The Visual Lounge

Discover how to turn camera-shy experts into confident presenters with easy coaching tips. Learn diplomatic ways to manage differing opinions during video projects. Is it time to update those old videos? Find out why talking heads still reign supreme. Get insights on video analytics for better viewer engagement and retention. Plus, uncover whether shelling out for fancy cameras is really necessary. Planning and collaboration are key to elevating video production quality—don’t miss these essential strategies!

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 Report02:20 - 03:42 Why video is a preferred medium for consuming content03:42 - 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 videos19:09 - 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 creation30:24 - 34:29 Why TechSmith makes this report and what else you can learn if you download it34:29 - 36:41 OutroImportant links and mentions:Download the 2024 Video Viewer Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.htmlConnect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/

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 Introduction01:42 - 03:03 Meredith’s top tip for improving how you use video03:03 - 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 camera17:10 - 25:13 How to manage your energy when filming videos 25:13 - 29:00 Speed round questions29:00 - 30:00 Where to learn more and connect with Meredith30:00 - 30:32 Meredith’s final take30:32 - 31:16 OutroImportant 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.coSubscribe to Meredith's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@meredithmarsh

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 Introduction00:23 - 01:55 Tim’s top tip for getting better at using images or video01:55 - 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 looks05:33 - 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 take22:17 - 23:11 OutroImportant 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

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/