, and cameras —the trifecta of good video creation. But this time, we’re focusing on lighting and all the amazing things it can do for your videos. Here’s the thing about lighting, it doesn’t just affect picture quality. It also sets the mood and tone for any video you’re creating. So, if you’re looking for pointers on how to use camera lighting to your advantage, this episode of The Visual Lounge is a good place to start. Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, delves into everything you need to know, from using natural and artificial lighting to how to get good lighting on a budget. It’s an episode packed with useful information that’ll bring you one step closer to mastering video lighting. Learning points from the episode include: 00:04 - 01:25 Intro 01:26 - 02:30 Why lighting is the number 2 thing to consider in video creation 02:31 - 06:02 How lighting affects picture quality 06:03 - 08:44 What happens when you have too much light 08:45 - 10:13 Finding the right lighting balance 10:14 - 13:34 What to do without lights 13:35 - 14:26 Why it’s better to use natural light in gloomy weather 14:27 - 15:11 Tips for using windows as a source of light 15:12 - 17:10 Matt explains color temperature 17:11 - 18:16 How to match color 18:17 - 23:11 How to direct lights in different environments 23:12 - 25:19 Figuring out your lighting on a budget 25:20 - 27:43 Matt’s take on ring lights 27:44 - 32:51 How to make your lighting work better using diffusion 32:52 - 36:26 Adding color to your lighting 36:27 - 37:58 The role of lighting in the grand scheme of video making 37:59 - 39:05 Conclusion

Important links and mentions: Basics: Lighting Your Video: https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-lighting-your-video (https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-lighting-your-video) How to Get the Perfect Lighting for Video: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-perfect-lighting-video/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-perfect-lighting-video/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= lighting-yourself-on-camera (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/lighting-yourself-on-camera (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/lighting-yourself-on-camera)

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Leveling up your videos is sometimes all about getting back to basics. When creating live training or pre-recorded learning content, there’s one question you should ask yourself - what is your on-camera presence like? In the learning industry, your on-camera presence is key to getting your message across. But what if you’re not a natural in front of the camera? Don’t worry, the truth is most people aren’t. If you want to learn how to improve your on-camera image, we’ve got just the episode of The Visual Lounge for you. Diana Howles, CEO and Co-Owner of Howles Associates, shares some tips for success and breaks down all the little details you should think about to improve your videos and give a great impression to your audience. Diana is an award-winning speaker, author, and international virtual trainer with 25 years of experience in the learning industry. She has conducted live online training for clients since 2000 and has taught virtual classes in more than a dozen countries. Diana is also the author of the book Next Level Virtual Training. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 – 3:31 Intro 3:31 – 5:14 Diana explains the premise of her book, Next Level Virtual Training 5:15 – 8:19 What is an on-camera presence and why is it important? 8:19 – 13:13 What to do if you’re not comfortable on camera 13:13 – 15:29 How to tweak your on-camera presence for live vs. pre-recorded video 15:29 – 21:21 Steps to take to get more comfortable on camera 21:21 – 23:34 Standing vs. sitting while on camera: which is best? 23:34 – 29:41 Common mistakes people make on camera 29:41 – 41:13 How to use the B.L.E.A.C.H method to clean up your on-camera presence 41:13 – 43:35 Where to find more tips from Diana 43:35 – 49:27 Diana’s speed round 49:27 – 50:32 Outro

Important links and mentions: Howles Associates: https://howlesassociates.com/ (https://howlesassociates.com/) Follow Diana on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianaHowles (https://twitter.com/DianaHowles) Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianahowles (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianahowles) Next Level Virtual Training: https://www.amazon.com/Level-Virtual-Training-Diana-Howles/dp/1953946038 (https://www.amazon.com/Level-Virtual-Training-Diana-Howles/dp/1953946038)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=improving-your-on-camera-presence (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/?p=207770 (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/improving-your-on-camera-presence/)

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When it comes to creating learning video content, the key to success is in how engaging it is. A video can have all the right information and be clear and comprehensive, but unless it’s compelling, it can fall flat with the viewer. A compelling video keeps viewers engaged, and that means any message you want to convey is much more likely to stick. But what’s the secret to creating compelling instructional videos? Mark Lassoff, Video Instructor and Founder of Tech Learning Network, is on The Visual Lounge to share some words of wisdom on his process and advice for others. Mark breaks down the three must-have elements of any video and explains why talent and expensive cameras are overrated. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 – 2:07 Intro 2:08 – 4:46 Why Mark prefers a media-first approach 4:46 – 6:25 How Mark first got started in media production 6:25 – 8:09 Why having a team of media and educational specialists is best for learning content 8:09 – 11:38 The three secrets to compelling content 11:38 – 13:17 Questions to ask to help you decide on the right format 13:17 – 18:58 Why video production is about skill more than equipment 18:58 – 21:48 The biggest mistakes when making learning content 21:48 – 30:17 Mark’s process for making videos 30:17 – 38:01 How to bring narrative into your content 38:02 – 41:27 What people can expect from Tech Learning Network 41:27 – 43:24 Mark’s tips for newbie video creators 43:24 – 48:54 Mark’s speed round questions 48:54 – 50:41 Outro

Important links and mentions: Tech Learning Network: https://www.techlearningnetwork.com/ (https://www.techlearningnetwork.com) Follow Mark on Twitter: https://www.http://twitter.com/mlassoff (twitter.com/mlassoff) Subscribe to Tech Learning Network on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TechLearningNetwork (https://www.youtube.com/c/TechLearningNetwork)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= compelling-video-content (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/compelling-video-content (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/compelling-video-content)

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Communication is a natural part of everyday life, and yet most people don’t consider how they communicate. Whether it’s internal team communication or communication with customers and clients, it’s easy for mixed messages and confusion to crop up. The solution? Build a communication strategy. That’s Jesse Lahey’s, Co-founder and Strategic Partner at Workforce Communication, secret for communication success. Jesse joins The Visual Lounge to break down his strategies and frameworks for communicating more effectively – without relying so much on media to paint a picture. Jesse is also a consultant speaker and author with over 25 years of experience in leadership and workforce communication. Previously, he was an HR communication leader at a Fortune 500 manufacturer with nearly 20,000 employees worldwide. Since 2012, he’s also hosted the Engaging Leader podcast, which has been downloaded millions of times by leaders around the world. Learning points from the episode include: 0:00 – 3:38 Intro 3:38 – 5:10 How the pandemic affected Workforce Communication 5:11 – 8:44 How people can get better at communicating remotely 8:44 – 15:07 How to create a solid communication strategy with the 5Ms framework 15:07 – 19:34 The best practices for smaller-scale communication 19:35 – 26:55 How to execute your communication strategy with the SVS model 26:55 – 31:36 What TechSmith’s Video Viewer Study says about viewer preferences 31:37 – 35:30 Why keeping communication shorter isn’t always easy 35:30 – 41:13 The three aspects of visual communication to keep in mind 41:14 – 44:28 The most important components of a story 44:28 – 46:16 When not to use story 46:17 – 47:47 Where to find communication resources to learn more 47:48 – 49:03 Jesse’s takeaway tip on communication 49:03 – 51:12 Outro

Important links and mentions: Workforce Communication: https://workforcecommunication.com/ (https://workforcecommunication.com/) Engaging Leader podcast: https://engagingleader.com/podcast/ (https://engagingleader.com/podcast/) Jesse Lahey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesselahey/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesselahey/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=https://www.techsmith.com/blog/dont-jump-to-media-first (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/dont-jump-to-media-first (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/dont-jump-to-media-first)

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Are you ready to upgrade your microphone but aren’t sure where to start in the complex world of audio equipment and microphones? You’re in luck. This episode of The Visual Lounge is all about audio – how to pick the best equipment, how to use it correctly, mistakes to watch out for, and much more. Host Matt Pierce has some helpful need-to-know tips and even tests some of the most popular microphones on the market. Learning points from the episode include: 1:28 – 2:38 How much should you spend on a microphone? 2:38 – 5:54 USB vs. XLR microphones 5:55 – 7:08 Can you use headsets for recording? 7:08 – 13:07 Why you need to think about your environment and pickup patterns 13:08 – 18:06 How to adjust your gain and other settings 18:06 – 21:08 How far away you should be from your mic 21:09 – 27:25 The benefits of using lapel mics 27:26 – 28:09 Using Snagit or Camtasia to level up your audio 28:09 – 29:34 Why audio is so important for videos 29:35 – 36:00 Why the sE2200 is one of our favorite microphones (but not a great fit for everyone) 36:00 – 39:48 The benefits of a shotgun mic vs. other mics 39:48 – 41:24 Why you should pick a mic that’s right for you 41:25 – 43:53 The difference between dynamic and condenser microphones 43:53 – 44:28 Why you should be mindful of microphone placement 44:28 – 47:17 The simple secret to avoiding an audio disaster 47:17 – 48:09 Recommended microphones 48:10 – 49:41 Why you should prioritize audio equipment over video 49:41 – 50:48 When to use noise reduction 50:49 – 52:52 Matt’s favorite podcast to listen to 52:52 – 55:21 Outro

Important links and mentions: YouTube Subscribe Link: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Gear List: https://bit.ly/36jPjVm (https://bit.ly/36jPjVm)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= upgrade-your-microphone (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/upgrade-your-microphone (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/upgrade-your-microphone)

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Are demos a necessary tool in L&D? Well, according to Troy Stein, TechSmith’s VP of Customer Advocacy, they’re super vital. He joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to explain why and share some tips on how to do demos the right way. The way Troy sees it, demos are to instructional videos what trailers are to movies. They don’t just give a sneak peek into what’s coming, they also pique the viewer's interest and make them want to know more. But there are key elements that need to be on point before a demo is considered successful. In this episode, Troy discusses everything from demo length to the importance of context, and he even shares a few demos he’s worked on himself. He also shares a bonus tip for video creators: Do everything at 1080p. Before becoming the VP of Customer Advocacy at TechSmith, Troy held a range of roles with the company spanning a decade. He also played a pivotal role in making Camtasia the popular software it is today. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 00:43 Intro 00:44 - 02:30 Matt introduces Troy Stein 02:31 - 04:12 What Troy does at TechSmith 04:13 - 07:34 Why demos are crucial in learning and development 07:35 - 10:49 Accuracy when creating demos (the role of accuracy when creating demos) 10:50 - 13:49 How long should a demo be 13:50 - 15:02 Troy shares one demo he thinks really hit the spot 15:03 - 17:54 Three takeaways from a discussion Troy had with tech marketers 17:55 - 19:22 The importance of giving context in demos 19:23 - 22:59 How to get started making a demo 23:00 - 24:27 Why intros and outros need to be consistent 24:28 - 26:52 Troy shares a sample demo 26:53 - 29:23 Cutting tips for instructional designers 29:24 - 30:36 Why your demo should never be generic 30:37 - 34:01 Why you should start small with your demo projects 34:02 - 37:26 The ins and outs of demo creation at TechSmith 37:27 - 44:20 Troy dives into some demo packages 44:21 - 45:41 How to apply the Hitchcock Principle to demo creation 45:42 - 49:44 Speed round questions 49:45 - 50:46 Outro

Important links and mentions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-stein-790a3b/ (Troy’s LinkedIn) https://www.dropbox.com/s/00awcpd2tp8j0vb/Feature%20Demo%20-%20Teaser.camtemplate?dl=0 (Camtasia Template Package Download) Camtasia Package Download

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= the-art-of-the-demo (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-art-of-the-demo (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-art-of-the-demo)

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How do you balance aesthetics and helpfulness when creating videos? Diane Elkins, the Co-owner of Artisan E-Learning and E-Learning Uncovered, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to discuss. Diane is a national e-learning expert. She’s in the business of helping people create courses they can be proud of —and visual aids happen to play a big part. It’s not simply about creating visuals that look great. They also have to be purposeful, offer value, and complement the rest of your content. For the yes’s, maybes, and absolutely-nots of creating visual content that gets the message across, tune in to this episode of The Visual Lounge. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 02:16 Intro 02:17 - 02:58 Diane tells us about herself 02:59 - 04:25 How Diane pivoted from graphic design to training and learning 04:26 - 07:51 The role of visuals in producing good learning material 07:52 - 09:55 Best practices in creating good visuals 09:56 - 13:33 How to pull back with design elements 13:34 - 15:48 The difference between a classroom trainer and an e-learning module 15:49 - 18:56 How much information should accompany visuals 18:57 - 25:42 Different levels to consider when creating visuals 25:43 - 27:33 How visuals can do more harm than good 27:34 - 29:36 A litmus test to check if your content helpful 29:37 - 32:03 Tips to get from analogies to solid visual concepts 32:04 - 32:50 Why the audience is more important than the content 32:51 - 33:29 Overlaps between training and marketing 33:30 - 41:02 Decorating vs illustrating your content 41:03 - 48:49 Diane gives practical tips on how to make visual content more helpful 48:50 - 52:35 Speed round questions 52:36 - 54:54 Diana and Matt chat about editing audio 54:55 - 55:47 How to connect with Diane 55:48 - 56:46 Outro

Important links and mentions: E-Learning Uncovered: https://elearninguncovered.com/ (https://elearninguncovered.com/) Artisan E-Learning: https://artisanelearning.com/ (https://artisanelearning.com)/ Diane’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpelkins/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpelkins/) When Graphics Lower Learning by Patti Shank: https://elearningindustry.com/when-graphics-lower-learning (https://elearningindustry.com/when-graphics-lower-learning)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= make-helpful-images (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/make-helpful-images (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/make-helpful-images)

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Want to take your video editing skill to the next level (we’re talking ‘coloring outside the line' levels)? Then this episode has your name on it. Cristi Cotovan joins The Visual Lounge to take us through some of the ‘out of the box’ work he’s been doing on Camtasia. Cristi is a video editor, educational content creator, developer, and Founder of Design Catchup and Graphicious. One of his superpowers is having a “visual brain,” and that certainly comes in handy in his line of work. One of Cristi’s core focuses is Camtasia, which he uses to produce some advanced-level material that can only be described as “out of the box.” Whether you’re just getting started in video creation or you’re further down the line, there’s something to be learned from Cristi’s approach to video making. Learning points from the episode include: What inspires Cristi to create “out of the box” videos How Cristi’s background as a developer affects his approach to video creation The role of constraints in video making Cristi’s favorite feature to use in videos Cristi’s approach to learning in Camtasia Foundations everyone should know for video editing Where Cristi draws inspiration for his Camtasia videos When to stop tweaking a project

Important links and mentions: Try Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html) The Visual Lounge: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Subscribe to Cristi’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/graphicious (https://www.youtube.com/graphicious) Check out Cristi’s website: https://graphicious.co.uk/ (https://graphicious.co.uk/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= out-of-the-box-camtasia (TechSmith Academy ). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/out-of-the-box-camtasia (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/out-of-the-box-camtasia)

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Creating videos can be a work-intensive process – especially when you’re doing everything from scratch. But it doesn’t have to take eons to come up with a well-rounded video, and that’s what Andy Owen, the Social Engagement and Video Manager at TechSmith, discusses in this episode of The Visual Lounge. As Andy explains, recreating every element of your video from scratch is just not practical as your career progresses, it’s important for content creators to embrace the efficiency that comes with templatizing in order to make the most of their time. Andy also discusses various ways to tap into your creativity while staying consistent with templates. As a bonus, he shares a few templates that he uses in Camtasia. Tune in to this episode of The Visual Lounge to hear more about how you can cut down your content creation time using templates. Learning points from the episode include: Why it’s important to create content you can watch yourself What to consider when watching videos What Andy still finds challenging about video creation The importance of templatizing When to use scripting templates How to balance consistency and creativity Andy shares a few templates he uses in Camtasia Why calls to action are so important The role of music in video creation

Important links and mentions: The Visual Lounge: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/) TechSmith’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4GLzj1-tfM91DRtD8lk-gA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4GLzj1-tfM91DRtD8lk-gA) How to Make a Tutorial Video in 2022 (FREE Template!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyCIXOpJGcE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyCIXOpJGcE) Tutorial blog post: https://bit.ly/3kvAKB5 (https://bit.ly/3kvAKB5) Download our FREE Script Template: https://bit.ly/3jO9L4z (https://bit.ly/3jO9L4z)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=faster-video-creation (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/faster-video-creation (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/faster-video-creation)

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Storytelling can be a powerful tool in the L&D community. But, as it is with most tools, you need to know how to use it to get the desired end result. That’s what Hadiya Nuriddin, Learning Strategist, speaker, and CEO of Duets Learning, explores on this episode of The Visual Lounge. Hadiya doesn’t just have a wealth of experience developing and delivering both technical and professional development courses, she’s an advocate for storytelling. She believes that the right stories can deliver context, spur empathy, and inspire people to take “expected” actions. As Hadiya explains, there’s always a story. It’s up to us to figure out how and when to use it. Listen to this episode of The Visual Lounge to learn how to leverage the power of storytelling for everything from compliance training to customer service training. Learning points from the episode include: Why Hadiya is keen on taking a cinematic approach to L&D How stories add context and breed empathy Why intent is important when telling stories The role of emotions in storytelling What formula makes up a good story Why “change’ is vital in storytelling The difference between a story and an anecdote What level of vulnerability is necessary for storytelling How to get different viewpoints using the perspective circle Lessons from storytelling in TV and movies

Important links and mentions: The Visual Lounge: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Duets Learning: http://www.duetslearning.com/ (http://www.duetslearning.com/) Hadiya's resources: http://www.duetslearning.com/reso (http://www.duetslearning.com/reso) Hadiya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadiyanuriddin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadiyanuriddin/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= powerful-stories-and-your-message (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/powerful-stories-and-your-message/

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What can learning and development professionals learn from marketing experts? That’s the question we tackle in this episode of The Visual Lounge featuring Danielle Wallace, Chief Learning Strategist from Beyond the Sky. Danielle specializes in coming up with innovative ways to infuse marketing into training to create learning content that sticks. Believe it or not, we can learn so much from marketing teams, especially when it comes to identifying learner (or consumer) personas, defining the content’s objectives, and creating materials and resources that our target audience wants and needs. So, where should we begin when it comes to bridging the gap between marketing and training? Tune in to this amazing episode of The Visual Lounge to find out and get ready to take your training to a new level. Learning points from the episode include: How Danielle transitioned from marketing to learning and development What makes good content How to focus your core video strategy on consumer behavior Why you shouldn’t have more than one message per video Why you should take a disciplined approach to video creation Tips to inject drama into your video content How to get to “the drama” of your content What learning and development professionals can learn from marketing What marketing teams can take away from learning and development teams The importance of putting time into your learning courses How Danielle keeps her ‘creative well’ full of ideas Tips to help develop your marketing team

Important links and mentions: The Visual Lounge: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Beyond the Sky: https://www.beyondthesky.ca/ (https://www.beyondthesky.ca) Danielle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellewallace/?originalSubdomain=ca (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellewallace/?originalSubdomain=ca)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=video-lessons-from-marketing (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-lessons-from-marketing (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-lessons-from-marketing)

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With the world shifting more into virtual spaces, live events are becoming the order of the day. If you’re in the L&D community, it’s probably time to think about ways to manage your time, space, tech and everything in between. To speak more on how to own your virtual training space, Kassy LaBorie, the Founder of Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC and virtual classroom master trainer, joined The Visual Lounge. Kassy is the “Original Virtual Training Hero" and is in the business of helping people give their best in virtual training sessions. She covers everything from live virtual training events to webinars and ways to connect better with your audience. In this episode, Kassy reveals the various ways she connects with her audience, how her producers help her streamline her messages, and the ins and outs of becoming a virtual training hero. Learning points from the episode include: How Kassy got into online L&D How to get people more engaged in the learning process How learning objectives influence participant numbers What it means to have someone producing a live event What makes a good producer The dynamics of the producer-moderator relationship Kassy’s advice about making mistakes during live videos What differentiates live videos from pre-recorded videos Kassy gives some insights into “The Virtual Trainer’s Guide to Becoming a Hero”

Important links and mentions: The Visual Lounge: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Kassy’s Site: https://kassyconsulting.com/ (https://kassyconsulting.com/) Kassy’s E-Guide: https://kassyconsulting.com/the-virtual-trainers-guide-to-becoming-a-hero/ (https://kassyconsulting.com/the-virtual-trainers-guide-to-becoming-a-hero/) Kassy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= the-power-of-producers (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-power-of-producers (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-power-of-producers)

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What makes graphics click with your audience? Is it your skill level, the finer details like color or shape, or could it be something else altogether? While those things definitely contribute to the success of your graphics, you could still end up producing graphics that just don’t work even if you have the skills to show for it. Mike Parkinson, author and Founder of Billion Dollar Graphics, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to explain what it takes to make graphics that work. He explains why graphic designers need to appeal to their target audience on two different levels — emotionally and intellectually. Besides being the founder of Billion Dollar Graphics, Mike is a world-renowned communication and presentation expert, best-selling author, and professional trainer. He’s also a partner at 24 Hour Company, which is a premier creative services firm. Learning points from the episode include: Why you need to understand the way people consume content How to take a motivator-means approach to create visually compelling content How to make your graphics work Why defining your message is important How to avoid overdoing it with graphics How to pick the right aesthetic style Tips for creating material design graphics When to use graphics vs. text

Important links and mentions: The Visual Lounge: https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe (https://bit.ly/tvlsubscribe) Billion Dollar Graphics: https://www.billiondollargraphics.com/ (https://www.billiondollargraphics.com/) Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-parkinson-microsoft-mvp-apmp-fellow-bb364/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-parkinson-microsoft-mvp-apmp-fellow-bb364/) 24 Hour Company: https://24hrco.com/ (https://24hrco.com/) Mike’s email address: mike@billiondollargraphics.com

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= graphics-that-dont-work (TechSmith Academy ). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/graphics-that-dont-work (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/graphics-that-dont-work)

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Using stories to make more impactful videos is not a new idea. But it’s an overlooked part of video creation, especially when it comes to tutorials or corporate videos. But storytelling isn’t just for the fun, creative videos out there. Even if you’re creating a video tutorial about car insurance, injecting a little storytelling can go a long way in hitting your primary video goal – connecting with your audience. Andrew Kan, filmmaker, storyteller, and YouTube creator, joined The Visual Lounge to talk all about story, and how it can help you level up your video skills. Andrew helps people overcome the hurdles stopping people from achieving their creative goals. He’s an experienced film director and has produced award-winning documentaries for film festivals. Andrew is skilled in storytelling, YouTube search engine optimization, camera operation, and all things filmmaking. You may know him from his time as Director of Video Production at TubeBuddy, where he used his skills to grow TubeBuddy’s YouTube channel from 6,000 to 525,000 subscribers. This episode has plenty of nuggets of wisdom from Andrew that can benefit all sorts of content creators. Learning points from the episode include: Why videos are about creating connections with your audience How to improve your skills by watching others How to inject storytelling into your videos Why professional gear is less important than you think How to keep people watching What to do when you feel demotivated about your videos

Important links and mentions: Andrew Kan’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewK (https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewK) Andrew Kan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewKanFilm (https://twitter.com/AndrewKanFilm) The Kan Do Creator Community on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/4kKxvYTaW4 (https://discord.com/invite/4kKxvYTaW4)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=impactfulstoryvideos (TechSmith Academy here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/impactful-story-videos (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/impactful-story-videos)

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What’s the secret to the perfect video editing workflow? Same as for many great questions we hear, the true answer is that it depends. But it all depends on you. Building a workflow that’s efficient, doesn’t cut corners, and saves time can take a while to figure out, especially if you’re new to it all. But once you’ve figured out what works for you, you can start to level up your videos and fine-tune your craft. The Visual Lounge host Matt Pierce breaks down a sample video editing workflow that covers the main areas of video editing, from organizing your footage to adding audio and graphics. Download our https://www.dropbox.com/s/0e0weizistb0wh2/TechSmith_VideoEditingWorkflow.pdf?dl=1 (workflow example) or feel free to mix and match each element to find out what works for you. Learning points from the episode include: Why you should create a video editing workflow How organizing your footage can save you a lot of time How to create a rough cut vs. fine cut What you need to know about adding audio and visual effects When to color correct your videos Why video editing is about finding what works for you Why it’s so important to experiment and try new editing tactics

Important links and mentions: Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html) Video editing workflow: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0e0weizistb0wh2/TechSmith_VideoEditingWorkflow.pdf?dl=1 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/0e0weizistb0wh2/TechSmith_VideoEditingWorkflow.pdf?dl=1)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=video-editing-workflow (TechSmith Academy.) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-editing-workflow (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-editing-workflow)

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How do people really learn? As an instructional designer or learning and development professional, understanding how people learn helps you deliver training that hits the nail on the head. It’s more complicated than learning styles or picking video over written instructions. In fact, there’s a whole science behind it. Clark Quinn, Executive Director of Quinnovation, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to impart some words of wisdom and share his knowledge on the science of learning. He takes us through what the research shows and busts some common myths we could all do with putting to bed. Clark provides learning experience design strategies for corporations, higher education, government, and not-for-profit organizations. He’s an award-winning consultant, an internationally known speaker, and author of six books. He integrates a deep understanding of thinking and learning with technology to improve organizational execution, innovation, and ultimately performance. Learning points from the episode include: Why learning science is key for businesses Why practice is essential for real learning How to learn in ways you can apply The problem with learning style theories Why context is important in learning The benefits of multimedia learning What the research says about learning

Important links and mentions: Quinnovation: https://quinnovation.com/ (https://quinnovation.com/) Clark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/) Clark’s books: https://quinnovation.com/books.html (https://quinnovation.com/books.html)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=creating-effective-learning (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/creating-effective-learning (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/creating-effective-learning)

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It may be considered the most basic part of editing, but there’s nothing basic about a cut. Cuts can be powerful tools in the hands of anyone who knows how to wield them. They don’t just make videos look way cooler, they bring an extra dash of clarity, brevity, and seamlessness to the table. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce takes us through some handy cutting techniques as well as how to use them on Camtasia or any other video editing tool. This is a great episode to sink your teeth into if you’re looking to grasp the ABCs of video editing. Learning points from the episode include: Why cuts are a vital part of editing How cuts provide clarity Why context is important when using cuts How and when it’s best to use a jump cut What makes cuts tricky in screen recordings How to juxtapose different media with J and L cuts The importance of sound effects

Important links and mentions: Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=currentepisode (https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= video-cuts-you-should-know) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-cuts-you-should-know (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-cuts-you-should-know)

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Are you ready to level up your video creation skills this year? Whether you’ve been creating videos for the past month or several years, there’s always room for improvement to make your content the best it can possibly be. Matt Pierce, host of The Visual Lounge, breaks down some ways to hone your skills, improve your videos, and level up for 2022. If you want to make 2022 your year for video, start by tuning in to this episode. Learning points from the episode include: Why you should try out video types you usually don’t make Why you should hit record more often How to make tiny changes to improve your videos Why it’s so important to learn your tools Important editing techniques to remember How templates can streamline your videos Why following standards can help you make videos faster How to slowly upgrade your space and gear Why feedback is essential

Important links and mentions: Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html) Camtasia templates: https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia/assets/Customizable/Templates (https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia/assets/Customizable/Templates) Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html) TechSmith Academy: https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html (https://www.techsmith.com/academy.html) Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits (https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= making-better-videos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/making-better-videos (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/making-better-videos)

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Snagit 2022 is here! And it comes packed with brand new and updated features to help instructional designers, L&D professionals, and anyone who wants to create video level up their content. To explain more about what’s new on Snagit and why, TechSmith’s Chris Larson, Technical Product Manager and Daniel Foster, Strategy Manager, joined The Visual Lounge to give us a breakdown. Chris currently works remotely with an amazing development team dedicated to Snagit. He’s a graduate of Michigan State University and joined TechSmith 14 years ago with a background in user experience design. Daniel heads up the marketing and product strategy side for Snagit. He has 16 years of software industry experience in marketing, communications, content creation, and social media. Daniel has previously spoken at STC Summit, LavaCon, tcworld, and other conferences. Whether you’ve been a long-standing Snagit fan from the very beginning or are looking to get started, this episode is full of new updates and tips on what you can get out of the tool. Learning points from the episode include: Why Snagit has been a popular tool for over 30years Why visual communication and the need for tools like Snagit has boomed How Snagit’s cloud library works Who Snagit is for How TechSmith prioritized and implemented changes for Snagit 2022 Brand new and updated features to check out How using templates on Snagit can transform your instructional videos

Important links and mentions: Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html) Snagit Assets: https://library.techsmith.com/snagit (https://library.techsmith.com/snagit) Snagit tutorials: https://www.techsmith.com/learn/tutorials/snagit/ (https://www.techsmith.com/learn/tutorials/snagit/) What’s New in Snagit 2022: https://www.techsmith.com/learn/tutorials/snagit/whats-new/ (https://www.techsmith.com/learn/tutorials/snagit/whats-new/)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=snagit-2022-revealed (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/snagit-2022-revealed (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/snagit-2022-revealed)

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What’s new in the world of instructional and informational video? If you’re in the business of creating videos, having the latest research and stats at hand is always important. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve just released our 2021 Video Viewer Study – a collaboration between TechSmith and Dr. Jane Bozarth, Director of Research at The Learning Guild. We publish this study every year, but this time, we invited Jane to help us out as an unbiased third party. Jane joined this special episode of The Visual Lounge to discuss the most interesting findings and what they mean for video creators going forwards. Jane is a veteran classroom trainer who transitioned to the world of eLearning in the late 90s and hasn’t looked back since. Jane now specializes in finding low-cost ways to provide online training solutions. She’s the author of several books, including E-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring, Social Media for Trainers, and Show Your Work: The Payoffs and How-To's of Working Out Loud. Take a look at our updated findings on video viewer habits and trends in the link below, or tune in to the episode to hear more from Jane. Learning points from the episode include: Why we’ve become a video-consuming society How the reason people watch videos correlates to how often they watch Why titles and descriptions are so important What the data says about video length Why you should always focus on what’s important to the learner/viewer How to keep people watching your videos Why audio is the most important aspect of a video

Important links and mentions: Video Viewer Study 2021: https://assets.techsmith.com/Docs/TechSmith-Video-Viewer-Study-2021-Report.pdf (https://assets.techsmith.com/Docs/TechSmith-Video-Viewer-Study-2021-Report.pdf) Video Statistics, Habits, and Trends You Need To Know [2021 UPDATE!]: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-statistics/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-statistics/) Jane’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebozarth/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebozarth/)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy. To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/what-viewers-want-2021 (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/what-viewers-want-2021)

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Thank You for ListeningJust a quick end-of-the-year episode to say thank you and to share with you some of the things we have learned. I asked a few of my TechSmith friends and colleagues to share so of their takeaways about visuals and images this year. We'll be back with full episodes in 2022 and look forward to continuing the conversations in The Visual Lounge. Share What You've LearnedWe'd love to hear from you! What have you learned from The Visual Lounge this year? Who was your favorite guest? What was something we got you to think about that you hadn't previously? You can always share with us on social media - tag @techsmith, or #thevisuallougne, or email us at: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com We wish you the best for the rest of the year, and an amazing 2022 filled with growth and opportunities, and of course lots and lots of images and videos! Best, Matt

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Your video and workplace media can have a big impact on users, but is it affecting everyone in the same way? Understanding how your media choices represent people and their experiences can help you select more diverse and inclusive images and videos that impact everyone more effectively. Jess Jackson, Racial Equity Strategist, and Megan Torrance, CEO, both of TorranceLearning, join this episode of The Visual Lounge to explain how to incorporate a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) mindset into your video and workplace media decisions. They also talk about the unique position and responsibility creators, instructional designers and those in learning and development roles have for instilling DEIB approaches within organizations. Learning points from the episode include: What is diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging? Why instructional designers and learning and development departments are vital to spreading the DEIB message How organizations (including small businesses) can embrace more inclusive and diverse practices Three key things to consider when making media choices Different approaches for tackling representation within your organization Recommended diversity, equity, and inclusion resources

Important links and mentions: Resource guide: https://torrancelearning.ac-page.com/crew-workshop-access-your-resource-guide (https://torrancelearning.ac-page.com/crew-workshop-access-your-resource-guide) Torrance Learning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/ (https://www.torrancelearning.com/) Megan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmtorrance (https://twitter.com/mmtorrance) Jessica’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/learnsjess (https://twitter.com/learnsjess) So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo: https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776 (https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776) Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald: https://www.amazon.com/Blindspot-Hidden-Biases-Good-People/dp/0553804642 (https://www.amazon.com/Blindspot-Hidden-Biases-Good-People/dp/0553804642) The Harvard Implicit Association Test: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html (https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html) Camtasia asset library: https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia (https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia) Snagit asset library: https://library.techsmith.com/snagit (https://library.techsmith.com/snagit)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content= diversityinclusioninvideo (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/diversity-inclusion-in-video (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/diversity-inclusion-in-video)

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What’s the best budget-friendly microphone to make videos? How do you set up your lighting in a home studio? Do you need a green screen? What’s a stream deck? The TechSmith team has all these answers covered and much more. On this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce, Kara Swanson (Content Marketer), Andy Owen (Video Production), and Anton Bollen (Customer Success) share their top picks for audio, camera, lighting, and accessories. If you’re looking for some recommendations to point you in the right direction, be sure to tune in today or keep reading. For a list of all the gear mentioned in this episode, head over to Matt’s wish list. Learning points from the episode include: What to look for in a budget microphone How different types of microphones work Different types of studio lighting for different budgets Why lighting is just as important as cameras The misconceptions about sound panels The benefits of using a green screen and how to pick a budget-friendly one What accessories you need along with your camera Why you should focus on little improvements, not just expensive gear

Important links and mentions: TechSmith’s video gear wish list: https://piercemr.notion.site/98f5ee292b5b49e38cf1f6441acabc45?v=60df64b84ee94764832f77e084c4c56b (https://piercemr.notion.site/98f5ee292b5b49e38cf1f6441acabc45?v=60df64b84ee94764832f77e084c4c56b) TechSmith Assets: https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia (https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=video-gear-wish-list (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-gear-wish-list/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-gear-wish-list/)

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What can we learn from comic books that we can apply to instructional design or marketing? It may seem like an odd question, but it turns out we can learn a whole lot from comic books. Buddy Scalera, comic book writer, educator, and Founder of Comic Book School, joins The Visual Lounge to share those lessons with us. Whether you’re creating your own comic book or designing instructional videos for a corporate environment, we can all take something from comic books. In this episode, Buddy explains why comics can help contextualize your brand in a simpler and less expensive way than other mediums. He shares some of his biggest lessons about visual communication and some details about his fantastic career so far. Buddy is an award-winning creator with a focus on marketing, storytelling, and technology. For the past 25 years, he’s moonlighted as a comic book writer. Buddy has had the chance to work on Marvel favorites like Deadpool as well as many other comics. He’s won three awards, including the Content Marketing Institute Award. This interview is full of advice on achieving great visual design, storytelling, and getting your message across in a fun, clear, and interesting way. Learning points from the episode include: Why we need to learn how to think visually – and how comics are great for that Insights into the comic book pitching process How every medium has its own constraints of time, space, or budget Why comics translate so well into other mediums How comics can help us build interesting visuals and tell a story The best way to create a corporate comic Top tips for good storytelling What it’s like pitching stories for Deadpool comics What comics can teach us about visual layouts and design

Important links and mentions: Buddy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buddyscalera/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/buddyscalera/) Buddy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BuddyScalera (https://twitter.com/BuddyScalera) Comic Book School’s website: https://www.comicbookschool.com/ (https://www.comicbookschool.com/) Buddy’s website: http://buddyscalera.com/ (http://buddyscalera.com/) Buddy’s comic book work: http://buddyscalera.com/writing (http://buddyscalera.com/writing)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy here. To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/visual-communication-comic-books (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/visual-communication-comic-books)

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The digital age has ushered in its fair share of upsides and challenges, especially when it comes to productivity. While there are so many applications and tools that promise to make it a lot easier, sometimes, they do the opposite. That’s probably why people end up getting lost in the maze of keeping up with the times, are overwhelmed while finding information, or are just plain unproductive. The critical question here is, how do you address this productivity problem? And how can videos and images play a part? With us on this episode of The Visual Lounge is Tom Solid, the founder, and CEO of The Paperless Movement and a workplace productivity guru of sorts. He’s leveraged years of working in big industries and academic institutions to solve the same productivity issues most people face in the digital age. He has worked with an array of teams in multiple industries and has helped increase their productivity by as much as 60%. Learning points from the episode include: Why a tool-agnostic approach does wonders for efficiency How to leverage Tom’s Input Control Output Refine (ICOR) framework What workplace productivity has to do with videos and images How to use videos during the onboarding process Tom’s hacks for optimizing the video-making process How using the right tools reduces friction Why freeing up time is integral to productivity How defining priority levels makes all the difference

Important links and mentions: Tom at Paperless Movement https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8qxhdxV0U2NQ9vinFffDJQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8qxhdxV0U2NQ9vinFffDJQ) Paperless Movement’s Website: https://www.paperlessmovement.com/ (https://www.paperlessmovement.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperlessmove/ (https://www.instagram.com/paperlessmove/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paperlessmove (https://www.facebook.com/paperlessmove) Twitter: https://twitter.com/paperlessmove/ (https://twitter.com/paperlessmove/) Tom’s video about Snagit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_r69N-MSqI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_r69N-MSqI)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://www.techsmith.com/blog/?p=175739 (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-in-workplace-productivity/) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-in-workplace-productivity (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-in-workplace-productivity)

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Becoming a content creator is a dream that many people have these days. But it’s far from an easy road to follow. It takes a great deal of grit, determination, and a commitment to learning and growing to get your channel off the ground. On top of that, there’s also the big learning process of developing your camera and editing skills. Joining this episode of The Visual Lounge is Sean Cannell, CEO of Think Media, and host of the Think Media Podcast. If you’ve ever looked up YouTube or content creation tips or tutorials, you’ll probably have come across his content. Sean is one of today's leading online video experts and the world's most-watched YouTube strategist. He has been featured on Forbes.com, CNBC, Social Media Examiner, Entrepreneur.com, and Success.com, after growing a six-figure income as a tech YouTuber. Sean is also an international speaker, coach, and prolific content creator. His mission is to help 10,000 purpose-driven people create a full-time living while making a difference in the world with YouTube. Learning points from the episode include: How Sean went from being a college dropout to having a multimillion-dollar media company How Sean got started on YouTube Why you need to prioritize learning new skills Why you need to stop waiting for perfection and just start How to pick the right niche for your content How to assess the business viability of your idea The best ways to stay motivated How to develop a healthy routine to keep your mind on the ball The two skills you need to start taking action When to use a script vs. when to avoid it

Important links and mentions: Think Media TV YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/thinkmediatv (www.youtube.com/thinkmediatv) The Think Media Podcast: http://www.youtube.com/ThinkMediaPodcast (www.youtube.com/ThinkMediaPodcast) Video Influencers YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/videoinfluencers (www.youtube.com/videoinfluencers) Sean’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/seanthinks (www.youtube.com/seanthinks) Sean’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/seancannell (www.instagram.com/seancannell) Sean’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seanthinks (www.facebook.com/seanthinks) Sean’s Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/seancannell (www.twitter.com/seancannell)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=youtubevideocreation (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/finding-your-groove-with-youtube-and-video-creation-sean-cannell (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/finding-your-groove-with-youtube-and-video-creation-sean-cannell)

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What makes a solid explainer video? The kind that gets your point across fast, without confusion, and equips the audience with all they need to know. There are many components that go into a good explainer video. Lee Lefever, Co-Founder of Common Craft, breaks them down in this episode of The Visual Lounge. Common Craft excels in creating simple animated videos to explain concepts suitable for use in online presentations, courses, classrooms, and more. With a refreshingly simple animation style, Common Craft’s videos focus totally on the audience and the content while also telling a story in a unique way. As well as being the Co-Founder of Common Craft, Lee is also the author of two books – ‘Big Enough’ and ‘The Art of Explanation.’ He’s worked with clients such as Google, Intel, Lego, Microsoft, and more. This episode covers a lot of ground on everything you need to know to craft a successful explainer video. You’ll hear why it all begins with the audience, why keeping it simple is usually best, and how to tell a great story. Learning points from the episode include: Why explainer videos should appeal to a general audience Why videos need to start with the audience in mind How to use familiar language to get your point across Why videos should aim to be “low noise” to avoid cognitive load How to use storytelling in your videos Why you should start speaking slower in your videos

Important links and mentions: Common Craft: https://commoncraft.com (https://commoncraft.com) Lee’s website: https://leelefever.com (https://leelefever.com) Lee’s LinkedIn: https://linkedin/in/leelefever (https://linkedin/in/leelefever)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=visualexplanation (TechSmith Academy here).

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What does it take to be great at learning and development? Is it down to fancy tools, qualifications, or top video creation skills? Not exactly. It’s all about your audience and focusing on what they need to know. The other stuff can come later. In her career, Kati Ryan, Founder of A Positive Adventure, has picked up so many fantastic tips for L&D professionals. She joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share her best advice for new and experienced L&D professionals alike. She explains why we need to get back to basics, focus on the audience, and plan everything with the end goal in mind. Learning points from the episode include: Why having a mentor can help you become a better trainer Why you need to establish your aims before creating content How many people make the mistake of overengineering learning How to make learning stick The best way to involve subject matter experts When to use images and video to break up content

Important links and mentions: A Positive Adventure: https://www.apositiveadventure.com/ (https://www.apositiveadventure.com/) Kati’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiryan/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiryan/) Kati’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiryan?lang=en (https://twitter.com/katiryan?lang=en)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=goodtraining (TechSmith Academy here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/good-training-kati-ryan (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/good-training-kati-ryan)

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Did you know that customer education can help to boost both customer adoption and retention? Education is often an overlooked part of the customer experience, but companies that prioritize it see great results. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Cutler Bleecker, Learning Experience Designer at Skilljar, joins to share his expertise on customer education and creating great training content. Cutler has a passion for both teaching and technology, with an undergraduate degree in education as well as a Master’s in Instructional Technology. As a former high school Business and Technology teacher, Cutler has taught everything from accounting and computers to graphic design and video production. He transitioned into educational technology as a product expert, then a content creator for Classworks before moving to Skilljar. This episode is packed full of advice on creating educational content and what you need to know before you get started. We hear about Cutler’s successes, the challenges he’s faced when creating content, and his best advice for others. Learning points from the episode include: What customer education really means Why customer education is crucial to customer retention Why education can help customers before they sign up How internal and external education differs How to choose what formats to use in education material The best ways to make content more engaging Why you shouldn’t forget accessibility when creating educational content

Important links and mentions: Skilljar: https://www.skilljar.com/ (https://www.skilljar.com/) Cutler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cutler-bleecker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cutler-bleecker/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=improvecustomerretention (TechSmith Academy here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/improve-customer-retention (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/improve-customer-retention)

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Are you ready to take the plunge and become a YouTube content creator? Before you wing it and hope for the best, you need to know the best practices. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we invited Nick Nimmin, a YouTube content creator and educator, who’s seen great success on the platform with over 800,000 subscribers and counting! Nick is passionate about the power of YouTube and online video to help people connect with an audience, expand influence, and grow their businesses. In this episode, he teaches the best ways to get ahead on YouTube, how to boost viewer retention, how to figure out the mystical algorithm, and everything else you need to know about the platform. This episode is packed full of tips and actionable advice for budding YouTubers and experienced content creators alike. Learning points from the episode include: Why being a YouTube content creator is such a big learning curve Business lessons from being on YouTube Why you should be intentional with your content Why knowing your audience is the most important thing in content creation How to optimize for search on YouTube Why you shouldn’t only think about search Key metrics that define success on YouTube How to boost viewer retention with in-screen video links How to use the Community Tab effectively

Important links and mentions: Nick’s website: https://www.nicknimmin.com/ (https://www.nicknimmin.com/) Nick’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCei6wyubYC1I1FwZ54LZFiA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCei6wyubYC1I1FwZ54LZFiA) Nick’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickNimmin (https://twitter.com/NickNimmin) Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicknimmin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicknimmin/)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=contentcreator (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/succeed-content-creator (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/succeed-content-creator)

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What does it take to record great audio? A recording studio? A degree in sound engineering? You may be surprised. Justin David Proctor, audio recording master and two-time Grammy Award winner, joined this episode of The Visual Lounge to share his expertise on creating great audio. Justin takes us through his advice on getting the right equipment, pre-production and planning, preparing the room, dealing with background noise, software, and much more. Justin has worked in professional audio and music recording since 2005, engineering in multi-room large format commercial studios and cutting albums for major label record companies. He began managing a private record recording studio with his college records production partner a few years into this work while running Delivery Room Studios. Justin has won two Grammy Awards for recording engineering and composes original music, which can be heard on television networks and streaming services in the US and overseas. Learning points from the episode include: How new technology makes creating great audio much easier Why preproduction and planning are unmissable steps in recording audio Why you should always back up your data The different types of microphones to look at How distance affects audio How to choose the right microphone The best ways to set up your space for good audio recording Why overtreating a room can do more harm than good Why you should always sample your audio How different platforms like Spotify lay out audio requirements What to consider with decibels

Important links and mentions: Justin’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/justindavidpro (https://twitter.com/justindavidpro) Justin’s website: http://www.justindavidproctor.com/ (http://www.justindavidproctor.com/) 2021 Video Viewer Study: https://assets.techsmith.com/Docs/TechSmith-Video-Viewer-Study-2021-Report.pdf (https://assets.techsmith.com/Docs/TechSmith-Video-Viewer-Study-2021-Report.pdf)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=audioproductionmasterytips (here). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/audio-production-mastery (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/audio-production-mastery)

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How do you ensure great learning design? Whether you’re working with video, PDFs, or blog posts to deliver training content, visual elements are key to delivering a clear message to your audience. Mel Milloway, Learning Experience Design Manager at Miro, joined this episode of The Visual Lounge to talk about the importance of visuals and video in learning design. Prior to working at Miro, Mel worked in learning design at Amazon and has held other learning and development roles at various organizations. She’s known for promoting and talking about UX design, crafting mock-ups, and developing learning products with a variety of technologies. She often blogs about the new tools she’s testing and shares her thoughts on the world of learning and development. In this episode, we get to hear some of her words of wisdom around learning design, getting feedback, working with data, and the benefits of video in learning. We hear some stories from her career and how she’s helped to solve problems and target audience needs effectively. Learning points from the episode include: What makes good learning design The role of visuals in design Why you should make decisions based on data rather than preference The benefits of getting a second opinion Why your audience should be the focus Why video is a great medium for learning

Important links and mentions: Mel’s Learning Lab: http://melslearninglab.com/ (http://melslearninglab.com/) Mel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmilloway/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmilloway/) Mel’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCep9W9nv5oP1y8t5OQKQhFg (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCep9W9nv5oP1y8t5OQKQhFg) Mel’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/melmilloway (https://twitter.com/melmilloway)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=creatinglearningexperiences (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/creating-learning-experiences (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/creating-learning-experiences)

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The future of communication in the workplace is video (and no surprise, it's already here). If you haven't found a way to implement video in your your workplace communication methods yet, there's no time like the present. ju In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-swanson-42a3a4152/ (Kara Swanson) discuss ways that video has become a part of their internal communication and why they think replacing some communication with videos will serve you and your coworkers better in the long run. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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What’s the secret to great visual design? We asked Connie Malamed, The eLearning Coach, to share her eLearning and visual design expertise in this episode of The Visual Lounge. Connie helps people build their instructional design skills. She’s a consultant, an author, and speaker in online learning and visual communication. Connie is the author of ‘Visual Design Solutions: Principles and Creative Inspiration for Learning Professionals’ and also runs The eLearning Coach website and podcast. Connie’s interview is packed full of fantastic advice for instructional designers, experienced or otherwise. She explains how creativity comes in many forms and why you don’t need to be a top artist to be a great visual designer. She also delves into the top design principles you need to know about, how to avoid overwhelming your audience, and why style guides are so important. Learning points from the episode include: Why everyone can be creative in visual design, not just the artists Why using white space and positioning are key to great visual design How to create focal points and draw the eye How cognitive load works Why we need to avoid overloading our audience with information How standardization and style guides can help visual designers

Important links and mentions: The eLearning Coach: https://theelearningcoach.com/ (https://theelearningcoach.com/) Connie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniemalamed/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniemalamed/) Connie’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/elearningcoach (https://twitter.com/elearningcoach) Mastering Instructional Design: https://masteringid.com/ (https://masteringid.com/) Businesses Must Modernize Communications or Risk Productivity Loss: https://www.techsmith.com/visual-communication-research.html (https://www.techsmith.com/visual-communication-research.html) The Future of Communication Is Visual. Here Are 6 Ways Your Team Can Innovate: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/visual-types-remote-communication/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/visual-types-remote-communication/) How To Use Visual Communication and Why It Matters: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/why-visual-communication-matters/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/why-visual-communication-matters/) The One Tool You Need to Create Awesome Visual Instructions: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-tool-you-need-to-create-awesome-visual-instructions/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-tool-you-need-to-create-awesome-visual-instructions/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=visuals-for-instruction-secrets (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/visuals-for-instruction-secrets (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/visuals-for-instruction-secrets)

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If you're looking to grow your company's YouTube channel, then this video's for you. You know that there are certain strategies to make your videos grow, gain views, subscribers, and get more exposure. But how can it work for your company?

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-swanson-42a3a4152/ (Kara Swanson) talk through our experiences with YouTube content creation and strategy and what we've learned.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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What’s the best process or framework for creating videos that leave an impact? The truth is that every video creator does things differently. And you’ve got to find whatever works for you. Oz du Soleil is someone who’s found a process that works for him. He’s the host behind Excel on Fire, a YouTube channel that makes Excel tutorials both fun and interesting. As well his YouTube channel, Oz is also a Microsoft Excel MVP, lead author of Guerilla Data Analysis 2nd Ed., and has several courses on LinkedIn Learning. We sat down with Oz to hear his thoughts on video creation and get a look at his process. He takes us behind the scenes to where it all began, what he’s learned about his own preferences for making videos, and some tips you can use in your own content. Learning points from the episode include: Why you should treat each video as its own entity How to strike the balance between jokes and informative content in videos Why you should try to create videos that you don’t get elsewhere Why you need to know when to walk away from a video

Important links and mentions: Oz’s TechSmith tutorial: https://academy.techsmith.com/how-i-edit-with-oz-du-soleil (How I Edit Video with Oz du Soleil) Oz du Soleil’s website - https://ozdusoleil.com/ (https://ozdusoleil.com/) Excel on Fire YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgOVykPoRbSZQfY9YysiRQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgOVykPoRbSZQfY9YysiRQ) Oz’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozdata/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozdata/) Oz’s Twitter – https://twitter.com/ozexcel (https://twitter.com/ozexcel) TechSmith’s Camtasia tutorial on Skillshare - https://skl.sh/2Wtb2EM (https://skl.sh/2Wtb2EM)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=howimakevideos (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-i-make-videos (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-i-make-videos)

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The main reason that people continue to watch a video is that they’re genuinely interested in the topic. What if there were some key questions that every creator could ask that would help them figure out where their viewers are in their progress and who exactly they should be creating content for?

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-swanson-42a3a4152/ (Kara Swanson) discuss the seven questions you need to ask before you start creating videos.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here.

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

Want the 7 QUESTIONS so you can follow along? Who are they? What problem are they trying to solve? What goals are they pursuing? Do they have previous experience with the topic? Where and how will they likely find or access the video? What is their skill level? What related topics should they also be learning?

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You’re invited to Level Up! On October 5th, 2021, we’re holding a free, four-hour digital event to help you improve your workplace communications. This explosive interactive event will guide you through evolving your video communication skills, no matter your level. Whether you’re an experienced video communicator or starting from zero, we want you there! Hosted by the incredible Dave Patton, TechSmith Partnership Marketing Specialist, Level Up is packed with presentations from brilliant TechSmith experts, including: Effective Communication with a Hybrid Workforce: Lessons Learned from a Year of Remote Work with Wendy Hamilton, TechSmith CEO 5 Broken Communications and How to Fix Them with Video and Images with Daniel Foster, Snagit Strategy Manager, and Alison Boatman, Digital Marketer 9 Types of Videos You Can Make Today…From Your Desk with Andy Owen, Video Production Specialist, Lead Using the Right Video or Image for the Right Task with Matt Pierce, Learning and Video Ambassador

Join the early session at 6:00 a.m. EDT / 10:00 a.m. GMT or the later session at 12:00 a.m EDT / 09:00 a.m PDT live on Tuesday October 5th 2021. Sign up here to get your invite to the live event, access to the recordings, and learn how to level up your video communication skills! https://www.techsmith.com/levelup (https://www.techsmith.com/levelup)

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What is B-Roll? Why does it matter? And how can you record it properly to enhance your video content? Today we dive into all of these questions.

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen) talk through how to use b-roll effectively, and why it's so important to in any future videos you put out.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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If anyone can help you gain the confidence to get behind the camera, press record, and create awesome videos, it’s Andrew Kan. Andrew Kan is a leading YouTube video creator who’s worked with TubeBuddy, Salesforce, and other big brands to create videos that audiences find valuable and enjoy. We sat down with Andrew at Video Marketing World to get his thoughts on what first-time video creators should know before they hit record, why video is such a valuable and impactful medium, and how to incorporate storytelling in your content. Andrew’s interview is the perfect example of a video that keeps serving audiences as it was recorded back in 2018 and all his tips, advice, and recommendations are still relevant today! Learning points from the episode include: What to know before you hit record How to incorporate storytelling in your videos Why keeping your audience front of mind is crucial How to get people to return to your content How to overcome on-camera anxieties

Important links and mentions: TubeBuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/ (https://www.tubebuddy.com/) Andrew’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGSlY9e6ZpWmaSxPhtd73iA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGSlY9e6ZpWmaSxPhtd73iA) Andrew’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtkan/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewtkan/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_youreincharge (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/choosing-to-create-video (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/choosing-to-create-video)

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Tutorial videos are a fantastic way to connect with your audience through teaching and learning. But is there such a thing as a one-size-fits-all tutorial video workflow? Josh Cavalier has over 25 years of experience in learning and development and is a passionate instructional video creator. He joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share how he adapts his tutorial video workflow to ensure highly effective instructional videos. This episode is packed with actionable advice that will revolutionize how you approach your tutorial video workflow. Learning points from the episode include: How understanding barriers to entry can help you create a more successful video Crafting video tutorials as part of a 5-step learning journey How to spark emotion with your video tutorials How long a video tutorial should be Josh’s top tips for creating a perfect tutorial video workflow

Important links and mentions: Josh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/) Josh’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshcav (https://twitter.com/joshcav) Josh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshcav/ (https://www.instagram.com/joshcav/) Josh’s website: http://www.joshcavalier.com/ (http://www.joshcavalier.com/)

Get in touch: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_perfectingtutorialvideo (TechSmith Academy) To watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/perfecting-tutorial-video-workflow (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/perfecting-tutorial-video-workflow)

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Research shows that bad audio is the single most important factor in people stopping watching videos. Simply put, bad audio means no viewers. And, of course, as video creators, we want viewers! So how can you improve the quality of your audio recording to get perfect audio for your videos? As a beginner, it can be overwhelming stepping into the world of video. When you add audio into the mix, it becomes even more difficult to know what levers to pull to get the outcome you want. Jake Pechtel is the Product Strategist for Camtasia and Audiate and has over seven years’ experience at TechSmith. In this episode, he shares some high-level tips and more advanced insights about how to achieve that perfect audio for your videos and keep your viewers watching for longer. Learning points from the episode include: The three Cs of good audio Why beginners should prioritize simple, clean audio recordings The audio mistakes to avoid How to improve your audio recording skills How Audiate can help you get perfect audio

Important links and mentions: TechSmith Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html (https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html) TechSmith High Five: Jewel Tolentino - Essetino Artists on YouTube https://youtu.be/jWGs0RsIj-k (https://youtu.be/jWGs0RsIj-k) Reach out to us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechSmith (https://twitter.com/TechSmith) Tag us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsmith-corporation (https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsmith-corporation) Email us: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com Matt’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/piercemr (https://twitter.com/piercemr)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_perfectaudio (TechSmith Academy)

To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/perfect-video-audio (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/perfect-video-audio)

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What does it take to make your tutorial videos shine? Jason Valade and Ryan Eash are both Instructional Designers at TechSmith with several years of experience creating high-value instructional videos. Jason is also an ATD Master Trainer and has a background as a classroom teacher. He loves teaching and training people on all things TechSmith-related. Ryan works on the customer education team creating video tutorials and course materials to help customers learn how to utilize TechSmith tools. This world-class Instructional Designer duo has plenty of tips, tactics, and advice to share, so tune in to learn more. Learning points from the episode include: Why you should focus on one thing at a time How TechSmith’s tiered video system works Why not every video needs to be perfect The top Camtasia tools to try out How to ensure your audio is top quality even when recording at home Why both short and long videos have their place

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=tipstoolstutorialvideos (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/tips-tools-tutorial-videos (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/tips-tools-tutorial-videos)

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Want some video creation and editing tips? Who better to ask than a teacher? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we invited Jayne Davids, Camtasia Trainer and Video Editor at her company, Raiveon Video Specialists. Jayne shares thoughts on how you can improve your video creation skills by sharing some insights into her own methods. She takes you through processes, how she manages projects, her tips on creating storyboards and scripts, and much more. Jayne has been involved in learning and development for over 20 years now, designing and delivering training systems. She’s combined her love for teaching with making videos and now helps others do the same. Learning points from the episode include: Why all training videos should get to the point quickly and clearly How Jayne manages projects Jayne’s process for creating, planning, and editing videos Why Jayne likes to record audio separately What you can do to improve your video creation skills Jayne’s process for storyboarding and scripting her videos The best Camtasia features Jayne recommends

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=takeitfromtheteacher (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/tutorial-video-advice (click here.)

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If you’re producing video after video, you need to know how well they’re doing. Are they effective? Is there room for improvement? Do they cover everything they need to? You won’t know unless you measure and analyze your videos! Elizabeth Pierce, Senior Director of Learning Experience and Consulting at TaskUs, joined The Visual Lounge to share her thoughts behind measuring video engagement. Elizabeth has 20 plus years of experience working in the learning and development space as a fantastic leader and advisor. She’s dedicated to driving a progressive learning culture throughout organizations to meet company, customer, and employee goals for strategic growth. She’s worked with big names such as Walmart, Oracle, Uber, Eventbrite, and Glassdoor. Learning points from the episode include: Why the first step in creating video is to get clear on company goals How collaboration and communication are key The best ways to test engagement Why video is usually a better option than PowerPoint presentations What to consider before creating a learning management system The challenges of training remotely

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=analyzingyourvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/analyzing-your-videos (click here).

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Creating great instructional videos doesn’t start when you hit record. For the best success during production and beyond, good planning is essential. Planning and following a set process are key to producing consistently high-value tutorial videos. From scripting to research and analysis to drafting, the better foundations you can lay with your work, the easier it is to scale your videos and achieve the desired effect with your audience. Chandra Owen, Instructional Designer at TechSmith, joined this episode of The Visual Lounge to share her processes and insights behind planning to scale your videos. Chandra’s work as an Instructional Designer means she creates content for TechSmith’s customer education team, including video, written tutorials, and webinars. Prior to joining TechSmith, she worked for 13 years in higher education, managing training, and social media. Learning points from the episode include: How to decide between video vs. written instructions Why an efficient video schedule needs a solid process How Chandra’s scripting process works Why Chandra’s team uses a tier system for videos Chandra’s take on evergreen content vs. updating old content Why an asset library can save so much time The benefits of creating a scratch audio track before the final version

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=scaletutorialvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/scale-tutorial-videos (click here).

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A good SEO strategy can help make sure your videos get found and watched. But if you’re not an SEO expert it can feel overwhelming.

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk through 5 ways you can quickly optimize your videos for search engines. You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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Instructional videos are a cornerstone of many training programs, onboarding processes, and team communication. But if you have never produced your own videos, it can be a bit of a daunting project. There’s producing, editing, camera equipment, audio equipment, and then distributing the content to think about. In this episode, we’re focusing more on the steps you need to take before you start rolling. How do you plan your content for maximum impact? Lee Rodrigues, Senior Instructional Designer at Sunrun, joined this episode of The Visual Lounge to talk more about this planning stage. As part of our ten-week series on instructional videos, Lee is the latest guest to discuss instructional design and producing the best videos possible. Lee has had 15 years of experience in the technology, training, and multimedia production fields. He uses a number of tools and tactics to develop and evaluate blended learning solutions for measurable and improvable behaviors. Learning points from the episode include: Why all big projects should start with a prototype How planning a video is a bit like planning a recipe The difference between workflow-based instructions vs. knowledge transfer The Five Moments of Need and how to set objectives How Lee scripts his videos and uses the zero draft approach How to read a script on camera

Important links and mentions: https://vimeo.com/574111426 (Lee’s portfolio video)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=preparesuccessfulvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/instructional-video-success (click here.)

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Videos are everywhere. But, there are some things that we can do better. One of them is composition.

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk about the principles that you can use to get better video composition, from the rule of thirds to headroom, talkspace to foreground/background and more.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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So, you’ve mastered the basics of producing video training content. What now? The work isn’t over just yet. After creating videos, it’s essential to measure their impact and effectiveness. Only by doing so will your videos improve, become more engaging, and have a great impact on your audience. For tips on how to do this, Cara North, Operations Training Manager at Silfex, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge. Cara shares her best tips for assessing the effectiveness of your videos, measuring KPIs, and why you should always be on the lookout for feedback. She explains her three-step process for improving your videos and boosting engagement. Learning points from the episode include: Why learning and development departments need to always add value with their content Why not all training has to be a video The value of doing something different and experimenting Cara’s three top tips for creating instructional videos Why content should always fit the medium Common mistakes in L&D departments

Important links and mentions: https://caranorth.com/ (Cara North’s website)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=measurevideosuccess (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-success (click here).

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Here are our answers to your most frequently asked video production questions. We wanted to compile all of the frequently asked questions into one place and give straight answers about how to make better videos.

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) answer questions that people wrote in with, from YouTube, social media, and everywhere else.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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Do you want to start creating tutorial videos like a pro? If you’re new to the world of video creation, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Where do you even start? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be too complicated. You don’t need a big fancy setup or Hollywood director skills. Often, simpler is better. Ashley Chiasson is the Senior e-Learning Developer at Traliant, a compliance training provider for workplaces. She is also a self-proclaimed Articulate ambassador and is most well-known for her popular screencast tutorials. She joins The Visual Lounge to share how she helps create valuable training content with the power of video. In this video, Ashley explains instructional design and why video is the go-to resource for training content. She shares her workflow and processes, how she creates videos, and some tips and common mistakes to avoid if you’re new to video. Learning points from the episode include: How video ties into instructional design The best times to use a script in your video Why brief videos are often best Why you don’t need fancy video setups The common audio mistake video creators make Tips for new video creators

Important links and mentions: http://ashleychiasson.com/ (Ashley Chiasson’s website) http://sproutelearning.com/ (Sprout Learning) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhkD-Jm1LgASpmlrVHNCxg (Ashley’s YouTube channel)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=createtutorialvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/create-pro-tutorials (click here).

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Many people are intimidated by the thought of having to be in front of a camera. But you don't need to be in front of the camera to create videos and help other people learn.

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) break down seven different types of videos you can make without showing your face.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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So you want to create instructional videos...but where do you start? Instructional videos come in many different forms, meaning there’s a style that suits almost every creator (and learner!). There’s plenty of opportunities to get an instructional video right – but as there’s such a wide scope for what makes a good instructional video, knowing what to begin with can be a real sticking point. Jonathan Halls is a business author and consultant who helps people develop their training strategies. His 30+ year career spans a spectrum of roles in the training and communications industry. He joins Matt Pierce in this episode to share the best ways to approach creating instructional videos as a beginner and explains the whys, whats, and hows, behind this broad and increasingly vital subject. Learning points from the episode include: The key principles of instructional video The 3 questions you need to ask yourself before you plan your video How to structure an instructional video Jonathan's top tips for creating a video workflow How to make an instructional video more effective

Important links and mentions: https://jonathanhalls.com/ (Jonathan's website) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhalls/ (Jonathan’s LinkedIn) https://www.learningguild.com/publications/150/8-step-checklist-for-producing-engaging-instructional-videos/ (Jonathan’s 8 Step Checklist for Producing Engaging Instructional Videos)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=creatinginstructionalvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/creating-instructional-videos/ (click here).

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Today we're going to cover the format and structure of a good tutorial video by breaking down one of our own. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) go through the basic elements of a good tutorial video. They break down a tutorial for TechSmith Audiate so you can see exactly how to level up your next tutorial video.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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The main aim of customer education content is often to help customers overcome the odd hiccup or knowledge gap. But a truly successful customer education strategy does so much more than that. Customer education is also a business strategy focused on keeping customers happy so that they return to your products again and again. Simply put, good customer education can be instrumental to scaling your business. Daniel Quick is a master in customer education with over 20 years of experience designing learning, delivering training, and building customer education programs. His background includes leading customer education at Optimizely, Asana, and now Thought Industries. Daniel joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share how organizations can create customer education strategies that better serve their users and their business, and how to create customer education content that is effective and efficient. Learning points from the episode include: What makes a good customer educator How to demonstrate and find value in customer education Two strategies to scale your business with customer education How to help customers in their moment of need The role video plays in customer education How repurposing can explode your customer education content opportunities The effect talking head videos can have on your customers How to use gamification within your customer education strategy

Important links and mentions: https://www.optimizely.com/academy/ (Optimizely Academy) https://www.thoughtindustries.com/ (Thought Industries) https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrquick/ (Daniel’s LinkedIn) https://customereducation.org/ (Customer Education Slack channel) Email us: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=masteringcustomereducation (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/mastering-customer-education (click here).

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We get a lot of questions from folks who are just starting out about how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to video equipment. It can be very hard to know what to spend money on.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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When it comes to team communication, sometimes speed is the most important factor. A busy organization can save hours and hours of working time collectively by hosting a simple 30-minute meeting. Email and instant message solutions like Slack are the go-to options for internal communication day-to-day, but even those have their downsides. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Sherri Powers, VP of Marketing at TechSmith talks about how video communication can save time. Short videos and simple screen recordings can often get the message across faster and more efficiently than email or in-person meetings. Sherri breaks down the math in this episode to show you how much time you could save if you embrace video. Learning points from the episode include: Why you should always try to use data to back up your message How email can be overly polished when compared to video Why video can convey more personality than written requests How much time you can save by opting for video over physical meetings Why you should try video if you’re already used to doing in-person presentations

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=savingtimewithvideo (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/saving-time-with-video (click here).

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Lighting can make or break a video. It's crucial to get good lighting for videos, especially when it comes to being on camera. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk about the different lighting options we use when we record a video - and walk you through how you can do the same!

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/videoworkflow (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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Have you ever thought about the best ways to communicate with your team? Many businesses put their heart and soul into crafting the best ways to get their message across to customers. But when it comes to internal communications, it’s often overlooked. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Austin Norton (Project Manager) and David Patton (Partnership Marketing Specialist) from TechSmith join to discuss the importance of great communication in your team. Austin and David talk about using simple screenshots or videos to get messages across much faster and clearer. They take us through their different approaches to creating internal videos and explain how the era of remote work has affected our willingness to be on camera. Learning points from the episode include: Why screenshots are often a faster and easier way to communicate The importance of “getting into the zone” when creating video Short videos vs. long polished videos: How the TechSmith team does it differently Why you should lean into your strengths when it comes to visual content Why video is flexible and gives us so many communication options

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://www.techsmith.com/knowmia-education.html (Knowmia) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=improveteamcommunication (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/improve-team-communication (click here).

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Transitions are one the most important effects to know how to use. They let you seamlessly move from one video clip or image to another and bring annotations and other graphics on or off the screen. But when used poorly, they can absolutely destroy your video.

In this episohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (de, Matt Pi)erhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (ce, Andy )Owen, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (and Justin S)imon go over how to effectively use transitions so help, and don't hurt, your videos.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and shttps://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (earch past episode)s here.

You can also find https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (us on Apple Po)dcashttps://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (ts or S)potify.

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Want to learn how to master YouTube? Creating video and pushing it out into the world can be a massive challenge – especially if you’re an educator who needs to create engaging and informative videos. Valerie Pennington of The Penguin Prof YouTube channel joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share her tips and tricks for mastering YouTube. She explains the lessons she’s learned to overcome common challenges that educators face with video. Besides being a YouTube whizz, Valerie is a Professor of Biology at Southwestern College and a Teaching with Technology Coordinator. She began creating videos for her students to teach them about biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Eventually, she decided to make her videos public, and today her YouTube channel has amassed over 100,000 subscribers! Learning points from the episode include: Why video is often missing humanity and connection What the biggest challenge people face with video is Why it’s essential to practice as much as possible The importance of audio and vocal exercises Valerie’s three phases of creating video The benefits of scripted vs. non-scripted videos

Important links and mentions: https://www.youtube.com/c/Penguinprof/featured (The Penguin Prof Channel) https://www.penguinprof.com/ (The Penguin Prof website)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=lessonsfromyoutube (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/lessons-from-youtube (click here).

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Trying to add music to a video can be more challenging than you think. And while the right music enhances the experience for your viewers, while the wrong music can send the wrong message entirely.

In part 2 of a 2-part episode on musichttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (, Matt Pier)cehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (, Andy Ow)en, anhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (d Justin Sim)on talk about how you can effective use music in your videos to make it strength rather than a weakness.

Want to learn exactly HOW to add music to your video? Here's a full step-by-step breakdowhttps://www.techsmith.com/blog/add-music-video/ (n: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/add-music-vid)eo/

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and seahttps://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (rch past episodes )here.

You can also find ushttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 ( on Apple Podc)astshttps://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd ( or Spo)tify.

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The latest Camtasia release is now available, but which of its new features will help you create better videos? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce guides you through his favorite new features from Camtasia 2021. He guides you through how to use them and gives his expert advice on how to add that extra spice to your videos. Matt is also joined by TechSmith Trainer, Jason Valade, who shares his top Camtasia tips and more about putting the new features into practice. Learning points from the episode include: What proxy video is and why it’s perfect for big video files How to make the most out of the extensive transitions library Why audio emphasize is the revolutionary new way to add music to your videos How to use media mats for more engaging videos How to color your video like a pro

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/tutorial.html (Tutorials and training) https://www.techsmith.com/webinars.html (TechSmith webinars) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html (Audiate)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=featuresofcamtasia2021 (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/camtasia-2021/ (click here). If you have questions or feedback about anything in this episode, let us know! Email them to us at: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com

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Background music can add more interest to your videos, and make them even more engaging and entertaining. But where can you find music? And how do you pick the right music for your video?

In part 1 of a 2-part episode on music,https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ ( Matt Pierc)e,https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ ( Andy Owe)n, andhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ ( Justin Simo)n go over the best ways to find and choose music for your videos.

Want to learn exactly HOW to add music to your video? Here's a full step-by-step breakdownhttps://www.techsmith.com/blog/add-music-video/ (: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/add-music-vide)o/

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and searhttps://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (ch past episodes h)ere.

You can also find us https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (on Apple Podca)sts https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (or Spot)ify.

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Are you ready to harness the power of video for your business? Video content can be a huge driver of revenue, but many people don’t know where to start. Or they start and get stuck on how to make their videos more impactful and valuable. Owen "Video," YouTube Channel Producer of Owen Video, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share his tips on creating video content to boost your business revenue. Owen shares insights from his popular YouTube channel and training program, The Video Marketing School. He teaches business owners and entrepreneurs the secrets to starting a YouTube channel and growing it into your biggest source of revenue. Learning points from the episode include: How to follow the four-step Video Pro System to create video content How to structure your content with the G.R.E.A.T formula Why you should split your content into silos What you can learn from competition on YouTube The real way YouTubers make their money

Important links and mentions: https://thevideomarketingschool.com/ (The Video Marketing School) https://www.youtube.com/user/simplebusinessvideo (Owen Video) https://thebusinessofvideopodcast.com/ (The Business of Video Podcast) https://videospot.clickfunnels.com/form1615245609881 (The Make YouTube Easy Program)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=businesssuccesswithyoutube (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/business-success-with-youtube (click here).

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There's just so much video content on the internet, how do you find the unique ones? How do you find something that no one else is doing? In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) break down the top ways to find great video ideas. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (past episodes here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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You may not be creating videos for the same reasons as the top YouTube creators, but they know what makes a good video. Many of the same principles that make their content so successful apply to your videos too – no matter whether you’re creating training, customer education, instructional design, or any other type of video. If you want to get more comfortable on camera, streamline your video creation process, or generally improve the look and feel of your videos, look no further than this episode of The Visual Lounge. Tune in to hear host Matt Pierce share the video lessons you need to know from YouTube creators, including Sean Cannell, Nick Nimmin, Amy Landino, Tim Schmoyer, Owen Hemsath, and Andrew Kan. Learning points from the episode include: How to "punch perfectionism in the face" Why a streamlined video creation process is key How to create videos more consistently Why it's important to understand your audience's expectations How to overcome on-camera anxiety

Important links and mentions: https://academy.techsmith.com/page/featured-interviews-and-conversations (Full YouTube creator interviews) https://www.techsmith.com/blog/humanize-your-video/ (The Visual Lounge with Tim Schmoyer: Why You Need to Humanize Your Videos) Questions or feedback: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=lessonsaboutvideo (TechSmith Academy). If you want to see the slides and video clips of each interview, watch this episode of The Visual Lounge (or read the blog post) https://www.techsmith.com/blog/lessons-youtube-creators (here).

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Ever wonder why Hollywood movies are so successful? Or why a commercial can go viral? The answer is story.

In this episodehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (, Matt Pier)cehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (, Andy Ow)en, anhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (d Justin Sim)on talk through how to tell stories that capture attention -- including some ideas they use every single day.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and searchttps://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (h past episodes he)re.

You can also find us ohttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (n Apple Podcas)ts ohttps://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (r Spoti)fy.

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Are you educating your customers effectively? Video tutorials, blogs, and technical documentation are just some of the different ways you can provide users of your product with the help they need to be successful. But truly empowering your customers goes beyond the material you provide. Joining Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge is TechSmith’s Customer Education Manager, Doug Brunner. Listen in as Doug shares his thoughts on creating customer education content that powerfully impacts your customers – and, therefore, your business. Learning points from the episode include: The purpose of customer education content How TechSmith designs educational user experiences Why it’s vital to understand your customers’ learning behaviors Doug’s thoughts on gated vs. ungated customer education content The 3 ways TechSmith measures retention trends Why tutorial videos are beneficial to businesses How to make your tutorial videos more accessible online

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/tutorial.html (TechSmith tutorials and training) https://www.techsmith.com/blog/measure-video-engagement/ (How to Measure Video Engagement (+ Get Actionable Data)) thevisuallounge@techsmith.com

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=customereducationlessons (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/techsmith-customer-education (click here.)

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We’re diving into the basics of video editing and breaking down the differences between cuts, splits, and more. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen) walks https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) through some basic video editing techniques to level up your content.

Here are the links to thehttps://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-edit-videos-l-cuts-and-j-cuts/ ( J&L Cut)s blog andhttps://www.techsmith.com/blog/common-video-editing-mistakes/ ( 7 Common Video Editing Mistake)s blog. And if you want stock footage like Andy was using, you can check that out over at thehttps://library.techsmith.com/ ( TechSmith Assets online librar)y.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (past episodes here).

You can also find us ohttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (n Apple Podcas)ts ohttps://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (r Spoti)fy.

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If you’re spending a lot of time getting caught up in video SEO practices and it’s not working for you, stop and ask yourself: who’s really watching your videos? While getting your videos found is important, making a human connection so that viewers come back time and time again is a much better long-term approach. Video Strategist and Founder of VideoCreators.com, Tim Schmoyer, joins this episode of The Visual Lounge to share why you need to optimize your videos for people, not robots. He also gives his top tips for creating thumbnails, adding storytelling elements to your videos, and shares the lessons he’s learned from over 15 years in the video strategy industry. Learning points from the episode include: The best way to optimize your video titles and thumbnails What “humanizing your videos” really means The recommended resolution for YouTube thumbnails When to update your old videos Why storytelling is your superpower The current challenge for YouTube video creators 7 questions to help you build storytelling into your videos Why you should incorporate storytelling into all of your online content

Important links and mentions: https://www.youtube.com/videocreators (Video Creators YouTube channel) https://videocreators.com/ (Video Creators Website) https://www.instagram.com/videocreators/ (Tim’s Instagram)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=humanizeyourvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/humanize-your-video (click here).

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Sometimes you just don't don't feel like making a video. Whether you're bored or uninspired, it's not always easy to hop in and get creative.

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk through different tips and strategies you can use to create videos even when you're not feeling it.

During their conversation Andy recommends this video wherhttps://youtu.be/PbC4gqZGPSY (e Ira Glass reflects on Creativit)y.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (past episodes here).

You can also find us ohttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (n Apple Podcas)ts ohttps://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (r Spoti)fy.

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Is there a silver bullet for making engaging video? Think about a video that’s really captivated you before. What was it about the video that made you not want to look away? Did it use compelling visuals or a storyline that sucked you in? Or perhaps it left you with some food for thought. There are many techniques video creators use to make their videos engaging. Unfortunately, there’s no “silver bullet” but there are many tips and tricks you can learn to help draw people in and keep them watching your videos. TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, shares his lessons learned for making engaging video from his years of experience in the video industry. He reveals the difference between passive and active engagement strategies and explains how to create truly captivating videos. Learning points from the episode include: Why it’s important to make your videos engaging Why your video needs to be relevant and/or interesting The difference between passive and active engagement strategies 10 strategies for making more engaging videos 4 ways to get your audience involved with your video

Important links and mentions: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com Nancy Duarte, https://www.amazon.com/Resonate-Present-Stories-Transform-Audiences/dp/0470632011 (Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=makingengagingvideo (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/engaging-video/ (click here).

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

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There are plenty of good tips and techniques that you can use to dramatically improve your videos. But how do we know what elements are most valuable for engagement and for keeping viewers’ attention?

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk through our https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-statistics/ (Video Viewer Research), and analyze the common elements we found in great instructional and informational videos.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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If your videos aren’t meeting your expectations or you’re struggling with the video production process, you may be making one (or more) of these common video mistakes. There are seven common mistakes or traps that video creators often fall into. However, once you know what they are, they’re easy to avoid! Matt Pierce, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, reveals the 7 deadly sins of video creation and advises how to avoid them so that you can make better videos. Learning points from the episode include: How to prevent issues and mistakes when shooting videos Why “fixing in post” is a myth What the rule of thirds is and how you can use it How you can use lighting to communicate meaning Why you need to pay attention to audio The benefits of B-roll How to stay focused on your end goal

Important links and mentions: https://academy.techsmith.com/making-a-video-tutorial-for-beginners (Video process checklist) https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-lighting-your-video (Lighting your video) https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-setting-up-to-shoot-video (Framing) https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (Video Workflow series) https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-of-writing-using-scripts (Writing a script) https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia (Assets for Camtasia)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=videomistakes (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-mistakes (click here).

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Does every video need a beginning, middle, and end? Maybe. But maybe not! In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) go over the different sections within a video and how you can utilize them to keep viewers engaged and watching.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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Social media is a great place to connect with your customers. But when your users have a question or problem, it’s often better to show, rather than tell. Videos and images win on social media channels. They generate engagement, provide value, and increase brand trust. They’re also a brilliant tool for communication, so how can you use visuals can level-up your social media game? Sharing her thoughts in this episode of The Visual Lounge is TechSmith’s Social Media Coordinator, Jessie O’Donnell. Jessie has over 10 years’ experience working in social media for TechSmith. Jessie explains how to use videos and images on social media channels to better communicate, troubleshoot problems, and answer your customers’ questions. She also shares her top tips for creating and sharing social media content. Learning points from the episode include: Why social media is powerful for businesses How to provide better customer service with images and videos How social media listening can help build better products What and when to post on social media Why repurposing your content gives extra value to your social media audience Why your organization’s goals should shape your social media strategy Jessie’s advice for keeping up with changing social media channels How to build customer relationships online

Connect with us on: https://www.facebook.com/TechSmith/ (Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsmith-corporation/ (LinkedIn) https://twitter.com/techsmith (Twitter) https://www.instagram.com/techsmith/ (Instagram)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=videoimagesrule (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/videos-images-rule (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/videos-images-rule)

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We get the question all the time: “What’s the perfect length for a video?” It makes sense. Grabbing and keeping a viewer’s attention is challenging, and you want to be sure they aren’t making videos that are too long (or short).

In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk through the myths and and misinformation around video length and what you can do to make sure your video is just right.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here).

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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What’s the secret to creating great customer education content, fast? If you create content, you might get swept up striving for perfection. But when it comes to customer education content, this should be one of the last things on your mind. Dave Derington, Senior Manager of Outreach’s customer education program, believes that customer education doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be helpful. He joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to share a faster way to create fun and relatable customer education content and explains why you should leave the idea of perfection behind. Learning points from the episode include: Dave's definition of customer education Why creating customer education content quickly is critical How to get comfortable with imperfection How to give customers the education content they need How to create content fast

Important links and mentions: CELab: https://customer.education/ (https://customer.education) Outreach University: https://university.outreach.io/ (https://university.outreach.io) Outreach: https://outreach.io/ (https://outreach.io)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=customereducationcontent (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=successfulcustomereducation (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/successful-customer-education)

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Are you making common mistakes when you record your screen? Probably. The good news is a lot of mistakes can be corrected with a few simple tweaks. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) go over the top mistakes they've made that you can avoid when screen recording.

Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here.

You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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How do you incorporate accessibility into your content creation process? Is it something you think about when you’re planning your content…or is it an afterthought? Digital content accessibility hasn’t always been at the forefront of the content discussion, but the tide is shifting. Now, many new technologies make accessibility features easy to include, but how can you ensure that your content is adequately accessible? Ryan Knott, TechSmith’s Marketing Content Specialist, joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to share his tips for removing barriers to your digital content, including the best ways to make videos and images more accessible. He also explains how prioritizing accessibility creates better, more valuable content for all users. Learning points from the episode include: What is accessibility? Why accessibility should be part of the content creation process Why accessible content is better content The importance of video captions How to write alt text for images How to start creating accessible content

Important links and mentions: Web accessibility resource: https://www.w3.org/ (https://www.w3.org/) How to teach accessibility: https://teachaccess.org/ (https://teachaccess.org/) TechSmith Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html (https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=accessibilitymatters (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/accessibility-matters/ (click here).

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Writing the script for your videos can be confusing and boring. But you don’t have to waste tons of time or energy to finish your script. In this episodehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (, Matt Pierce)https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (, Andy Owen), anhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (d Justin Simon) talk through different templates and examples of scripts that will help you create high-quality videos. Templates: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BHJR9SEdIMTZwf7ppGz0R0zaiWBEUM146EEhmQrnwIQ/edit?usp=sharing (Justin's Script Template) Andy's Script Template https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Xcrjan0TcitJhjxnBs29eM39LAb9EqlVajooU9f5nI/edit?usp=sharing (Matt's Script Template) Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here). You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcast) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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How can video templates speed up your video creation process? Templates are a powerful way to structure your videos. They help you avoid repeating the same edits over and over again and can streamline video creation between teams. If you’ve never considered using a video template before, this episode of The Visual Lounge shows you what you could be missing. Listen to hear host of The Visual Lounge and TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, explain how to use Camtasia to build templates that optimize your video editing process and share more about the benefits of using templates within your organization. This episode uses lots of visual examples, so to see Matt in action, watch the video version of this episode on the TechSmith YouTube channel. Learning points from the episode include: Why video templates are so powerful How to use video templates within a team How to build video templates in Camtasia How to structure a video template using placeholders How to resize videos within templates Matt’s top tips for building templates

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia/assets/Customizable/Templates (Camtasia video templates)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=simplevideotemplates (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/simple-video-templates (click here).

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Which microphone should I use? This is one of the most common questions we receive about making videos. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) help you get the best bang for your buck and spend more of your time actually making videos rather than scouring the web looking for the best equipment. We also have https://www.techsmith.com/blog/what-microphone-is-best-for-recording-video/ (a blog post )where we compare and contrast a few different microphones if you want to hear comparisons and read our thoughts there as well. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here). You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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When your customers, learners, or users run into issues, finding the information to move forward can waste precious time. In fact, this lost time can also have a wider knock-on effect throughout your business. So, how can you help your customers get the guidance they need? Context and microlearning strategies are just some of the ways you can support your users and help them find success. Asif Rehmani, Founder and CEO at VisualSP, joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to share what these strategies are and how you can integrate them into your business. Learning points from the episode include: Why context matters How to avoid “context switching” Asif’s 3-step process for understanding what help your users need The difference between micro and macro learning How to deliver your help content

Important links and mentions: https://www.visualsp.com/ (VisualSP) https://twitter.com/asifrehmani (Asif’s Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/asifrehmani/ (Asif’s LinkedIn)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=helpyourcustomers (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/help-your-customers (click here).

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The quality of your audio in your video is critical. It’s the first thing people will notice. And if it’s bad, people will stop watching. We've collected our top strategies and tips for recording better quality audio for your videos. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk through how to improve the sound quality of your videos without needing to go buy a bunch of new equipment. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here). You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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When you create instructional content, which media do you use? Perhaps you have a favorite type of media that you turn to time and time again, or maybe certain media types resonate better with your audience. But, with new innovative technologies working their way into our media, how can these be used for learning and development? And, which ones are best for your audience? Betty Dannewitz has over 18 years’ experience in the learning and development field. She’s a talented instructional designer, training creator, and host of the “ifyouaskbetty” podcast, where she discusses a wide variety of learning and development topics. She joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to discuss using innovative technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and even podcasting to deliver instruction. Betty also shares why these new media are a great way to instruct your audience and help them move forward. Learning points from the episode include: How to decide the most appropriate media to deliver information in Why animated videos and augmented reality are the go-to media for delivering information Advice for anyone looking to learn more about different media Betty and Matt’s top Camtasia and Snagit tips The difference between distributing media internally vs. externally How media can help bring your learning materials to life Where to look for inspiration

Important links and mentions: https://ifyouaskbetty.com/ (Betty’s website) https://anchor.fm/ifyouaskbetty (Betty’s podcast)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=bestmediainstruction (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/best-instruction-media (click here).

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If you're regularly making videos, it's never a good idea to skip the prep work. But organizing video files can be a nightmare and there are lots of different options to do it. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) walk you through what's involved in the process before you hit record. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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How effectively are you communicating with your remote workforce? Remote communication is now more widespread than it’s ever been. Many people now have to communicate digitally, using virtual tools enabling written communication such as email, and audio and visual communication like video calls. But remote communication can bring new challenges. Ideas can get lost in virtual translation, and people can be indifferent to taking action. So, how can you ensure that your communication is clear, motivates your audience to act, and helps you reach your desired outcome? In this episode, Matt Pierce is joined by Jesse Lahey, a consultant speaker and author with over 25 years of experience in leadership and workforce communication. Jesse explains how to better your communication to achieve business objectives and shares the tools and frameworks he uses. Learning points from the episode include: Why effective communication requires a strategic approach How to use the 5M Framework to structure your thinking How an empathy map can refine your communication How to design better communication using the Simple Visual Stories (SVS) method

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-business-outcomes/ (Why You Need to Understand the Business Outcomes when Making Videos with Ajay Pangarkar) https://workforcecommunication.com/ (Workforce Communication) https://engagingleader.com/ (Engaging Leader Podcast)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=communicatebetterremotely (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/communicate-better-remotely/ (click here).

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Do you ever feel like you're just winging your way through the video creation process? One way to solve this is to set video goals and objectives before you start making your video. In this episode,https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ ( Matt Pierc)e,https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ ( Andy Owe)n, andhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ ( Justin Simo)n take a look at how to set clear video goals, define objectives, and what the best practices are for planning your videos before you press record. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here).

You can also find us onhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 ( Apple Podcast)s orhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd ( Spotif)y.

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Are you looking for a video workflow to streamline your video creation process? Creating videos can be overwhelming – especially if you’ve never made one before. But building a video workflow can help you understand how to complete each part of the process and help you on your way to making better videos. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, TechSmith’s Video Producer, Andy Owen, and Global Content Manager, Justin Simon, join Learning and Video Ambassador Matt Pierce to share their video workflow experience. They also announce the launch of their new series, "Video Workflow," where they share tips and advice from their years of experience in all areas of the video creation process. Learning points from the episode include: Why build a video workflow How to streamline your creation process What to prioritize and what to avoid when designing a video workflow The advantages and disadvantages to multi-camera videos

Important links and mentions: The Visual Lounge Episode 17: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-best-script-writing-strategy-when-youre-just-getting-started-with-andy-owen-and-justin-simon/ (The Best Script Writing Strategy When You’re Just Getting Started With Andy Owen and Justin Simon) https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (The video workflow series)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=successfulvideoworkflow (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, http://techsmith.com/blog/video-workflow (click here.)

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Facing your first time in front of the camera can be scary. If you’re looking to create internal communications, social media clips, or professional-looking YouTube videos, getting in front of the camera is the best way to connect with your viewers. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) walk through exactly what to do to get comfortable in front of the camera. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes https://www.techsmith.com/video-workflow.html (here). You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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Creating great educational content is one thing. However, creating videos that contribute to improving an organization's performance is a different ball game entirely. So, how can educators create better videos and educational content that contribute to business outcomes? This is the main topic of this episode of The Visual Lounge, where award-winning author and Workplace Performance Strategist, Ajay Pangarkar, joins Matt Pierce for a deep dive discussion about understanding the business outcomes when making videos. Learning points from the episode include: Why learning professionals need to understand the business of learning Why learning professionals struggle to grasp the business side of learning How learning from others can improve your learning content and business knowledge How to convince leaders to say yes What LinkedIn Learning is and why it’s so useful How to write a conversational script

Important links and mentions: https://www.amazon.com/Trainers-Balanced-Scorecard-Organizational-Pangarkar/dp/B0157JPKYE (The Trainer's Balanced Scorecard) by Ajay M. Pangarkar and Teresa Kirkwood https://twitter.com/bizlearningdude (Ajay’s Twitter) https://about.me/ajay.pangarkar (Connect with Ajay) https://learning.linkedin.com/product-overview (LinkedIn Learning)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=businessoutcomesmakingvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/video-business-outcomes (click here).

The Trainer's Balanced Scorecard: A Complete Resource for Linking Learning to Organizational Strategy by Pangarkar, Ajay, Kirkwood, Teresa (2009) Paperback

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For a lot of people, they want to make a video, but don't have a clue how to start. The best way to create videos is to develop a simple, repeatable workflow. In this episode, https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Matt Pierce), https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (Andy Owen), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (Justin Simon) talk through video workflows that will let you create videos faster. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-lounge/id1530249685 (Apple Podcasts) or https://open.spotify.com/show/7CRA6a2dEMHXFp2B7INMpd (Spotify).

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When you hear the word “comic”, do you think of your favorite cartoon strip, superheroes and graphic novels, or instructional content? Thinking outside of the box can often help instructional design content connect more successfully with users. Kevin Thorn advocates bringing external inspiration into designs and using creativity to communicate. His preferred educational visual is the instructional comic. Kevin is an award-winning eLearning designer and founder of NuggetHead Studioz. He joined Matt Pierce to share his thoughts on having fun with design principles, how to find inspiration, and what you can do to get more creative with your visuals. Learning points from the episode include: What is an instructional comic? How to create an instructional comic The importance of characters and narrative in instructional visuals How to design instructional visuals How to improve your creativity Where to find inspiration

Important links and mentions: Kevin’s Twitter: @LearnNuggets Kevin’s Instagram: @nuggethead Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinthorn/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinthorn/) NuggetHead Studioz: https://nuggethead.net/ (https://nuggethead.net/)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=inspirationforpracticalprojects (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/inspiration-for-practical-projects (click here).

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How can you help your videos reach more people? You’ve spent a lot of time and effort creating a great video, and you’ve just published it. What’s your next step? Is it to move on and start planning your next video? Or is it to get that video in front of as many people as possible? Repurposing your video, or any content you create, is a fantastic way to help more people find and engage with your content. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Amy Woods joins host Matt Pierce to reveal how you can repurpose effectively. Amy is the Founder of niche creative agency Content 10x and a content repurposing expert. Listen as she shares her tips and advice about how to repurpose your videos and grow your audience. Learning points from the episode include: What is repurposing? Why you should repurpose your videos How to repurpose your videos How to build a repurposing process Why more small businesses are starting to create video content

Important links and mentions: https://www.content10x.com/ (Content 10x) https://www.content10x.com/book/ (The Content 10x book) http://www.linkedin.com/in/amywoods2 (Amy’s LinkedIn)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=repurposeyourvideos (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/repurpose-videos/ (click here). We want to hear from you! If you would like to share your thoughts, feedback, or ask Matt a question, reach out to us at thevisuallounge@techsmith.com.

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How can an audio-first workflow optimize your tutorial videos? Creating tutorial videos using an audio-first workflow is one of our preferred methods at TechSmith. The editing process is often more straightforward, flexible, and easier to control than any other method. But, as tutorial videos are primarily visual content, people often don’t think to start creating them using audio. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce walks you through a step-by-step guide to creating a high-value tutorial video using an audio-first workflow. There are visual elements to this podcast as Matt demonstrates the workflow on his screen. If you prefer to watch this episode as a video, head over to our YouTube channel. Learning points from the episode include: Why choose an audio-first workflow? How to write a script for audio-first recording The four-steps to creating a video tutorial Matt’s tips and tricks for optimizing your audio-first workflow

Important links and mentions: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://academy.techsmith.com/basics-of-writing-using-scripts (Basics: Writing and Using Scripts) https://unsplash.com/ (Unsplash) https://www.pexels.com/ (Pexels)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=audiofirstworkflow (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/why-you-need-to-try-an-audio-first-workflow-for-your-videos (click here.)

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How do you create a successful online course? Online courses are incredibly popular and effective ways to provide learning solutions. However, creating a course requires a very different approach from any other type of instructional content. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Emily Weiss joins Matt Pierce and shares the secrets behind creating successful online courses. Emily is Head of Partner Marketing at Thinkific, an all-in-one online course platform. She works with top course creators to find out what works – and what doesn’t. Learning points from the episode include: How to prove market demand for your online course How repurposing can streamline your course creation Why video brings 10 x value to an online course Why community benefits go beyond learning How interactive technologies can make your course more effective

Important links and mentions: http://www.thinkific.com/ (Thinkific) http://www.thnk.cc/techsmith (www.thnk.cc/techsmith) hello@thinkificic.com

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=secretstoonlinecourses (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or listen to the podcast episode, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/5-secrets-every-online-course-creator-should-know-with-emily-weiss (click here).

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Good tech isn’t just for Christmas. If you’re unsure what to get the video creator, audio editor, or remote worker in your life (or want to level-up your own content creation) we’re sharing our ultimate tech gift guide. In this bumper episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce is joined by members of the TechSmith team to share the best tech gifts for creating better videos, images, and more. Find out how you can improve your communication with better audio, change your focus with a background, and create a video gift that just keeps on giving, with advice from Ryan Bort, Austin Norton, Dave Patton, Mike Kujansuu, Jessie O’Donnell, and Rachael Parker. Listen to find out: What to consider when investing in audio technology How to start improving your video editing skills and the tools you really need TechSmith’s top audio, video, and remote working gift recommendations

Important links and mentions: Microphone: https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-x/#yeti-series (Blue Yeti) or https://www.amazon.com/FIFINE-Microphone-Recording-PS4-Headphone-K678/dp/B085WRN1VD/ (FIFINE USB Microphone) Headphones: https://aftershokz.com/products/air (AfterShokz bone conduction headphones) Audio editing software: https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html (Audiate) Lighting: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085WKNDNQ/ (LED lights) Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-a6400-Mirrorless-Camera/dp/B07MV3P7M8/ (Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera) Screen recording and video editing software: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) Background: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/risoer-room-divider-white-black-70182191/ (Ikea room divider) Wellness: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BOYA2M2/ (Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=10giftideas (TechSmith Academy.) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/10-gift-ideas-you-need-to-ask-for-this-year (click here.)

Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager - 3D Kneading Deep Tissue Massage Pillow with Heat and AC Adapter (Wired) for Home, Office, Chair, Car, Athletes & Muscle Pain Relief - Black (ZMA-13-BK)

FIFINE USB Podcast Microphone for Recording Streaming, Condenser Computer Gaming Mic for PC Mac PS4. Headphone Output&Volume Control, Mic Gain Control, Mute Button for Vocal, YouTube. (K678)

RGB Led Photography Lighting, Pixel 2 Packs Full Color Led Video Light, 552PCS LED Beads 45W/CRI 97/2600K-10000K/9 Applicable Scenes, Led Light Panel with U Bracket/Barn Door for Video Shooting

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400L/B

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Effective virtual instructor-led training is more vital than ever before. But converting training from a physical space into a digital one can present some challenges. Shannon Tipton specializes in converting instructor-led training from in-person to virtual environments. She is the founder of Learning Rebels, has over 15 years experience in corporate learning leadership, and joins Matt Pierce on this episode of The Visual Lounge. Listen as she shares her methods and advice for ensuring effective online delivery and optimizing engagement in the virtual space. Learning points from the episode include: How to find your virtual training voice What is VILT? Finding the right VILT tools How to successfully lead VILT How long should virtual training be? How to build your own learning assets into virtual training

Important links and mentions: https://learningrebels.com/ (Learning Rebels) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) Shannon’s https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannontipton/ (LinkedIn) Shannon’s http://instagram.com/learningrebels/ (Instagram) Shannon’s https://twitter.com/stipton (Twitter)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=instructorledtraining (Techsmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-convert-instructor-led-training-in-a-virtual-world-with-shannon-tipton (click here).

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Are you an educator exhausted with online learning? Pivoting your skills from in-person to a virtual environment comes with its challenges in any industry. But for training and education, the transition isn’t always straightforward, and there’s a lot of pressure to succeed. But don’t despair! There are many tools that can help educators confidently deliver online training, teach successfully, and avoid burnout. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce is joined by Education Innovator and Instructional Designer Janet Lee. Janet has developed many tools over her 25 years in education and instructional design and now, she's using them to help educators shift from in-person to a virtual workspace. Learning points from the episode include: How to deal with burnout as an educator How to structure a successful online class Janet’s template lesson plan for synchronous learning How to create a micro-learning lecture for asynchronous learning Tips and advice for virtually engaging students

Important links and mentions: https://www.everythingjanetlee.com/ (Janet Lee’s website) http://jamboard.google.com/ (Google Jamboard) http://brainrules.net/ (Brain Rules by John J. Medina) https://www.techsmith.com/knowmia-education-enterprise.html (TechSmith Knowmia) (formerly TechSmith Relay) https://promptsmart.com/ (PromptSmart) https://cueprompter.com/ (CuePrompter) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=successteachingonline (Techsmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, http://techsmith.com/blog/how-educators-can-avoid-panic-and-find-success-teaching-online-with-janet-lee (click here.)

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How can a simple exercise help develop your skills, find gaps in your learning, and motivate you to progress to the next level? It might sound too good to be true, but the simplicity of the “maturity matrix” is what makes it so effective. Anyone, from teams to individuals, can use them to help grow any skills – that’s right, any skills. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, join host Matt Pierce as he interviews guest Phylise Banner, Learning Experience Design Consultant, about this innovative tool and how you can start using it today. Listen as Phylise shares her expert, innovative advice for designing learning experiences and finding solutions to learning challenges. Learning points from the episode include: How to approach skills development What is a maturity matrix? How to design your own maturity matrix How to use a maturity matrix for teams, performance reviews, and personal development

Important links and mentions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phylisebanner/ (Phylise’s LinkedIn) https://academy.techsmith.com/ (TechSmith Academy)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=growskillsidentifylearningneeds (Techsmith Academy.) To read the blog post on the topic or listen to the podcast episode, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-grow-skills-and-identify-learning-needs-with-phylise-banner (click here).

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If you’re a beginner video creator, it can take time to develop a scriptwriting strategy that suits your style and helps you create better content. But there are ways to streamline and improve your process if you’re just getting started. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we discuss how to write a video script – even if you’re not a scriptwriter (or video producer!) Listen in as TechSmith’s Video Producer, Andy Owen, and Global Content Manager, Justin Simon, join podcast host Matt Pierce and share their advice for optimizing your scriptwriting process and tell you why you should never “skip the script”. Learning points from the episode include: How to start writing scripts How to optimize the scriptwriting process Why you shouldn’t skip the script When a script can go beyond video Andy and Justin’s words of advice for scriptwriters and video producers

Important links and mentions: Andy Owen’s https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenfilms/ (LinkedIn) Justin Simon’s https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincsimon/ (LinkedIn) Andy https://www.techsmith.com/blog/author/a-owen/ (on TechSmith) Justin https://www.techsmith.com/blog/author/j-simon/ (on TechSmith) https://www.techsmith.com/audiate.html (Audiate) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=bestscriptwritingstrategy (Techsmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/the-best-script-writing-strategy-when-youre-just-getting-started-with-andy-owen-and-justin-simon/ (click here).

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Digital communication can often straddle the space between problem and solution. For example… Problem: You’re a live speaker, but all live events are canceled. Solution: Pivot to virtual speaking and utilize technologies and tools to continue your career in a new way. Problem: You’re unsure about how to transition from live speaking to virtual speaking. Solution: Get some advice from the experts (listen to find some!). In March, TechSmith collaborated with the one and only Jay Baer to find out more about how 2020’s significant digital shift affected a range of industries. We surveyed people with expertise in various industries, from leadership and coaching to equality and social change. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Jay sits down with us to discuss the findings. Listen in as Jay shares his unique insights into the live to digital shift and gives his thoughts on how industries and content creators can continue to succeed in this new space. Learning points from the episode include: Why different industries began to lean into digital communication Why video is the first choice for digital communication The challenges with switching to video How to connect with your audience digitally Jay’s advice for video creators

Important links and mentions: https://www.jaybaer.com/ (Jay Baer's website) https://www.convinceandconvert.com/ (Convince & Convert) https://www.facebook.com/groups/6052426057 (National Speaker’s Association Facebook group) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=overcomechallengescommunicatingdigitally (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic, http://techsmith.com/blog/how-to-overcome-the-challenges-of-communicating-digitally-with-jay-baer (click here).

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Can simplified user interfaces revolutionize your visual instructions? You may not have heard of simplified user interfaces (otherwise known as SUI) before, but there’s a good chance you’ll have seen them. Companies like Dropbox, Microsoft, Adobe, and Google use SUI graphics to help their audience navigate their software. But what are SUI graphics, and how can they improve your users’ experience? Instructional content and SUI expert, Anton Bollen joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge, as they dive deep into the benefits of giving your screenshots the SUI treatment. Learning points from the episode include: Why SUI is used in visual instructions How SUI can easily help localize your instructional content When to use SUI and when to use traditional screenshots The best practice for creating SUI graphics The pros and cons of creating SUI videos

Important links and mentions: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/simplified-graphics-meet-new-design-style-technical-anton-bollen/ (Anton’s LinkedIn SUI article) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbT5U63uKkg&ab_channel=soap%21technicalcommunication (Anton’s live talk on SUI) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=simplifieduserinterfaces (Techsmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/why-when-how-of-simplified-user-interfaces-sui-with-anton-bollen (click here).

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Does your informational content take too long to create? If you create visual instructions, like a job aid or a step-by-step guide, you’ll know that gathering the information is just part of the work. The other part is making sure that you display the information so users can effectively learn from it. It can be time-consuming to design your informational content, especially when you might not need a whole new design. Templates are a great way to optimize the way you create your informational content. With drag and drop functions, intuitive features, and customizable options, you can focus on providing great information without compromising the way you present it. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador Matt Smith breaks down how to use Snagit and Camtasia’s template functions to help you save time and create more efficient workflows. Learning points from the episode include: Why using templates simplifies creating your content How to use screen captures to make informational content The step-by-step process of creating visual instructions using templates How to make a video template

Important links and mentions: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChannelTechSmith (TechSmith’s YouTube channel) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) http://www.trello.com/ (Trello)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=createawesomevisualinstructions (Techsmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://techsmith.com/blog/the-tool-you-need-to-create-awesome-visual-instructions (click here)

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What is help content? You don’t have to be a technical writer to create content that helps people use your product. Your content just needs to help your customers help themselves. Customer education content helps customers to solve problems and perform the tasks they need. Providing this content is an essential ingredient for ensuring the success of your product with your customers. There are ways to create effective help resources, and in this episode of The Visual Lounge, Michele Wiedemer shares her twenty years of knowledge for creating, evaluating, and improving your customer-facing help content. Learning points from the episode include: What customer education is Why everyone should know how to create helpful content What common errors people make when creating customer education content How to decide what type of helpful content to create Why Michele wanted to create the Writing Helpful Help TechSmith Academy course The three essential steps to creating effective help content Why you should prioritize access to your help content

Important links and mentions: https://academy.techsmith.com/writing-helpful-help (Michele’s Writing Helpful Help TechSmith Academy course) https://www.virtualcustomerlearning.com/ (Michele’s website, Virtual Customer Learning) https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualcustomerlearning/ (Michele’s LinkedIn)

Learn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=writing-helpful-help (https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=writing-helpful-help) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: http://techsmith.com/blog/how-to-write-helpful-help-content-with-michele-wiedemer (http://techsmith.com/blog/how-to-write-helpful-help-content-with-michele-wiedemer)

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Video is one of the best ways to reach an audience, but it's also one of the most intimidating content forms to create. If fear is holding you back, maybe you just need to “press the damn button.” It's not easy to get started with video. It might feel daunting at first, but there are many reasons why that shouldn't stop you from creating video content. If anyone has the best advice for creating video, it's Brian Fanzo. Brian has been sharing live videos since 2013 and is an entrepreneur and keynote speaker. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, he shares the best lessons he's learned for creating video, from how to get started to how to keep evolving. Learning points from the episode include: What it means to “press the button” Why create live video? How to record videos with confidence The two golden rules of live video Brian’s ‘Rule of Five’ How to adapt when video evolves Why you should utilize different platforms Why you should (or shouldn’t) find your niche

Important links and mentions: Connect with Brian on https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfanzo/ (LinkedIn) Visit Brian’s https://www.brianfanzo.com/ (website) https://www.amazon.com/shop/isocialfanz (Brian’s Amazon store )

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=pressthedamnbutton (Techsmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, http://techsmith.com/blog/how-to-get-over-your-fear-and-press-the-damn-button-with-brian-fanzo (click here).

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If you're looking for a learning solution to help empower your employees, you might have considered investing in a training course or eLearning materials. But have you considered the benefits of job aids for your business? Job aids can be instrumental in helping employees complete tasks effectively, and as business owners know, empowering employees with the information they need is an integral part of running a successful business. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, discover how job aids could improve your business as Learning & Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, interviews Dawn Mahoney, founder of Learning In The White Space and one of the leading authorities on training facilitation and instructional design. Dawn has years of experience helping employees level-up, and we loved hearing her advice; from recognizing when your employees need a job aid to the top tips for creating job aids that will work best for your business. Learning points from the episode include: When you need a job aid (instead of a training course) What makes an effective job aid How to create a successful job aid

Important links and mentions: http://www.dawnjmahoney.com/ (Visit Dawn’s website) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnjmahoney/ (Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn) Follow Dawn on Twitter https://twitter.com/dawnjmahoney (@DawnJMahoney) https://academy.techsmith.com/not-everything-is-a-course-using-job-aids?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=youtube-live&utm_content=dawn-mahoney (Dawn's TechSmith Academy Course – Not Everything Is A Course: Job Aids) https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html (Snagit)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=jobaiddawnmahoney (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, http://techsmith.com/blog/why-a-job-aid-might-be-the-best-thing-you-need-with-dawn-mahoney (click here).

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With so much video content online, how do you get viewers to watch your videos? Once you've won that battle, how do you keep them watching to the end? If you've ever seen your watch-rates plummet and wondered why, or if your videos are struggling to get traffic, brushing up on your video consumer behavior knowledge could help you find some solutions to your video-viewer problems. Understanding video-viewer behavior can help you create more attractive videos that keep people watching longer. We know this because we’ve been collecting data about why people stop and start watching YouTube videos for nearly a decade! Listen to this episode to understand how viewers consume video, where they find value, and what makes them go elsewhere. Learning points from the episode include: How viewers find and choose videos Why viewers stop watching videos The factors that keep viewers watching The common elements that good instructional videos share

Important links and mentions: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-video-viewer-study/ (The TechSmith research report) https://lmgtfy.app/ (Let Me Google That For You (LMGTFY))

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=whyviewersstopandstart (TechSmith Academy). To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/why-viewers-start-and-stop-watching-videos/ (click here).

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The pivot from face to face interaction to online interaction is happening across many industries, and nowhere is it more evident and universal than in education. As teaching continues to move online, how can you ensure that you’re continuing to provide an effective learning experience through this very different medium? When it comes to available technologies, you must make sure that you’re both resilient to the changes they bring and accepting of them. There are ways that technology can enhance your online teaching, but it can be confusing to know where to start if you’re not sure how to adapt your in-person strategies to on-screen learning. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, education and technology professional, Crystal DeJaegher, gives her advice for developing a virtual teaching practice that works for you. Learning points from the episode include: How to smoothly transition to an online learning environment How to introduce new technologies How to design an effective online learning experience How to help your learners adapt The recommended tools for creating an online learning experience How to be resilient in the face of change

Important links and mentions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-dejaegher-a1a24861/ (Connect with Crystal on LinkedIn) https://www.educause.edu/ (EDUCAUSE) https://www.google.co.uk/docs/about/ (Google Docs, Sheets and Slides) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia) https://kahoot.com/ (Kahoot!) https://www.polleverywhere.com/ (Poll Everywhere)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=educatewithresilience (TechSmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-educate-with-resilience-when-everything-changes-with-crystal-dejaegher/ (click here).

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How can you write better video scripts, faster? Scriptwriting can heavily influence the amount of time it takes to see a video through from conception to completion and while there are many different ways to write a script, having an efficient process to go from the blank page to the finalized video is the key to faster production. In this episode of The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, Dana Haines, a multifunctional content creator who specializes in video development and scriptwriting, shares her best advice for creating a scriptwriting process that can reduce the number of revisions and create more effective videos. Learning points from the episode include: How to design a scriptwriting questionnaire How to encourage SMEs to engage with the content creation process How long your script should be How to turn your questionnaire into a script When to record and why you need a fast revision process

Important links and mentions: https://bit.ly/30x56u5 (TechSmith Academy) https://twitter.com/thedanahaines (@thedanahaines)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=writeawesomescriptfast (Techsmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-write-an-awesome-script-fast-with-dana-haines (click here).

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Screen recording can be a very useful and powerful tool in your video arsenal, however, few people know how to utilize it well and, if you’ve never used it before, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Understanding how to start creating screen recordings is the first step to optimizing your screen recorded video process. Learn how to set your videos up for success and you’ll discover a faster workflow that gives you better quality screen recordings and more engaging videos. Learning points from the episode include: Know what size you want to publish in, and stick with it Make your video smaller, or keep it the same size, and never make it bigger Limit distractions to keep the user focused Start by recording your audio first, and edit your video to fit the track If you feel ambitious, capture extra material, but use it only for context or a screen reset, not to distract the user’s focus Experiment and play with your screen recording software to learn how to make it work for you

Important links and mentions: https://academy.techsmith.com/ (TechSmith Academy) https://academy.techsmith.com/series/basics-of-screen-recording (The Basics of Screen Recording) https://www.learningguild.com/olfarchives/1774/the-cognitive-science-of-video/ (Josh Cavalier’s presentation for The Learning Guild) https://twitter.com/techsmith (Follow TechSmith on Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/ (Connect with Matt on LinkedIn) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Try Camtasia for free)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=introducingbasicssreenrecording (Techsmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/screen-recording-basics/ (click here).

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What can you do to make sure that you design an eLearning course that delivers real results? Tim Slade is a speaker, award-winning freelance eLearning designer and the author of the book, ‘The eLearning Designer's Handbook.’ Having spent the last decade working to help others elevate their eLearning and visual communications content, Tim has a wealth of knowledge on the subject of creating eLearning that delivers results. I mean, he wrote the book on it! Tim was more than happy to share some of that knowledge and walks you through the eLearning development process, helping you to design eLearning that captivates your audience and delivers tangible results. Learning points from the episode include: Use a blueprint or storyboard to plan your eLearning course One of the things that makes a good educator is the ability to empathize with someone who is brand new at something Focus less on what people need to learn, and more on what they need to know Stop worrying about the tech side of things and focus on the quality of your content You must understand how to create eLearning for adults and understand the theory of adult learning The goal of creating training that delivers results is to shift that moment of realization that you have of what is the right answer to the beginning of the project before you invest any time creating content Don't measure if you're not going to do anything with the measurement

… and so much more! Important links and mentions: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HBDDSBN/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=timslade-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B08HBDDSBN&linkId=5cd620eff2aa6463861943302b9c0fe7 (The eLearning Designer’s Handbook) https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html (Camtasia)

Learn more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=designelearningdeliversresults (Techsmith Academy) To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/how-to-design-elearning-that-delivers-results-with-tim-slade/ (click here)

The eLearning Designer's Handbook: A Practical Guide to the eLearning Development Process for New eLearning Designers

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It is increasingly impossible to think of a content strategy that doesn’t utilise video as a strong and effective component. Yet for many people there are still barriers and obstacles stopping them from breaking into the video world. To get some expert insights into this, we spoke with Andy Crestodina, co-founder and CMO of the award-winning digital agency Orbit Media. Over the past 20 years, Andy’s provided guidance to over a thousand businesses, written hundreds of articles on content strategy, SEO and Analytics, and authored the book Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing. Learning points: Content marketing is giving people what they want (usually educational, sometimes entertainment) to grow brand awareness, to build loyalty and to grow trust. Video gives you better access to the human brain, by turning your audience into viewers instead of readers. Video is accessible and compelling. Seeing someone’s face, tone and body language helps establish a connection and build trust in a short space of time. The reason why people don’t make more videos is not that the tools are difficult, it’s people not being comfortable making something with their face and voice in it. Traffic driving videos should be hosted on social media platforms, Content Marketing Video should be on YouTube & your website, About Us / Testimonial Video should b hosted solely on your website. Outcomes can be measured in a few different ways. If the video is on your website, you can measure the change to the performance of that page. Or if the video is hosted somewhere like YouTube, you can measure the performance of it on that platform. Google Tag Manager & Google Analytics can be used to measure video plays. Comparing the behaviour of viewers and non-viewers provides invaluable data into what video content adds to your website. YouTube Studio has its own analytics that show you total number of hours people have spent watching your video, how many new subscribers the video generated, and which sources drove traffic to the video. Leverage your strengths - Make videos for any content you have that is consistently performing well over time. Do Some Measurements - If you’re not measuring your results, then how do you know if you’ve hit a home run? Work Harder - you can make a video relatively quickly, but if you put more work into making a video, you will see that pay off a hundred fold with the engagement. Content marketing really benefits if you spend more time and more effort in its creation

Learn more about designing and creating images and videos for Learning from the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=designingforlearning (Techsmith Academy). Andy Crestodina provided a few of his articles that we talked about during this episode: https://www.orbitmedia.com/blog/youtube-content-strategy/ https://www.orbitmedia.com/blog/tracking-video-views-google-analytics-tag-manager/ To read the blog post on this topic, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/introducing-video-and-youtube-to-your-content-strategy-with-andy-crestodina/ (click here). What's New At TechSmith - Check Out These Blog Posts and New Content We'd love to have you subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts. If you like what you're hearing, give us a 5 star rating, and we'd love your review. I know it's such a small thing, but it makes it so others are more likely to find our podcast. https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/listen (https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/listen) Get Started with Online Education Videos https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-started-with-online-education-videos/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-started-with-online-education-videos/) 4 Prove Steps to Make High-Quality Product Demo Videos https://www.techsmith.com/blog/make-demo-video/ (https://www.techsmith.com/blog/make-demo-video/) **Clear Voice Over - Continuing on...

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How can you design content that will help people to learn? You don’t have to be a teacher in the traditional sense to teach others. You might find yourself faced with a teaching role that you didn’t expect. Perhaps you need to give a presentation, create an educational video, or even host an online course? Whatever the case may be, you must design your educational content for learning. Sharing your knowledge with others and creating an effective learning experience for your ‘students’ (whoever they happen to be) doesn’t have to be difficult. There are ways that you can design for learning and in this episode of The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, Mike Taylor shares the best tips and advice he has accumulated throughout his two decades of industry experience with training development. In this episode, you’ll learn: The crucial roles of curiosity and empathy How to connect with your audience What you can learn about designing for learning from marketers How to keep your audience focused on learning How to engage with your audience Design and development tips

Important Links & Mentions Subscribe to TechSmith on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TSCYouTubesubscribe Find more great content on our blog: http://www.techsmith.com/blog Follow TechSmith on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/techsmith Like TechSmith on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/techsmith Have our monthly newsletter for tips, tricks & info: http://bit.ly/TS-news CAMTASIA: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

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PowerPoint is boring. That’s what we’ve all heard, right? Too much text, too many bullet points, too much of the presenter just reading off the slides. But is it a PowerPoint problem or a design problem? There are a lot of ways to build slides for PowerPoint that convey information effectively and don't fall into the stereotypical design problems. Understanding how to make better slides is vital for holding your audience’s attention and conveying your message. It's also important if you're going to turn your PowerPoint presentations into videos. Here’s how you can design better slides, find the most visually appealing imagery, and turn your slides into better videos. Find out about: The differences between using PowerPoint for live presentation versus video The biggest common mistakes when getting started The steps you need to build a video How to tackle technical data without overwhelming your audience Which images you should be choosing for your slides, and why The great resources for finding great slide images How to make a connection and build trust with your audience

To read the blog post on this topic or watch the video click here. Find out more about the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=betterpowerpoint (Techsmith Academy).

Important Links & Mentions Nancy Duarte's Resonate (Free ebook version): https://www.duarte.com/resonate-book/ (https://www.duarte.com/resonate-book/) You Suck at PowerPoint! by Jesse Dee: https://www.slideshare.net/jessedee/you-suck-at-powerpoint (https://www.slideshare.net/jessedee/you-suck-at-powerpoint) TechSmith Asset Libary for images, music, videos, Camtasia templates and more: https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia (https://library.techsmith.com/camtasia) Freely Usable Videos: https://unsplash.com/ (https://unsplash.com/) Free Stock Photos and Videos: https://www.pexels.com Subscribe to TechSmith on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TSCYouTubesubscribe Find more great content on our blog: http://www.techsmith.com/blog Follow TechSmith on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/techsmith Like TechSmith on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/techsmith Have our monthly newsletter for tips, tricks & info: http://bit.ly/TS-news CAMTASIA: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

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Current events have turned the world upside down for many people. Those in the education field have had to switch classrooms and lecture halls for virtual videos and remote teaching for the first time. Educators have had to swiftly learn how to educate virtually and effectively without traditional in-person instruction. Transitioning to remote work and creating and sharing educational content virtually can be difficult. What you may not realize is that online education does not mean perfection and on this first episode of The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, you’ll find out how you can create better educational content online and while you don’t have to get it 100% perfect every time, with our help, you can get pretty close. In this episode, you’ll discover: The power of education Why it’s okay to be ‘less than perfect’ Tips to help improve your online education videos How to edit videos for a classroom presentation Overcoming common fears around creating videos How to avoid hesitation and speak fluently in videos Why it’s so important to know your audience How to save time when creating a video

….and so much more! Transitioning from real-life classrooms to virtual education videos doesn’t have to be difficult. If you need help creating education videos, we have a range of tutorial and training videos to help you create and edit professional-quality videos for educational purposes. To find out more, go to: https://www.techsmith.com/customer-education.html (techsmith.com/customer-education.html) To read the blog post on this topic or watch the video, https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-started-with-online-education-videos/ (click here). Find out more information on the https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=onlineeducationnotperfection (Techsmith Academy).

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Welcome to The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, the podcast all about using, creating, evaluating, and getting the most from your images and videos. The Visual Lounge is a place where we talk about creating and using visuals and videos for all sorts of communication. Whether you’re creating a course to help your organization roll out new software, an educator learning to better communicate with your students, or a marketer helping your customers see the impact of your product, our conversations will help see how visuals can impact your work. Expect to hear from industry guests and experts in customer education, training and development, marketing, education, technical documentation, and more. We’ll also have the occasional how-to episode, so you can level-up your skills as you listen to help you to create better and more impactful images and videos. Join us on our weekly deep dives with some of the best in the business – we hope you’ll love every episode! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don’t miss our first episode and any future content!

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