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

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 results
• 07:53 - 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 consistently
• 16:58 - 18:20 The role of color in visuals
• 18:20 - 21:30 Advice for learning about the psychology of color
• 21:30 - 23:09 How color fits into Nicky’s content
• 23:09 - 24:50 Speed round questions
• 28:38 - 29:52 How to connect with and learn more about Nicky’s work
• 29:52 - 31:09 Nicky’s final take
• 31:09 - 32:17 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Nicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickypasquier
• Follow Nicky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicky.pasquier
• Visit Nicky's Website: https://www.nickypasquier.com
• Subscribe 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 Introduction
• 02:25 - 03:28 Jeff’s top tip for using images or video in your work
• 03:28 - 07:28 Where to begin when creating a certification program
• 07:28 - 10:20 Advice and guidelines for creating a certification program
• 10:20 - 14:02 What Jeff learned by working on the Camtasia program
• 14:02 - 17:15 Processes to make sure you can replicate your work when updating videos
• 17:15 - 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 process
• 25:23 - 31:30 How he helped to redesign the quizzing aspect of the program
• 31:30 - 35:32 Speed round questions
• 35:32 - 36:23 How to connect with Jeff
• 36:23 - 38:02 Jeff’s final take
• 38:02 - 39:07 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbatt/
• Follow Jeff on X: https://x.com/JeffBattLXD
• Learning Dojo: https://learningdojo.ninja
• Subscribe to Learning Dojo’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LearningDojo
• Camtasia: 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 Introduction
• 01:48 – 02:37 Richard’s top tip for using video in your work
• 02:37 – 05:17 His advice for people hesitant about working with emotion in corporate spaces
• 05:17 – 08:27 How do we know if our content is effective?
• 08:27 – 11:05 How tech can measure interest and emotional reaction to content
• 11:05 – 16:55 Richard explains the self-determination theory
• 16:55 – 20:31 Why we need to give learners something to do
• 20:31 – 30:01 Short or long videos – which works best in training content?
• 30:01 – 34:45 Speed round questions
• 34:45 – 36:40 What it was like working on a Super Bowl commercial
• 36:40 – 38:00 Why Richard decided to pivot his career from marketing to training 
• 38:00 – 39:07 How to connect with Richard
• 39:07 – 41:09 Outro

Important 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/

Can AI help you make educational videos? In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce sits down with AI and L&D expert Josh Cavalier, the Founder of JoshCavalier.ai, to explore how to effectively use AI.

Josh is quick to point out that AI isn’t a replacement for our expertise and skills, but it can act as a handy partner to help you streamline your process. The key to getting the most out of AI is in your prompting approach, which Josh prefers to call “prompt design” rather than “prompt engineering.” He encourages anyone who wants to use AI to experiment with prompts and try to make them as detailed as possible to yield consistent results.

We hear about his process and unique method for testing new AI tools, and the advice he has for people getting started with AI prompting. Whether you’re an L&D designer or content creator, Josh’s tips are a great starting point for experimenting with AI.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 00:59 Introduction
• 00:59 - 02:42 Josh talks about his background in L&D
• 02:42 - 04:33 How people can get started with AI
• 04:33 - 06:30 Using AI to help with educational videos
• 06:30 - 07:44 How to vet results once you see some success
• 07:44 - 09:26 Scaling and repeatable work with AI
• 09:26 - 11:48 Why he prefers the term prompt “design” over engineering
• 11:48 - 13:06 How to experiment with prompting in everyday life
• 13:06 - 14:00 Where to connect with Josh to learn more
• 14:00 - 14:37 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcavalier/
• Josh Cavalier's Website: https://www.joshcavalier.com/

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 Introduction
• 01:28 - 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 resources
• 17:08 - 17:32 Outro

Important 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 Introduction
• 00:57 - 03:52 What is practical video?
• 03:52 - 07:10 Debbie’s advice for capturing practical video
• 07:10 - 08:17 Making things realistic when capturing video
• 08:17 - 09:38 Debbie shares an example of working with oil and gas companies
• 09:38 - 09:53 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cre8iveii/
• Learning DevCamp: https://learningdevcamp.com/

Did you know that there are more AI-generated images now than there are photos in the entire history of photography? It’s a mind-blowing stat when you think about how fast things are moving!

Join host Matt Pierce on The Visual Lounge as he sits down with Stella Lee, a seasoned expert in education technology at the Learning DevCamp. Together, they explore the importance of involving end users early in the ideation stage, the significance of a well-rounded strategy for learning and development, and the evolving role of video content in today's AI-driven landscape.

Stella offers practical advice for leaders on setting realistic goals, understanding organizational culture, and navigating the challenges that come with implementing educational technology solutions. Whether you're a developer or an organizational leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 00:15 Introduction
• 00:15 - 01:34 Meet Stella Lee
• 01:34 - 03:36 Understanding learning strategy
• 03:36 - 05:16 Key considerations for leaders in learning strategy
• 05:16 - 08:36 Challenges in implementing learning strategies
• 08:36 - 12:07 The role of video in learning and development
• 12:07 - 13:28 The impact of AI on video and learning
• 13:28 - 13:48 How to connect with Stella
• 13:48 - 14:24 Conclusion and final thoughts

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Stella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellal/
• Learning DevCamp: https://learningdevcamp.com/

Creating videos can be a lengthy process with many tools and people involved. But when the pandemic hit, TorranceLearning had to adapt fast and figure out a way to make high-quality videos without having a team in the studio all at once.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we sit down with Megan Torrance, CEO of TorranceLearning, to explore how she's revolutionized video production for her small business. Megan shares her journey of adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, transforming her video setup into a one-person operation that's both efficient and versatile.

Megan dives into the nitty-gritty of her streamlined process, from using shot lists to expedite editing to leveraging review tools for collaborative work. She explains how this newfound efficiency has dramatically improved their turnaround time, allowing them to update course content, respond to client needs, and create marketing materials in record time. But it's not all business - Megan also emphasizes the importance of injecting fun and authenticity into their videos, keeping things engaging for their audience.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 00:52 Introduction
• 00:52 - 02:18 How the pandemic forced TorranceLearning to change how it produces videos
• 02:18 - 03:12 The benefits of streamlining the production process
• 03:12 - 04:54 Why it pays to inject a little fun into your videos
• 04:54 - 05:50 How TorranceLearning saves time with its new process
• 05:50 - 08:40 How her new process has enhanced her business
• 08:40 - 08:52 How to connect with Megan and TorranceLearning
• 08:52 - 09:09 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/
• TorranceLearning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/