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. 1 DAY AGO

    How to Tell Better Visual Stories (That Actually Connect) with Stuart Cohen

    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/

    30 min

  2. 8 APR

    From Med School to 350K+ Subscribers: Teaching That Actually Works

    Teaching isn’t the reward you get after you’ve learned something. For Taim Dawod, it’s been the learning method itself. In this episode, we revisit a conversation with Taim Dawod, a medical doctor from Norway who started a medical education YouTube channel in his first year of med school, with no experience in video, editing, or teaching online. What started as a way to make anatomy easier to study for himself grew into a channel with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. The conversation gets into how Taim’s visual way of learning shapes everything he creates, and why adding animations was the moment his audience really started to connect. He also talks about working through a full medical curriculum one topic at a time alongside hospital shifts. He walks through his 7-step process for making medical education videos. And his approach to consistency is simpler than you’d think. One hour a day, even if it’s just one sentence, is what keeps him going. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 – 01:48 Intro01:49 – 02:33 Taim’s background as a medical doctor and content creator02:34 – 04:12 Taim’s #1 tip: start without experience04:13 – 07:20 Why the channel started as a visual learning tool07:21 – 11:37 The turning point: animations and 3D visuals11:38 – 17:10 Choosing topics and working through a curriculum17:11 – 21:25 Taim’s 7-step process for creating educational videos21:26 – 26:27 Building a sustainable habit: one hour a day26:28 – 28:57 Tips for aspiring educational content creators28:58 – 36:17 Speed round questions36:18 – 37:44 Taim’s final take and where to find him37:45 – 38:44 Outro Important links and mentions: Subscribe to Taim’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TaimTalksMedFollow Taim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taimtalksmed/Learn more about Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

    39 min

  3. 1 APR

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 TechSmith Corporation
  • Show Website
    The Visual Lounge

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