The Visual Lounge

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: 00:00 - Intro  02:51 – How Edie started using video 05:08 – What success looks like for Edie 08:24 – 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

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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: 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 

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  

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 

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