The Visual Lounge

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 Cinécraft02:20 - 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 storytelling08:24 - 11:26 How Cinécraft thinks about learners differently today11:26 - 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 questions25:07 - 26:18 Dan’s final take26:18 - 27:25 OutroImportant 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/

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 Christy01:40 - 02:34 Christy’s top tip for using images or video02:34 - 05:41 How do you get started in multimedia production?05:41 - 09:13 How to know what makes good writing for multimedia scenarios09:13 - 11:50 Advice for getting better at writing11:50 - 15:30 How to balance realistic dialogue with concise messaging15:30 - 20:40 How to nail your audience focus when you don’t have all the information20:40 - 23:08 When to use multimedia content in certain training scenarios23:08 - 26:30 Speed round question26:30 - 27:04 How to connect with Christy27:04 - 27:32 Christy’s final take27:32 - 28:30 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christytucker/Follow Christy on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/christytucker.bsky.socialSubscribe to Christy’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@christytuckerVisit Christy’s blog: https://christytuckerlearning.com/ 

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 Introduction02:38 - 03:27 Josh’s process for using video content 03:27 - 04:44 How to succeed in video content creation04:44 - 06:17 Josh’s number one tip for creating videos 06:17 - 10:23 How AI helps Josh’s video processes10:23 - 14:48 Getting the best results from AI14:48 - 21:51 AI for scripting: the best practices and prompts 21:51 - 27:39 Where to start with AI27:39 - 39:57 Combating AI anxiety39:57 - 47:36 Josh’s speed round47:36 - 48:05 Josh’s final take48:05 - 49:02 OutroImportant 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/

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 effectively03:44 - 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 questions27:40 - 29:35 Why Christopher has been a long-time lover of TechSmith tools like Snagit 29:35 - 30:17 How to connect with Christopher30:17 - 31:16 Christopher’s inspiring final take31:16 - 32:02 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlind/Subscribe to Christopher on Substack: https://substack.com/@christopherlindFollow 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

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 videos14:03 - 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 attention25:15 - 30:48 Three go-to features in Camtasia31:09 - 32:01 Why the cursor is not the ‘hero’ of the story - the viewer is32:18 - 37:10 Three go-to tools inside Snagit37:30 – 42:28 Opinions on human AI avatars and AI-generated voices42:32 – 43:34 Why content and the purpose should set the length of a video43:34 - 45:15 Defining “bad video” and “bad audio”46:36 - 47:55 Using the rounding corners function in Snagit or Camtasia48:06 – 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/

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 Introduction02:08 – 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 storytelling07:01 – 08:15 The importance of talking speed in a training video – not too slow, not too fast08:18 – 08:54 Training video content isn’t boring, but the delivery can be11:21 – 12:03 Creating interactive training videos 13:04 – 14:21 Why understanding your audience is the key to creating great training videos14:28 – 15:27 Outro

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 Introduction00:43 - 03:23 What we can learn from Notion’s videos03:23 - 06:31 How to focus on the right things06:31 - 09:21 How to decide what should and shouldn’t be in your videos09:31 - 10:48 The trick to making your wording simpler10:48 - 13:20 How to make your videos simpler in the editing room13:20 - 14:29 Why simple doesn’t mean boring14:29 - 16:02 How a simple approach to videos helps you make patterns for future videos16:02 - 17:28 What we can learn from other videos17:28 - 19:17 Ask yourself this important question19:17 - 19:52 OutroImportant links and mentions:Notion’s Video: https://youtu.be/vH3Rp3wky-U?si=khf1-ZX5zF0zwUVc

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 Introduction03:06 - 05:51 How Julie got started in instructional design05:51 - 09:59 Defining success in learning design09:59 - 17:20 One tip for image and video in learning design17:20 - 18:28 Ad break – check out the Video Viewer Trends report 18:28 - 21:21 Julie explains her book21:21 - 25:24 What trips people up in learning design?25:24 - 32:00 Simple vs cursive fonts and keeping learning design clear32:00 - 35:40 What learning design pros need to improve on35:40 - 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-development50:51 - 52:12 Where to learn more about Julie’s work52:12 - 53:08 Julie’s final take53:08 - 53:39 OutroImportant links and mentions:TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com/ Book by Clark Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Millennials-Goldfish-Other-Training-Misconceptions/dp/1947308378Connect 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/0134211286Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change: https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Elephant-Design-Learning-Behavior-ebook/dp/B0C7ZFRRFH2024 Video Viewer Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html

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 202401:30 - 02:28 TechSmith’s video mastery workshop at DevLearn02:28 - 05:46 The value of consistent practice and why there’s no quick path to success05:46 - 06:20 OutroImportant 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/

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 storytelling06:07 - 08:22 Common mistakes in storytelling08:22 - 13:17 Creating relatable characters and strong conflict13:17 - 18:02 Using stories in systems training18:02 - 24:59 Visuals in eLearning24:59 - 27:55 Naming characters in your story27:55 - 31:32 Speed round questions31:32 - 33:29 Conclusion and final thoughtsImportant 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