The Visual Lounge

TechSmith Corporation
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Visuals and videos are powerful, but creating them can feel overwhelming. Yet they are essential to creating content that impacts understanding, helps improve communication, and can save you and the viewers time and money.  The Visual Lounge is a place where we talk about creating and using visuals and videos for all sorts of communication. Whether you’re creating a course to help your organization roll out new software, an educator learning to better communicate with  your students, or a marketer helping your customers see the impact of your product, our conversations will help see how visuals can impact your work.  Listen in as Matt Pierce, Learning & Video Ambassador, leads you through a variety of conversations with industry guests and experts. You’ll get practical advice and insights to help you to create better and more impactful images and videos.

  1. 10 HR AGO

    What the Global L&D Survey Reveals About the Future of Learning (with Donald Taylor)

    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 outro Important 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/

    33 min

  2. 18 MAR

    How Project Managers Can Use Video to Save Time and Improve Communication

    What if video could shave 20 minutes off your leadership meetings and help your team come prepared with the right questions? In this episode, Matt sits down with Chris King, Principal Consultant at CRK Learning LLC, to explore how project managers working in L&D can use video to communicate more effectively. Chris manages a multimillion-dollar e-learning project with a team of around 25 people, and he’s found that recording video walkthroughs of spreadsheets, creating how-to videos for SMEs, and sharing quick video updates in place of emails can transform how a project runs. The conversation covers Chris’s take on the three core types of PM communication, the tools he relies on day-to-day, and why working with the right team matters as much as having the right process. Chris also shares his thoughts on using visuals in presentations, why he prefers icons and process flows over cinematic imagery, and what the future of AI-driven video could look like in learning experiences. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 – 00:48 Introduction00:48 – 01:27 Chris’s background and PMP certification01:27 – 03:12 Being a ‘gist person’ as a project manager03:12 – 05:41 The three types of project management communication05:41 – 07:07 Chris' preferred tools: ClickUp, Excel, PowerPoint, and Slack07:07 – 09:05 Using video for project reports and leadership meetings09:05 – 10:42 Using video to onboard subject matter experts10:42 – 12:55 How teams respond to video communication12:55 – 16:16 Visuals in presentations, AI image generation, and Chris’s visual style16:16 – 18:07 Experimenting with AI video in practice modules18:07 – 20:39 Using video like an email and advice for the hesitant20:39 – 23:13 Speed round23:13 – 24:03 How to connect with Chris24:03 – 24:23 Chris’s final take24:23 Outro Important links and mentions: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingpin/Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/Explore Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/Learn more about Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

    25 min

  3. 11 MAR

    Cognitive Science & Choosing the Right Media for Learning with Clark Quinn

    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 Outro Important 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/

    37 min

  4. 4 MAR

    Why Facts Don’t Stick (And Stories Do): How to Make Training, Presentations, & Videos More Memorable

    What makes a story actually stick? And why do so many professionals get it wrong? In this episode, host Matt Pierce sits down with Gabrielle Dolan, global business storytelling expert and author of eight books, to unpack why storytelling is one of the most underused skills in any professional's toolkit and what to do about it. Gabrielle shares why personal stories outperform facts and data every time, how to overcome the fear of being "too vulnerable" at work, and the simple rules that separate a forgettable story from one people retell for years. She also offers practical tips on how to start and end a story well, why authenticity is non-negotiable, and how even a short, imperfect attempt is always better than no story at all. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 – 01:58 Intro01:58 – 04:13 Gabrielle’s origin story04:13 – 06:55 What is the essence of a good story?06:55 – 08:43 An example of storytelling in action08:43 – 11:10 Using stories to help people understand, remember and retell11:10 – 14:35 How to use visuals in storytelling14:35 – 18:27 Why vulnerability is scary, but worth it18:27 – 20:16 The power of sharing stories around values in business20:16 – 23:11 Why you should share stories about mistakes23:11 – 26:41 Tips for telling stories well26:41 – 30:40 Speed round questions30:40 – 32:48 Matt’s final take and outro Important links and mentions: Connect with Gabrielle Dolan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/Follow Gabrielle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/Subscribe to Gabrielle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRalCheck out Gabrielle’s website: https://gabrielledolan.com/

    33 min

  5. 18 FEB

    How to Script Learning Videos That People Actually Watch

    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 Outro Important links and mentions: Learn more about the Human Framework for AI training videos: https://www.techsmith.com/blog/human-framework-for-ai-training-videos/

    26 min

  6. 11 FEB

    What People Really See When You’re on Camera

    When you’re on camera, people decide how much they trust you a lot faster than you realize. In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Peter Hopwood, a speaking coach who works with presenters, sales teams, founders, and TEDx presenters on how to be more confident and credible on screen. Peter shares what helps people connect through a camera, especially when the usual in-person cues aren’t there. The conversation covers why curiosity is key to building trust, how voice and small physical movements influence engagement, and why many people misread audience reactions in virtual settings. Peter also shares practical advice on eye contact, standing versus sitting, recording yourself to improve, and avoiding common distractions that can undermine your credibility without you even noticing. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 01:29 Intro01:29 - 04:22 Peter’s roots in the industry04:22 - 09:23 Defining success on camera09:23 - 13:50 Peter’s one tip for being on camera13:50 -18:25 Why is trust so important on video?18:25 - 23:43 Defining the role of visual aids23:43 - 27:07 Things Peter has seen that can break trust and why setting matters27:06 - 27:51 How to connect with Peter27:51 - 29:02 Peter's final take29:02 - 29:38 Outro Important links and mentions: Check out Peter’s website: http://www.peter-hopwood.com/Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterhopwoodpublicspeakingFollow Peter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HopwoodMediaFollow Peter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterhopwood/Listen to Peter’s first appearance on The Visual Lounge: https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/how-to-break-your-viewers-trust

    30 min

  7. 4 FEB

    What Research Says About AI Avatars in Learning

    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 Outro Important 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/

    23 min

  8. 28 JAN

    AI Voices: Impact on Learning

    How much does audio really affect learning? And does it matter whether that voice is human or AI? In this episode, Matt sits down with Stephanie Warnoff, Senior Market Researcher at TechSmith, to walk through new research that looks at how audio quality and AI narration influence learning outcomes, perceived professionalism, and retention in instructional video. The study, conducted by TechSmith, was built around a simple experiment. Participants watched the same 45-second how-to video, with the visuals kept the same each time. The only variable was the audio. Viewers heard one of four versions: high-quality human narration, low-quality human narration, high-quality AI narration, and low-quality AI narration. What the team found was...surprising. Throughout the conversation, Matt and Stephanie explore what the results mean for teams creating training and instructional content, especially as AI tools become easier to access. This episode is part 1 of a two-part research series. Stay tuned for episode 2, where Matt and Stephanie take a closer look at the second half of the study, focusing on AI avatars, and how different avatar styles compare with human presenters in real learning contexts. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 01:19 Intro01:19 - 02:53 Stephanie's background02:53 - 04:59 TechSmith’s research on AI voices04:59 - 06:14 The four audio versions used during the study and how the experiment was structured06:14 - 07:47 What surprised Stephanie about the AI voices07:47 - 10:58 Is there a need for disclosure with AI?10:58 - 15:37 Signals for high quality voices15:37 - 18:04 Why poor audio quality performed better than high audio quality18:04 - 20:34 Other considerations for effectiveness of learning through AI20:34 - 23:08 Future research23:08 - 26:22 Closing thoughts26:22 - 27:01 Stephanie's final take27:01 - 28:00 Outro Important 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/

    28 min
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About

Visuals and videos are powerful, but creating them can feel overwhelming. Yet they are essential to creating content that impacts understanding, helps improve communication, and can save you and the viewers time and money.  The Visual Lounge is a place where we talk about creating and using visuals and videos for all sorts of communication. Whether you’re creating a course to help your organization roll out new software, an educator learning to better communicate with  your students, or a marketer helping your customers see the impact of your product, our conversations will help see how visuals can impact your work.  Listen in as Matt Pierce, Learning & Video Ambassador, leads you through a variety of conversations with industry guests and experts. You’ll get practical advice and insights to help you to create better and more impactful images and videos.

Information

  • Creator
    TechSmith Corporation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    281
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 TechSmith Corporation
  • Show Website
    The Visual Lounge

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