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 results07:53 - 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 consistently16:58 - 18:20 The role of color in visuals 18:20 - 21:30 Advice for learning about the psychology of color21:30 - 23:09 How color fits into Nicky’s content23:09 - 24:50 Speed round questions28:38 - 29:52 How to connect with and learn more about Nicky’s work29:52 - 31:09 Nicky’s final take31:09 - 32:17 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickypasquierFollow Nicky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicky.pasquierVisit Nicky's Website: https://www.nickypasquier.comSubscribe to Nicky's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NickyPasquier

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 Introduction02:25 - 03:28 Jeff’s top tip for using images or video in your work03:28 - 07:28 Where to begin when creating a certification program07:28 - 10:20 Advice and guidelines for creating a certification program 10:20 - 14:02 What Jeff learned by working on the Camtasia program14:02 - 17:15 Processes to make sure you can replicate your work when updating videos17:15 - 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 process25:23 - 31:30 How he helped to redesign the quizzing aspect of the program31:30 - 35:32 Speed round questions35:32 - 36:23 How to connect with Jeff36:23 - 38:02 Jeff’s final take 38:02 - 39:07 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbatt/Follow Jeff on X: https://x.com/JeffBattLXDLearning Dojo: https://learningdojo.ninjaSubscribe to Learning Dojo’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LearningDojoCamtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

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 Introduction01:48 – 02:37 Richard’s top tip for using video in your work02:37 – 05:17 His advice for people hesitant about working with emotion in corporate spaces05:17 – 08:27 How do we know if our content is effective?08:27 – 11:05 How tech can measure interest and emotional reaction to content11:05 – 16:55 Richard explains the self-determination theory16:55 – 20:31 Why we need to give learners something to do20:31 – 30:01 Short or long videos – which works best in training content?30:01 – 34:45 Speed round questions34:45 – 36:40 What it was like working on a Super Bowl commercial36:40 – 38:00 Why Richard decided to pivot his career from marketing to training 38:00 – 39:07 How to connect with Richard39:07 – 41:09 OutroImportant 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/

Josh Cavalier, an AI and L&D expert and founder of JoshCavalier.ai, shares insights on harnessing AI for educational video creation. He emphasizes the concept of 'prompt design' over 'prompt engineering' to make AI more accessible. Josh discusses the importance of detailed prompts for consistent results and provides strategies for integrating AI effectively into instructional design. He encourages creativity by experimenting with AI in personal projects, demonstrating how to use it as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement.

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 Introduction01:28 - 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 resources17:08 - 17:32 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcmercier/Build Capable: https://buildcapable.com/

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 Learning DevCamp 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 Introduction00:57 - 03:52 What is practical video?03:52 - 07:10 Debbie’s advice for capturing practical video07:10 - 08:17 Making things realistic when capturing video08:17 - 09:38 Debbie shares an example of working with oil and gas companies 09:38 - 09:53 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cre8iveii/Learning DevCamp: https://learningdevcamp.com/

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 Introduction00:15 - 01:34 Meet Stella Lee01:34 - 03:36 Understanding learning strategy03:36 - 05:16 Key considerations for leaders in learning strategy05:16 - 08:36 Challenges in implementing learning strategies08:36 - 12:07 The role of video in learning and development12:07 - 13:28 The impact of AI on video and learning13:28 - 13:48 How to connect with Stella13:48 - 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/

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 Introduction00:52 - 02:18 How the pandemic forced TorranceLearning to change how it produces videos02:18 - 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 TorranceLearning08:52 - 09:09 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/TorranceLearning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/

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 Sam01:32 - 02:55 Why Sam takes an ear-first approach and what it means02:55 - 04:31 The role of things beyond voice in videos04:31 - 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 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrogers/Snap Synapse: https://snapsynapse.com/

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 - 01:51 Introduction01:51 - 03:21 Grant’s top tip for making images or video better03:21 - 05:11 The importance of story in communication05:11 - 11:53 Why workplace communication is often boring11:53 - 17:12 Practical steps for transforming your communication style17:12 - 20:42 How to help people overcome resistance and hesitancy to make communication more fun20:42 - 24:59 The role of video in avoiding boring content 24:59 - 32:44 Speed round32:44 - 33:21 Grant’s final take33:21 - 34:29 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Grant on LinkedIn: https://www.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/