The Visual Lounge

What if the most powerful thing in your video has nothing to do with your camera, your software, or your budget? In this episode, Matt sits down with Stuart Cohen, a filmmaker and photographer whose work spans brands like Coca-Cola, AT&T, and Gatorade, to explore what it really takes to tell a visual story that resonates. Stuart does a lot marketing work, where 30 seconds is sometimes all you get. But he thinks that constraint can actually be one of the best creative teachers. When every cut has to earn its place, you stop overthinking and start being clear. Stuart talks through how he draws authentic moments out of people on camera. and why pre-production is often where the real work happens. He’s also talks through something most experienced filmmakers hesitate to say out loud. Sometimes you have to spoon-feed your story to make sure it lands. He also gets into what virtual production is already making possible, including a music video that looked like it was shot across five continents, wrapped in a single day. And he shares his take on where AI fits into all of this, even when that means handing off a project entirely. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 – 00:47 Intro 00:47 – 02:46 Stuart’s background and career in commercial filmmaking 02:46 – 05:07 Asking the right questions and finding everyone’s story 05:07 – 07:09 Using constraints to sharpen your storytelling 07:09 – 10:01 Stuart’s mental checklist for location scouting and building a shooting board 10:01 – 11:34 Why visual quality matters and holding viewer attention 11:34 – 16:48 Working with stakeholders and getting aligned before shoot day 16:48 – 17:51 AI’s growing role in filmmaking 17:51 – 19:31 Spoon-feeding your story — don’t assume viewers will follow 19:31 – 23:09 Virtual production walls, budgets, and how technology is changing filmmaking 23:09 – 25:24 Advice for everyday video creators 25:24 – 27:21 Speed round 27:21 – 27:56 How to connect with Stuart 27:56 – 28:48 Stuart’s final take 28:48 Outro Important links and mentions: Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartcohen/ Visit Stuart’s website: https://www.stewartcohen.com/ Find Stuart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scpictures/

We’re in a pivotal moment for learning and development. But is the industry ready for what comes next?In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt sits down with Donald Taylor to unpack the latest findings from the Global Sentiment Survey, one of the longest-running studies tracking trends in L&D, which he co-authored.With nearly 3,800 responses from over 100 countries, this year’s survey reveals how the conversation around AI is changing. The rapid rise hasn’t stopped, but it has slowed, and what’s emerging in its place is quite complex.AI still leads as the top trend, but the conversation is shifting. Concerns around job security, ethics, and long-term impact are becoming harder to ignore, while the pressure to prove value is rising fast. At the same time, areas like learning analytics are starting to slip.Throughout the discussion, Matt and Donald unpack what’s driving both the excitement and the uncertainty, from that growing need to demonstrate impact, to why some of the most traditionally important areas are also the ones being left behind.They also dig into what this moment means in practice. Not just how AI is being used day to day, but how it’s starting to reshape the role of L&D itself.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 00:35 - Intro00:35 - 01:40 - What is the Global Sentiment Survey?01:40 - 02:46 - Why the rise of AI is starting to slow down02:46 - 04:27 - Rising survey annual response rates and what they tell us04:27 - 06:52 - How AI in L&D is currently being used06:52 - 10:09 - AI in L&D: the drivers behind industry pushback and excitement10:09 - 13:43 - How priorities in L&D are changing13:43 - 15:33 - The rising pressure on professionals15:33 - 18:57 - Marketing in L&D and predictions of a data-driven future18:57 - 21:13 - Why “showing value” is paramount today21:13 - 24:52 - The core groups of respondents for the Global Sentiment Survey24:52 - 26:29 - Next steps and future plans for the Global Sentiment Survey26:29 - 27:28 - Tracking global trends within the L&D industry27:28 - 31:20 - Navigating emerging industry shifts31:20 - 32:20 - Donald’s final take32:20 - 33:05 Matt’s outroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Donald Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldhtaylor/Visit Donald Taylor’s website: https://www.donaldhtaylor.co.ukCheck out the 2026 Global Sentiment Survey Report: https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/global-sentiment-survey-2026/

How can you use the cognitive properties of media for the best training and learning outcomes?Whether you’re in training, in learning development, or you’re a creator making videos for your own YouTube channel, learning and understanding are non-negotiable.This idea especially rings true in an age when people consume media across an ever-expanding variety of channels. How do you hold their attention? How do you present information in a way that people truly understand?Dr Clark Quinn, PHD provides learning experiences and design strategies to corporations, higher education institutions, government, and not-for-profit organizations. In this revisited episode of The Visual Lounge, he dives deep into cognitive media and how to create meaningful learning experiences.He also talks about how to transpose your knowledge into the media you make, and why creating video for video’s sake rarely achieves the best outcomes.Join us (or rejoin us) for a greater understanding of how to integrate thinking and learning with technology to improve organizational execution, innovation and, of course, performance.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 01:10 Dr Quinn’s perspective on cognitive science01:10 - 03:09 Matt’s intro03:09 - 04:33 When and when not to use video for the best outcomes04:33 - 06:19 Making media choices that communicate your story in the best compelling way06:19 - 11:04 Understanding and applying dynamic and static cognitive properties11:04 - 16:08 Improving learning outcomes by giving context and examples16:08 - 20:57 Should you use video templates that can be repurposed?20:57 - 25:11 Other things to know and consider about cognitive properties25:11 - 28:55 How to iterate what you’ve created effectively28:55 - 33:16 Speed round questions33:16 - 36:52 OutroImportant links and mentions:Check out Dr Clark Quinn’s website: https://www.quinnovation.comFollow Clark’s blog: https://blog.learnlets.comConnect with Clark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnovator/

Are you struggling to script engaging training videos? Or maybe viewers are getting confused, and you’re not quite sure how to hold people’s attention long enough to deliver any value.In this episode, host Matt Pierce shares his tips for writing training video scripts that keep viewers engaged. Drawing on years of scriptwriting experience, Matt breaks down the fundamentals of writing a strong hook to building an outline that reinforces the value and learning goals from start to finish.Matt touches on when and how to use AI while writing training video scripts. He explains how AI can help check your structure and flow, spot missing information, remove redundancy, or get you past the first blank page.You’ll also learn two key principles for writing and recording better training videos, how to edit your work, and the importance of creating human-centred content, even if you do use AI tools to speed up your workflow.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 – 01:34 Intro01:34 – 01:54 Using AI for writing scripts01:54 – 06:22 How to write compelling hooks for videos06:22 – 08:16 Creating a strong structure and flow08:16 – 09:01 Using AI prompts in your scripting process09:01 – 11:18 Why your videos need to be easy to follow11:18 – 13:00 Adding your outcomes to your video script13:00 – 13:44 Why it’s important to always double-check your instructions13:44 – 15:44 What’s in it for your audience and reinforcing value15:44 – 17:29 Using specific phrases for signaling17:29 – 18:20 Using the personalization principle18:20 – 19:25 Using the “Hey Mom” principle19:25 – 20:32 Checking your script for redundancy and jargon20:32 – 21:57 Be ruthless with your editing21:57 – 23:12 Adding your call-to-action23:12 – 24:36 Bringing humanity into your scripts24:36 – 25:22 Matt’s final take25:22 – 26:07 OutroImportant links and mentions:Learn more about the Human Framework for AI training videos: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/human-framework-for-ai-training-videos/

Should AI avatars replace human presenters?In part two of this research series on The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce is joined again by TechSmith Senior Market Researcher Stephanie Warnoff to discuss the latest findings from TechSmith's research on AI avatars in instructional video.Building on episode 275 about AI voices, this conversation explores how different on-screen presenter styles affect viewer perception and information retention.The study compares multiple formats, including human presenters, AI avatars, and alternative visual approaches. You’ll learn about common misconceptions teams have about avatars, why viewer reactions often differ from stated preferences, and where avatars may help or hurt depending on context.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 – 01:40 Intro01:40 – 03:45 What surprised Stephanie most in her findings on AI avatars03:45 – 05:20 The five video snippets used during the study05:20 – 08:27 How are perspectives around AI changing?08:27 – 11:25 When to use avatars, and when not to use avatars11:25 – 13:35 The impact of avatars on learning13:35 – 15:17 Stephanie’s advice on implementing AI avatars into work15:17 – 17:03 Stephanie's tips to people who are reluctant to use AI avatars17:03 – 18:29 Questions that Stephanie would like to answer in future research18:29 – 19:42 Matt's take on the research19:42 – 21:14 Stephanie's advice for people interested and how to get involved with TechSmith research21:14 – 21:59 Stephanie's final take21:59 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Stephanie: research@techsmith.comLearn more about the study in this blog post: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/ai-voices-avatars-in-training-videos/Check out part one of this research series, episode 275, on AI voices: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/275-ai-voices-impact-on-learning/

Have you ever struggled to get the information you need from a subject matter expert? Or maybe you're the expert (SME), and you're not quite sure what the instructional designer actually wants from you?In this episode, host Matt Pierce explores what subject matter experts actually need from instructional designers (IDs) to do their best work. Drawing from his experience on both sides of the dynamic, Matt breaks down seven key principles for building a strong SME-ID partnership that leads to better learning outcomes.From being specific with requests and setting clear boundaries, to giving early feedback and closing the loop on how information gets used, Matt offers practical guidance for creating a smoother, more productive working relationship.Matt also explores how video can strengthen communication between SMEs and IDs, whether that's recording verbal feedback, providing quick status updates, or simply adding a personal touch that helps you stand out in a busy SME's inbox.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 01:26 Introduction and the SME-ID dynamic01:26 - 03:25 Respecting SME time and being specific with requests03:25 - 05:57 Setting clear guardrails and context before asking for content05:57 - 08:11 Helping SMEs remember what it's like to be a beginner08:11 - 09:57 The importance of early, actionable feedback09:57 - 12:18 Pushing back when expertise doesn't serve the learner12:18 - 14:06 Giving SMEs something to react to rather than starting from nothing14:06 - 18:22 Closing the loop and using video to strengthen communication18:22 - 21:01 Matt’s final take and outroImportant links and mentions:Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

As the new year starts, it’s the perfect time to reflect (and look forward) on how we create and communicate learning content.In this special episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt is joined by some TechSmith team members (or TechSmithies!) who share their favourite tips, shortcuts, and features in Snagit and Camtasia. These are real workflows used every day to support creators, teams, and organizations.From speeding up video editing with simple keyboard shortcuts, to collaborating without meetings, to building consistency across projects, this episode is packed with practical insider tips from our TechSmithies that you can start using right away.It’s also a moment to say thank you to The Visual Lounge community for tuning in, sharing feedback, and being part of the conversation throughout the year.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 00:39 Intro 00:39 - 01:31 Matt’s most used features in Camtasia 01:31 - 02:55 A look back on a great year02:55 - 03:20 Happy Holidays from Cameron, Senior Customer Care Specialist at TechSmith03:20 - 05:41 Collaboration workflow in Camtasia Online05:41 - 08:20 How presets in SnagIt make your life easier08:20 - 08:48 Capturing text directly with Snagit08:48 - 10:51 Using placeholders in Camtasia10:51 Looking forward to the year aheadImportant links and mentions:Explore TechSmith: https://www.techsmith.com/ Learn more about Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/ Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/ Explore Camtasia AI: https://camtasia.ai/

Ever clicked play on a learning video that looks polished and professional, only to finish it and think, “Wait, what did I just learn?”  In this episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Patti Shank, an internationally recognized learning designer, researcher, and author who has spent years studying how people really take in information. Patti knows that effective learning isn’t about the video itself, it’s about how the viewer processes it. She unpacks the hidden reasons instructional videos fall short, why cognitive overload is more common than we think, and how simple design choices can make or break viewer understanding. You’ll hear Patti explain the critical role of learner control, the pitfalls of combining text, visuals, and narration, and why background music (even the relaxed kind) can silently derail understanding. Plus, she shares practical ways to design video, so it supports effective thinking, processing, and learning. Learning points from the episode include:  00:00 - 01:12 Introduction 01:12 - 01:59 The difference between reading and listening 01:59 - 02:57 The importance of learner control 02:57 - 04:28 Why background music usually hurts learning 04:28 - 05:07 Why video is powerful when designed well 05:07 - Outro Important links and mentions: Connect with Patti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattishank  Check out Patti’s website: https://www.pattishank.com/  Listen to Patti’s first appearance on The Visual Lounge in episode 155: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/research-learning-from-videos  

What happens when everyone can create AI videos with just a text prompt?We’re entering the “watch bait era” where AI-generated short clips may start dominating social media feeds, making it harder to distinguish between AI content, misinformation, and reality.The technology is improving but still has real limitations. While AI avatars and lip-sync are getting better, we’re still dealing with 8-second clip restrictions, consistency issues (your character might lose their glasses between scenes), and the ongoing challenge of writing effective prompts.Joining us is Myra Roldan, Founder and Chief AI Officer at UnDesto AI, who’s been working in the AI space for 12 years. She shares practical insights on what AI video can actually do today, why you need authorization before using these tools with company data, and why storyboarding remains essential.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 02:45 Introduction to Myra Roldan02:45 - 03:41 12 years in AI: pushing limits and finding considerations03:41 - 05:18 Current state: better avatars, but still limited05:18 - 06:58 Understanding the "watch bait era"06:58 - 08:52 Corporate AI use: authorization and strategy first08:52 - 10:11 Cheap, fast or good, pick two10:11 - 12:38 Consistency challenges with AI characters12:38 - 16:00 Writing effective short prompts and accepting waste16:00 - 17:05 Generation costs and platform caps17:05 - 18:08 The "drunk intern" analogy18:08 - 20:14 Moving from experimentation to everyday use20:14 - 23:45 Why video editing skills still matter23:45 - 29:12 Speed round questions29:12 - 29:19 Myra's final take29:19 - 31:04 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Myra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myraroldan/Find out more about UnDesto AI: https://intelligence.undesto.ai/Watch Hey It’s Myra on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithmyraCamtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  

What if your carefully crafted training course could become a content campaign that actually drives behavior change? Most L&D professionals create amazing content that gets consumed once and forgotten. But what if that single course could spawn dozens of touchpoints that reinforce learning over time?We're seeing a shift where smart L&D teams are borrowing from marketing playbooks, and it's working. The secret isn't creating more content; it's strategically repurposing what you already have.Joining this episode is Mike Taylor, Learning Consultant at Nationwide and co-author of "Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro."Mike's been pioneering the campaign approach to learning, and shows us how one webinar recording can become email sequences, infographics, GIFs, and micro-learning moments.He explains why thinking in campaigns rather than courses changes everything, introduces the SURE model for creating content that sticks, and shows how to overcome the "we don't have time" objection with smart repurposing strategies.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 02:22 Introduction to repurposing and spawning multiple content pieces02:22 - 05:15 Why repurposing isn't more work and how to expand your reach05:15 - 06:56 Think campaigns not courses: the hero content pyramid06:56 - 09:19 Leaving breadcrumb trails across multiple channels09:19 - 11:51 Setting hooks and the SURE model for relevant content11:51 - 12:39 Why content creates feelings whether you know it or not12:39 - 14:23 Turning annual compliance into year-round micro-learning14:23 - 16:37 Using AI and A/B testing data to sell repurposing internally16:37 - 17:58 Finding small experiments to build credibility17:58 - 21:13 Visual repurposing: webinars to GIFs, polls to graphics21:13 - 23:13 Using Camtasia for Microsoft Office tips and animated GIFs23:13 - 25:00 Why even simple content benefits from repurposing25:00 - 26:53 Making subject matter expert content digestible26:53 - 31:15 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Mike Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketaylor/Find out more about Train Like a Marketer: https://trainlikeamarketer.com/Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

Lo-fi and authentic works. Just look at the best short-form creators, they’ve figured out engagement. They know how to be authentic, intentional, and drop hooks that make people actually want to watch. No matter what kind of video’s you make, what can you learn from how short-form creators do it?In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce explores how creators, educators, and businesses can borrow the best parts of short-form video to make any kind of video more effective. Matt unpacks why lo-fi, authentic content often outperforms polished production, how to apply short-form storytelling techniques to training and learning videos, and what it means to create “content like short-form” rather than “for short-form.”He also shares practical insights on hooks, energy, experimentation, and repurposing, plus how AI tools are helping teams create faster without losing their human touch.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 – 02:14 The rise and impact of lo-fi, authentic short-form video02:14 – 03:08 Why short-form video matters for all creators 03:08 – 05:05 Make content like short-form, not for short-form05:05 – 07:01 How to make any topic engaging07:01 – 07:27 Keep things moving to keep viewers engaged 07:27 – 08:20 Why energy makes your videos more engaging08:20 – 09:13 Experiment often and use feedback to improve09:13 – 12:31 Hook your audience early with curiosity and story12:31 – 16:04 Batch produce and repurpose your videos  16:04 – 16:59 How AI can help you create and edit faster16:59 – 18:23 Choose the right video length for your audience18:23 – 18:48 Keep learning from short-form creators as trends evolve  18:48 – 20:17 Lo-fi and authentic content builds real connection 20:17 – 21:27 Outro Important links and mentions:TechSmith Unlocked: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-unlocked-2025/   Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  

AI is transforming how we create content, but there’s also a growing problem: AI slop. It’s the flood of auto-generated videos, images, and text that takes up space without adding value; and we’re seeing it everywhere. So how do you use AI to enhance your work without the noise?  Host Matt Pierce introduces TechSmith’s HUMAN Framework, a practical approach to keeping the human element at the center of AI-assisted content creation.  We hear why your expertise and lived experience gives you access to nuance that AI can’t replicate, how authenticity has become currency in content creation, and why treating AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement leads to better outcomes.  Matt also shares TechSmith’s philosophy on AI integration, including their approach to control and customization in tools like Camtasia AI. While AI is the worst it's ever going to be (meaning it will only get better), the choices we make now about how we use it will determine whether we're creating valuable content or just more noise. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 02:01 What AI slop is and why being able to identify it is crucial 02:01 - 02:28 TechSmith Unlocked event announcement  02:28 - 03:23 Introducing the HUMAN Framework acronym  03:23 - 04:40 H - Harness your expertise 04:40 - 05:38 How humans have access to nuance through lived experiences 05:38 - 07:47 U - Understand your audience.  07:47 - 09:00 M - Make it authentic, not artificial  09:00 - 10:31 A - Aim for better, not just faster  10:31 - 11:52 N - Never skip reviews  11:52 - 12:30 How to use the framework as your guide 12:30 - 13:00 Why you need to choose tools that keep you in control of the output 13:00 - 13:28 The importance of ethical AI partnerships  13:28 - 15:40 Control and customization in Camtasia AI  15:40 - 16:30 AI as an augmentation tool 16:30 - 17:17 Outro   Important links and mentions: TechSmith Unlocked: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-unlocked-2025/   Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/