The Visual Lounge

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/ 

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 Jonathan03:56 – 04:52 Jonathan’s quick tips for using video in workplace learning04:52 – 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 journey18:06 – 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 questions33:14 – 34:30 Jonathan’s final take34:30 – 35:55 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhalls

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 today01:53 - 03:45 A look back at the LinkedIn conversation and how things have changed03:45 - 04:42 How tech specifications have changed04:42 - 07:51 AI’s role in enhancing video production07:51 - 08:42 Why automation hasn’t eliminated the need for authentic voices 08:42 - 09:25 How future videos might adjust content for dynamic learning09:25 - 10:13 Accessibility enhancements with AI tools10:13 - 11:36 The future of interactive video11:36 - 16:15 The rise of user-generated content in learning16:15 - 17:10 How more digitization will affect learning content17:10 - 23:18 The value of human connection and authenticity 23:18 - 26:21 Future tech and platform-specific considerations26:21 - 27:33 Join the conversation27:33 - 27:59 OutroImportant links and mentions:Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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 stage09:13 - 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/

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 learning05:50 - 11:01 How should organizations use subject matter experts?11:01 - 14:29 Why sometimes organizations need processes, not training14:29 - 20:37 What are learners getting wrong20:37 - 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 mistakes30:07 - 37:17 What else can we do to help learners achieve the ideal outcome37:17 - 38:13 OutroImportant 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

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 hooks00:58 - 02:03 Why the first five seconds are the most important02:03 - 02:38 The battle for viewer attention02:38 - 03:35 Hook tactic 1: The bold statement03:35 - 04:17 Hook tactic 2: Pain points04:17 - 05:01 Hook tactic 3: Instant wins05:01 - 05:37 Beware of clickbait 05:37 - 06:51 Top video introduction mistakes to avoid06:51 - 08:15 Making internal videos people want to watch08:15 - 09:27 Tie your hook to your internal audience 09:27 - 10:11 When flashy hooks aren’t needed10:11 - 11:08 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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 Diana03:15 - 04:58 Diana explains the premise of her book, Next Level Virtual Training04:58 - 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 camera12:55 - 15:11 How to tweak your on-camera presence for live vs. pre-recorded video15:11 - 21:04 Steps to take to get more comfortable on camera21:04 - 23:17 Standing vs. sitting while on camera: which is best?23:17 - 29:30 Common mistakes people make on camera29:30 - 41:04 How to use the B.L.E.A.C.H method to clean up your on-camera presence41:04 - 43:18 Where to find more tips from Diana43:18 - 49:07 Diana’s speed round49:07 - 50:00 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianahowles/Visit Diana's Website: https://howlesassociates.com/

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 Introduction02:25 - 03:47 Donald’s biggest tip for using images or video in L&D03:47 - 07:00 Background on the study and why it became so important07:00 - 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 study29:49 - 30:47 Donald’s final take30:47 - 31:41 OutroImportant 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/

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 images02:58 - 04:02 Does AI follow the Ballmer curve?04:02 - 06:23 What to do if you’re struggling with AI06:23 - 09:36 Where most people get AI wrong09:36 - 11:59 The best use cases of AI in visual design11:59 - 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 AI19:00 - 22:16 Speed round questions22:16 - 22:55 How to connect with Mike22:55 - 23:27 Mike’s final take 23:27 - 23:59 OutroImportant 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/

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/