The Visual Lounge TechSmith Corporation

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 Introduction00:15 - 01:34 Meet Stella Lee01:34 - 03:36 Understanding learning strategy03:36 - 05:16 Key considerations for leaders in learning strategy05:16 - 08:36 Challenges in implementing learning strategies08:36 - 12:07 The role of video in learning and development12:07 - 13:28 The impact of AI on video and learning13:28 - 13:48 How to connect with Stella13:48 - 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 Introduction00:52 - 02:18 How the pandemic forced TorranceLearning to change how it produces videos02:18 - 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 TorranceLearning08:52 - 09:09 Outro
Important links and mentions:
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megantorrance/TorranceLearning: https://www.torrancelearning.com/

Do you edit videos with your eyes or your ears? It may sound like an odd question, but hear us out!
Many video editors focus on visuals first, which are definitely important. But audio is just as (if not more) important to your videos. In fact, the number one reason why people stop watching a video is poor audio.
Joining this episode of The Visual Lounge is Sam Rogers, President & Principal Consultant of Snap Synapse, a content production company that specializes in learning and development. He’s also a musician, so it’s safe to say that audio is a big part of his life.
In this episode, Sam explains why video editors need to take an ear-first approach to editing videos. His approach isn’t just about audio quality. It’s also about whether that audio is helping your video tell a story, get a message across, and make your audience feel what you want them to feel. He shares some tips for leading with audio in this episode, whether that be voice, music, or sound effects, to help you make the most impactful videos.
Learning points from the episode include:
00:00 - 01:32 Introduction to Sam01:32 - 02:55 Why Sam takes an ear-first approach and what it means02:55 - 04:31 The role of things beyond voice in videos04:31 - 06:32 The role of music in supporting a story 06:32 - 07:34 Tips for leading with the ear when editing 07:34 - 08:08 Outro
Important links and mentions:
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samrogers/Snap Synapse: https://snapsynapse.com/

What comes to mind when you think of workplace communication? Do your eyes glaze over when someone fires up the latest PowerPoint presentation? Sadly, boring workplace comms is pretty common, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt has a great conversation with Grant Crowell from Design Laboratory Inc, a Senior Training Specialist at Microsoft, and author of the book, GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!
Grant explains his approach to making workplace communication more fun and engaging – and why that results in better information absorption. He explores why storytelling is so important as well as the use of visuals, video, and what he calls “playful mindfulness.” We also hear his thoughts on using AI and acronym-speak in the corporate world, plus why he prefers to come up with his own fun names for corporate terms.
Learning points from the episode include:
00:00 - 01:51 Introduction01:51 - 03:21 Grant’s top tip for making images or video better03:21 - 05:11 The importance of story in communication05:11 - 11:53 Why workplace communication is often boring11:53 - 17:12 Practical steps for transforming your communication style17:12 - 20:42 How to help people overcome resistance and hesitancy to make communication more fun20:42 - 24:59 The role of video in avoiding boring content 24:59 - 32:44 Speed round32:44 - 33:21 Grant’s final take33:21 - 34:29 Outro
Important links and mentions:
Connect with Grant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcrowell/Subscribe to Grant’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/grantcrowell/Grant’s book, GRANTASMS: Creative twisted words for cool people!: https://www.amazon.com/GRANTASMS-Creative-twisted-words-people/dp/0578523469/

With over two decades of experience at the crossroads of education and technology, Instructional Designer Ephraim Ross provides invaluable insights on the significance of craftsmanship in your work during his appearance on The Visual Lounge.
Hosted by Matt Pierce, this episode dives deep into tips and best practices for creators, focusing on visual efficiency, the innovative use of AI tools, and enhancing video and audio quality. Ephraim emphasizes the need for continuous learning and making time to hone your craft despite busy schedules. From the benefits of teleprompter technology and camera streaming apps to advanced features in Snagit and Camtasia, this episode is packed with practical advice for L&D professionals and marketers alike.
Learning points from the episode include:
00:00 - 02:15 Introduction02:15 - 05:02 First tip: make time to take time05:02 - 05:42 Tools, tips and temperaments 05:42 - 14:41 Camera streaming apps and AI tools14:41 - 17:44 Snagit tips and tricks17:44 - 22:13 Camtasia tips and tricks22:13 - 28:52 Speed round questions28:52 - 32:46 Final take and conclusion
Important links and mentions:
Connect with Ephraim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimross/Email The Visual Lounge on: thevisuallounge@techsmith.com

How can we create videos that people pay attention to? With many in the content world claiming that attention spans are shrinking, The Visual Lounge host, Matthew Pierce, has a different take…
In this episode, Matt explains why he believes that attention spans aren’t the problem. It’s just that there’s so much content battling for our attention (never mind our busy daily lives!)
Matt explores why you need to know the fundamentals of what makes a good video and how to tell a story with your content to keep people watching. He explains why it’s often the first five seconds of a video that determines whether someone will stick around and why you may need to make the effort to re-engage viewers for longer videos.
AI is a big topic in the content creation world. But while AI spells opportunity for video creators, it doesn’t mean we can get away with not knowing the basics. You need to know how to tell a story and what your audience is looking for to maintain viewer interest.
Learning points from the episode include:
00:00 - 01:21 Introduction 01:21 - 02:50 Reflecting on past guests and the lessons they’ve shared 02:50 - 04:11 The fundamentals of video creation04:11 - 07:51 Why attention spans aren’t shrinking07:51 - 08:58 How to keep audiences engaged past the first five seconds 08:58 - 13:26 Why you need to know your audience 13:26 - 16:51 Why video creation is a learnable skill16:51 - 19:03 AI may help but you still need to know the fundamentals 19:03 - 20:16 Outro and final thoughts
Important links and mentions:
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrpierce/