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 Maximising impact and saying “no”
• 10:01 - 13:34 The pros and cons of webinars and videos
• 14:03 - 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 attention
• 25:15 - 30:48 Three go-to features in Camtasia
• 31:09 - 32:01 Why the cursor is not the ‘hero’ of the story - the viewer is
• 32:18 - 37:10 Three go-to tools inside Snagit
• 37:30 – 42:28 Opinions on human AI avatars and AI-generated voices
• 42:32 – 43:34 Why content and the purpose should set the length of a video
• 43:34 - 45:15 Defining “bad video” and “bad audio”
• 46:36 - 47:55 Using the rounding corners function in Snagit or Camtasia
• 48:06 – 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 Introduction
• 02:08 – 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 storytelling
• 07:01 – 08:15 The importance of talking speed in a training video – not too slow, not too fast
• 08:18 – 08:54 Training video content isn’t boring, but the delivery can be
• 11:21 – 12:03 Creating interactive training videos 
• 13:04 – 14:21 Why understanding your audience is the key to creating great training videos
• 14:28 – 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 Introduction
• 00:43 - 03:23 What we can learn from Notion’s videos
• 03:23 - 06:31 How to focus on the right things
• 06:31 - 09:21 How to decide what should and shouldn’t be in your videos
• 09:31 - 10:48 The trick to making your wording simpler
• 10:48 - 13:20 How to make your videos simpler in the editing room
• 13:20 - 14:29 Why simple doesn’t mean boring
• 14:29 - 16:02 How a simple approach to videos helps you make patterns for future videos
• 16:02 - 17:28 What we can learn from other videos
• 17:28 - 19:17 Ask yourself this important question
• 19:17 - 19:52 Outro

Important 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 Introduction
• 03:06 - 05:51 How Julie got started in instructional design
• 05:51 - 09:59 Defining success in learning design
• 09:59 - 17:20 One tip for image and video in learning design
• 17:20 - 18:28 Ad break – check out the Video Viewer Trends report
• 18:28 - 21:21 Julie explains her book
• 21:21 - 25:24 What trips people up in learning design?
• 25:24 - 32:00 Simple vs cursive fonts and keeping learning design clear
• 32:00 - 35:40 What learning design pros need to improve on
• 35:40 - 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-development
• 50:51 - 52:12 Where to learn more about Julie’s work
• 52:12 - 53:08 Julie’s final take
• 53:08 - 53:39 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• TechSmith Academy: https://academy.techsmith.com/
• Book by Clark Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Millennials-Goldfish-Other-Training-Misconceptions/dp/1947308378
• Connect 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/0134211286
• Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change: https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Elephant-Design-Learning-Behavior-ebook/dp/B0C7ZFRRFH
• 2024 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 2024
• 01:30 - 02:28 TechSmith’s video mastery workshop at DevLearn
• 02:28 - 05:46 The value of consistent practice and why there’s no quick path to success
• 05:46 - 06:20 Outro

Important 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 storytelling
• 06:07 - 08:22 Common mistakes in storytelling
• 08:22 - 13:17 Creating relatable characters and strong conflict
• 13:17 - 18:02 Using stories in systems training
• 18:02 - 24:59 Visuals in eLearning
• 24:59 - 27:55 Naming characters in your story
• 27:55 - 31:32 Speed round questions
• 31:32 - 33:29 Conclusion and final thoughts

Important 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

You asked, and we’re here to answer! Host of The Visual Lounge Matt Pierce has collected some of the most burning questions video trainers have about the art and science of making great videos.

Ever wondered how to coach a camera-shy subject-matter expert to shine on screen? Matt's got you covered with tips that'll turn even the most reluctant expert into a video pro. And for those battling with stubborn colleagues who think they know better than the "rules of video," fear not! Matt shares diplomatic strategies to work with differing opinions without rocking the boat.

We also address whether to update or remake outdated videos, why talking heads seem to dominate videos, and how to think about video analytics like engagement and viewer retention. Matt also gives his take on whether you really need to drop thousands on a new camera to make a great video.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 01:56 Introduction
• 01:56 - 06:00 How to make subject-matter experts feel comfortable on camera
• 06:00 - 08:35 How to work with differing opinions on how to make a great video
• 08:35 - 12:03 Should you update or remake older videos?
• 12:03 - 14:47 Why are talking head videos so popular?
• 14:47 - 16:59 How to think about data analytics
• 16:59 - 20:15 First 5 seconds are critical for engagement
• 20:15 - 25:14 How to make videos engaging
• 25:14 - 27:05 What equipment is really needed to make a good video?
• 27:05 - 30:04 How can you get colleagues to understand the power of pre-planning?
• 30:04 - 30:16 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/
• Video Viewer Study: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html
• TechSmith Academy Course with Info About Metrics and Data: https://academy.techsmith.com/path/basics-of-screen-recording/screen-recording-basics-publishing-and-analytics

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 Report
• 02:20 - 03:42 Why video is a preferred medium for consuming content
• 03:42 - 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 videos
• 19:09 - 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 creation
• 30:24 - 34:29 Why TechSmith makes this report and what else you can learn if you download it
• 34:29 - 36:41 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Download the 2024 Video Viewer Trends Report: https://www.techsmith.com/2024-video-viewer-trends-report.html
• Connect 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 Introduction
• 01:42 - 03:03 Meredith’s top tip for improving how you use video
• 03:03 - 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 camera
• 17:10 - 25:13 How to manage your energy when filming videos
• 25:13 - 29:00 Speed round questions
• 29:00 - 30:00 Where to learn more and connect with Meredith
• 30:00 - 30:32 Meredith’s final take
• 30:32 - 31:16 Outro

Important 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.co
• Subscribe 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 Introduction
• 00:23 - 01:55 Tim’s top tip for getting better at using images or video
• 01:55 - 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 looks
• 05:33 - 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 take
• 22:17 - 23:11 Outro

Important 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