The Visual Lounge

Which microphone should I use?This is one of the most common questions we receive about making videos.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon help you get the best bang for your buck and spend more of your time actually making videos rather than scouring the web looking for the best equipment.We also have a blog post where we compare and contrast a few different microphones if you want to hear comparisons and read our thoughts there as well.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

When your customers, learners, or users run into issues, finding the information to move forward can waste precious time. In fact, this lost time can also have a wider knock-on effect throughout your business.So, how can you help your customers get the guidance they need?Context and microlearning strategies are just some of the ways you can support your users and help them find success. Asif Rehmani, Founder and CEO at VisualSP, joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to share what these strategies are and how you can integrate them into your business.Learning points from the episode include:Why context mattersHow to avoid “context switching”Asif’s 3-step process for understanding what help your users needThe difference between micro and macro learningHow to deliver your help content Important links and mentions:VisualSPAsif’s TwitterAsif’s LinkedInLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

The quality of your audio in your video is critical. It’s the first thing people will notice. And if it’s bad, people will stop watching.We've collected our top strategies and tips for recording better quality audio for your videos.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through how to improve the sound quality of your videos without needing to go buy a bunch of new equipment.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

When you create instructional content, which media do you use? Perhaps you have a favorite type of media that you turn to time and time again, or maybe certain media types resonate better with your audience.But, with new innovative technologies working their way into our media, how can these be used for learning and development? And, which ones are best for your audience?Betty Dannewitz has over 18 years’ experience in the learning and development field. She’s a talented instructional designer, training creator, and host of the “ifyouaskbetty” podcast, where she discusses a wide variety of learning and development topics.She joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge to discuss using innovative technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and even podcasting to deliver instruction. Betty also shares why these new media are a great way to instruct your audience and help them move forward.Learning points from the episode include:How to decide the most appropriate media to deliver information inWhy animated videos and augmented reality are the go-to media for delivering informationAdvice for anyone looking to learn more about different mediaBetty and Matt’s top Camtasia and Snagit tipsThe difference between distributing media internally vs. externallyHow media can help bring your learning materials to lifeWhere to look for inspirationImportant links and mentions:Betty’s websiteBetty’s podcastLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

If you're regularly making videos, it's never a good idea to skip the prep work.But organizing video files can be a nightmare and there are lots of different options to do it. In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon walk you through what's involved in the process before you hit record.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

How effectively are you communicating with your remote workforce?Remote communication is now more widespread than it’s ever been. Many people now have to communicate digitally, using virtual tools enabling written communication such as email, and audio and visual communication like video calls.But remote communication can bring new challenges. Ideas can get lost in virtual translation, and people can be indifferent to taking action. So, how can you ensure that your communication is clear, motivates your audience to act, and helps you reach your desired outcome?In this episode, Matt Pierce is joined by Jesse Lahey, a consultant speaker and author with over 25 years of experience in leadership and workforce communication. Jesse explains how to better your communication to achieve business objectives and shares the tools and frameworks he uses.Learning points from the episode include:Why effective communication requires a strategic approachHow to use the 5M Framework to structure your thinkingHow an empathy map can refine your communicationHow to design better communication using the Simple Visual Stories (SVS) methodImportant links and mentions:Why You Need to Understand the Business Outcomes when Making Videos with Ajay PangarkarWorkforce CommunicationEngaging Leader Podcast Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Do you ever feel like you're just winging your way through the video creation process?One way to solve this is to set video goals and objectives before you start making your video. In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon take a look at how to set clear video goals, define objectives, and what the best practices are for planning your videos before you press record. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Are you looking for a video workflow to streamline your video creation process?Creating videos can be overwhelming – especially if you’ve never made one before. But building a video workflow can help you understand how to complete each part of the process and help you on your way to making better videos.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, TechSmith’s Video Producer, Andy Owen, and Global Content Manager, Justin Simon, join Learning and Video Ambassador Matt Pierce to share their video workflow experience. They also announce the launch of their new series, "Video Workflow," where they share tips and advice from their years of experience in all areas of the video creation process.Learning points from the episode include:Why build a video workflowHow to streamline your creation processWhat to prioritize and what to avoid when designing a video workflowThe advantages and disadvantages to multi-camera videosImportant links and mentions:The Visual Lounge Episode 17: The Best Script Writing Strategy When You’re Just Getting Started With Andy Owen and Justin SimonThe video workflow seriesLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Facing your first time in front of the camera can be scary.If you’re looking to create internal communications, social media clips, or professional-looking YouTube videos, getting in front of the camera is the best way to connect with your viewers.In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon walk through exactly what to do to get comfortable in front of the camera.Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Creating great educational content is one thing. However, creating videos that contribute to improving an organization's performance is a different ball game entirely. So, how can educators create better videos and educational content that contribute to business outcomes?This is the main topic of this episode of The Visual Lounge, where award-winning author and Workplace Performance Strategist, Ajay Pangarkar, joins Matt Pierce for a deep dive discussion about understanding the business outcomes when making videos. Learning points from the episode include:Why learning professionals need to understand the business of learningWhy learning professionals struggle to grasp the business side of learningHow learning from others can improve your learning content and business knowledgeHow to convince leaders to say yesWhat LinkedIn Learning is and why it’s so usefulHow to write a conversational scriptImportant links and mentions:The Trainer's Balanced Scorecard by Ajay M. Pangarkar and Teresa KirkwoodAjay’s TwitterConnect with AjayLinkedIn LearningLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

For a lot of people, they want to make a video, but don't have a clue how to start. The best way to create videos is to develop a simple, repeatable workflow. In this episode, Matt Pierce, Andy Owen, and Justin Simon talk through video workflows that will let you create videos faster. Do you want more tips on creating videos? You can easily watch and search past episodes here. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

When you hear the word “comic”, do you think of your favorite cartoon strip, superheroes and graphic novels, or instructional content?Thinking outside of the box can often help instructional design content connect more successfully with users. Kevin Thorn advocates bringing external inspiration into designs and using creativity to communicate. His preferred educational visual is the instructional comic.Kevin is an award-winning eLearning designer and founder of NuggetHead Studioz. He joined Matt Pierce to share his thoughts on having fun with design principles, how to find inspiration, and what you can do to get more creative with your visuals.Learning points from the episode include:What is an instructional comic?How to create an instructional comicThe importance of characters and narrative in instructional visualsHow to design instructional visualsHow to improve your creativityWhere to find inspirationImportant links and mentions:Kevin’s Twitter: @LearnNuggetsKevin’s Instagram: @nuggetheadKevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinthorn/NuggetHead Studioz: https://nuggethead.net/ Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

How can you help your videos reach more people?You’ve spent a lot of time and effort creating a great video, and you’ve just published it. What’s your next step? Is it to move on and start planning your next video? Or is it to get that video in front of as many people as possible?Repurposing your video, or any content you create, is a fantastic way to help more people find and engage with your content. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Amy Woods joins host Matt Pierce to reveal how you can repurpose effectively.Amy is the Founder of niche creative agency Content 10x and a content repurposing expert. Listen as she shares her tips and advice about how to repurpose your videos and grow your audience.Learning points from the episode include:What is repurposing?Why you should repurpose your videosHow to repurpose your videosHow to build a repurposing processWhy more small businesses are starting to create video content Important links and mentions:Content 10xThe Content 10x bookAmy’s LinkedIn Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.We want to hear from you! If you would like to share your thoughts, feedback, or ask Matt a question, reach out to us at [email protected].  

How can an audio-first workflow optimize your tutorial videos?Creating tutorial videos using an audio-first workflow is one of our preferred methods at TechSmith. The editing process is often more straightforward, flexible, and easier to control than any other method.But, as tutorial videos are primarily visual content, people often don’t think to start creating them using audio.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce walks you through a step-by-step guide to creating a high-value tutorial video using an audio-first workflow.There are visual elements to this podcast as Matt demonstrates the workflow on his screen. If you prefer to watch this episode as a video, head over to our YouTube channel.Learning points from the episode include:Why choose an audio-first workflow?How to write a script for audio-first recordingThe four-steps to creating a video tutorialMatt’s tips and tricks for optimizing your audio-first workflowImportant links and mentions:CamtasiaBasics: Writing and Using ScriptsUnsplashPexelsLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

How do you create a successful online course?Online courses are incredibly popular and effective ways to provide learning solutions. However, creating a course requires a very different approach from any other type of instructional content. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Emily Weiss joins Matt Pierce and shares the secrets behind creating successful online courses. Emily is Head of Partner Marketing at Thinkific, an all-in-one online course platform. She works with top course creators to find out what works – and what doesn’t.Learning points from the episode include:How to prove market demand for your online courseHow repurposing can streamline your course creationWhy video brings 10 x value to an online courseWhy community benefits go beyond learningHow interactive technologies can make your course more effective Important links and mentions:Thinkificwww.thnk.cc/techsmith [email protected] Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or listen to the podcast episode, click here.

Good tech isn’t just for Christmas.If you’re unsure what to get the video creator, audio editor, or remote worker in your life (or want to level-up your own content creation) we’re sharing our ultimate tech gift guide.In this bumper episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce is joined by members of the TechSmith team to share the best tech gifts for creating better videos, images, and more. Find out how you can improve your communication with better audio, change your focus with a background, and create a video gift that just keeps on giving, with advice from Ryan Bort, Austin Norton, Dave Patton, Mike Kujansuu, Jessie O’Donnell, and Rachael Parker.Listen to find out:What to consider when investing in audio technologyHow to start improving your video editing skills and the tools you really needTechSmith’s top audio, video, and remote working gift recommendationsImportant links and mentions:Microphone: Blue Yeti or FIFINE USB MicrophoneHeadphones: AfterShokz bone conduction headphonesAudio editing software: AudiateLighting: LED lightsCamera: Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless CameraScreen recording and video editing software: CamtasiaBackground: Ikea room dividerWellness: Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck MassagerLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Effective virtual instructor-led training is more vital than ever before. But converting training from a physical space into a digital one can present some challenges.Shannon Tipton specializes in converting instructor-led training from in-person to virtual environments. She is the founder of Learning Rebels, has over 15 years experience in corporate learning leadership, and joins Matt Pierce on this episode of The Visual Lounge.Listen as she shares her methods and advice for ensuring effective online delivery and optimizing engagement in the virtual space.Learning points from the episode include:How to find your virtual training voiceWhat is VILT?Finding the right VILT toolsHow to successfully lead VILTHow long should virtual training be?How to build your own learning assets into virtual training Important links and mentions:Learning RebelsSnagitCamtasiaShannon’s LinkedInShannon’s InstagramShannon’s TwitterLearn more about the Techsmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Are you an educator exhausted with online learning? Pivoting your skills from in-person to a virtual environment comes with its challenges in any industry. But for training and education, the transition isn’t always straightforward, and there’s a lot of pressure to succeed.But don’t despair! There are many tools that can help educators confidently deliver online training, teach successfully, and avoid burnout.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Matt Pierce is joined by Education Innovator and Instructional Designer Janet Lee. Janet has developed many tools over her 25 years in education and instructional design and now, she's using them to help educators shift from in-person to a virtual workspace.Learning points from the episode include:How to deal with burnout as an educatorHow to structure a successful online classJanet’s template lesson plan for synchronous learningHow to create a micro-learning lecture for asynchronous learningTips and advice for virtually engaging studentsImportant links and mentions:Janet Lee’s websiteGoogle JamboardBrain Rules by John J. MedinaTechSmith Knowmia (formerly TechSmith Relay)PromptSmartCuePrompterCamtasia Learn more about the Techsmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

How can a simple exercise help develop your skills, find gaps in your learning, and motivate you to progress to the next level? It might sound too good to be true, but the simplicity of the “maturity matrix” is what makes it so effective. Anyone, from teams to individuals, can use them to help grow any skills – that’s right, any skills.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, join host Matt Pierce as he interviews guest Phylise Banner, Learning Experience Design Consultant, about this innovative tool and how you can start using it today. Listen as Phylise shares her expert, innovative advice for designing learning experiences and finding solutions to learning challenges.Learning points from the episode include:How to approach skills developmentWhat is a maturity matrix?How to design your own maturity matrixHow to use a maturity matrix for teams, performance reviews, and personal developmentImportant links and mentions:Phylise’s LinkedInTechSmith AcademyLearn more about the Techsmith Academy. To read the blog post on the topic or listen to the podcast episode, click here.

If you’re a beginner video creator, it can take time to develop a scriptwriting strategy that suits your style and helps you create better content. But there are ways to streamline and improve your process if you’re just getting started.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we discuss how to write a video script – even if you’re not a scriptwriter (or video producer!) Listen in as TechSmith’s Video Producer, Andy Owen, and Global Content Manager, Justin Simon, join podcast host Matt Pierce and share their advice for optimizing your scriptwriting process and tell you why you should never “skip the script”. Learning points from the episode include:How to start writing scriptsHow to optimize the scriptwriting processWhy you shouldn’t skip the scriptWhen a script can go beyond videoAndy and Justin’s words of advice for scriptwriters and video producersImportant links and mentions:Andy Owen’s LinkedInJustin Simon’s LinkedInAndy on TechSmithJustin on TechSmithAudiateSnagitCamtasia Learn more about the Techsmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Digital communication can often straddle the space between problem and solution. For example…Problem: You’re a live speaker, but all live events are canceled.Solution: Pivot to virtual speaking and utilize technologies and tools to continue your career in a new way.Problem: You’re unsure about how to transition from live speaking to virtual speaking.Solution: Get some advice from the experts (listen to find some!).In March, TechSmith collaborated with the one and only Jay Baer to find out more about how 2020’s significant digital shift affected a range of industries.We surveyed people with expertise in various industries, from leadership and coaching to equality and social change. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, Jay sits down with us to discuss the findings.Listen in as Jay shares his unique insights into the live to digital shift and gives his thoughts on how industries and content creators can continue to succeed in this new space.Learning points from the episode include:Why different industries began to lean into digital communicationWhy video is the first choice for digital communicationThe challenges with switching to videoHow to connect with your audience digitallyJay’s advice for video creatorsImportant links and mentions:Jay Baer's websiteConvince & ConvertNational Speaker’s Association Facebook groupCamtasiaSnagitLearn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic, click here.

Can simplified user interfaces revolutionize your visual instructions?You may not have heard of simplified user interfaces (otherwise known as SUI) before, but there’s a good chance you’ll have seen them. Companies like Dropbox, Microsoft, Adobe, and Google use SUI graphics to help their audience navigate their software.But what are SUI graphics, and how can they improve your users’ experience? Instructional content and SUI expert, Anton Bollen joins Matt Pierce in this episode of The Visual Lounge, as they dive deep into the benefits of giving your screenshots the SUI treatment. Learning points from the episode include:Why SUI is used in visual instructionsHow SUI can easily help localize your instructional contentWhen to use SUI and when to use traditional screenshots The best practice for creating SUI graphics The pros and cons of creating SUI videosImportant links and mentions:Anton’s LinkedIn SUI articleAnton’s live talk on SUISnagitLearn more about the Techsmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Does your informational content take too long to create?If you create visual instructions, like a job aid or a step-by-step guide, you’ll know that gathering the information is just part of the work. The other part is making sure that you display the information so users can effectively learn from it.It can be time-consuming to design your informational content, especially when you might not need a whole new design.Templates are a great way to optimize the way you create your informational content. With drag and drop functions, intuitive features, and customizable options, you can focus on providing great information without compromising the way you present it.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, TechSmith’s Learning and Video Ambassador Matt Smith breaks down how to use Snagit and Camtasia’s template functions to help you save time and create more efficient workflows. Learning points from the episode include:Why using templates simplifies creating your contentHow to use screen captures to make informational content The step-by-step process of creating visual instructions using templatesHow to make a video templateImportant links and mentions:TechSmith’s YouTube channelSnagitCamtasiaTrelloLearn more about the Techsmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here

What is help content? You don’t have to be a technical writer to create content that helps people use your product. Your content just needs to help your customers help themselves. Customer education content helps customers to solve problems and perform the tasks they need. Providing this content is an essential ingredient for ensuring the success of your product with your customers.There are ways to create effective help resources, and in this episode of The Visual Lounge, Michele Wiedemer shares her twenty years of knowledge for creating, evaluating, and improving your customer-facing help content.Learning points from the episode include:What customer education isWhy everyone should know how to create helpful contentWhat common errors people make when creating customer education contentHow to decide what type of helpful content to createWhy Michele wanted to create the Writing Helpful Help TechSmith Academy courseThe three essential steps to creating effective help contentWhy you should prioritize access to your help content  Important links and mentions:Michele’s Writing Helpful Help TechSmith Academy courseMichele’s website, Virtual Customer LearningMichele’s LinkedInLearn more about the TechSmith Academy https://academy.techsmith.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=visuallounge&utm_content=writing-helpful-helpTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, go to: http://techsmith.com/blog/how-to-write-helpful-help-content-with-michele-wiedemer

Video is one of the best ways to reach an audience, but it's also one of the most intimidating content forms to create. If fear is holding you back, maybe you just need to “press the damn button.”It's not easy to get started with video. It might feel daunting at first, but there are many reasons why that shouldn't stop you from creating video content.If anyone has the best advice for creating video, it's Brian Fanzo. Brian has been sharing live videos since 2013 and is an entrepreneur and keynote speaker. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, he shares the best lessons he's learned for creating video, from how to get started to how to keep evolving.Learning points from the episode include:What it means to “press the button”Why create live video?How to record videos with confidenceThe two golden rules of live videoBrian’s ‘Rule of Five’How to adapt when video evolvesWhy you should utilize different platformsWhy you should (or shouldn’t) find your nicheImportant links and mentions:Connect with Brian on LinkedInVisit Brian’s websiteBrian’s Amazon store Learn more about the Techsmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

If you're looking for a learning solution to help empower your employees, you might have considered investing in a training course or eLearning materials. But have you considered the benefits of job aids for your business?Job aids can be instrumental in helping employees complete tasks effectively, and as business owners know, empowering employees with the information they need is an integral part of running a successful business.In this episode of The Visual Lounge, discover how job aids could improve your business as Learning & Video Ambassador, Matt Pierce, interviews Dawn Mahoney, founder of Learning In The White Space and one of the leading authorities on training facilitation and instructional design.Dawn has years of experience helping employees level-up, and we loved hearing her advice; from recognizing when your employees need a job aid to the top tips for creating job aids that will work best for your business.Learning points from the episode include:When you need a job aid (instead of a training course)What makes an effective job aidHow to create a successful job aidImportant links and mentions:Visit Dawn’s websiteConnect with Dawn on LinkedInFollow Dawn on Twitter @DawnJMahoneyDawn's TechSmith Academy Course – Not Everything Is A Course: Job AidsSnagitLearn more about the TechSmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

With so much video content online, how do you get viewers to watch your videos? Once you've won that battle, how do you keep them watching to the end?If you've ever seen your watch-rates plummet and wondered why, or if your videos are struggling to get traffic, brushing up on your video consumer behavior knowledge could help you find some solutions to your video-viewer problems.Understanding video-viewer behavior can help you create more attractive videos that keep people watching longer. We know this because we’ve been collecting data about why people stop and start watching YouTube videos for nearly a decade!Listen to this episode to understand how viewers consume video, where they find value, and what makes them go elsewhere. Learning points from the episode include:How viewers find and choose videosWhy viewers stop watching videosThe factors that keep viewers watchingThe common elements that good instructional videos share Important links and mentions:The TechSmith research reportLet Me Google That For You (LMGTFY) Learn more about the TechSmith Academy.To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

The pivot from face to face interaction to online interaction is happening across many industries, and nowhere is it more evident and universal than in education. As teaching continues to move online, how can you ensure that you’re continuing to provide an effective learning experience through this very different medium?When it comes to available technologies, you must make sure that you’re both resilient to the changes they bring and accepting of them. There are ways that technology can enhance your online teaching, but it can be confusing to know where to start if you’re not sure how to adapt your in-person strategies to on-screen learning. In this episode of The Visual Lounge, education and technology professional, Crystal DeJaegher, gives her advice for developing a virtual teaching practice that works for you.Learning points from the episode include:How to smoothly transition to an online learning environmentHow to introduce new technologiesHow to design an effective online learning experienceHow to help your learners adapt The recommended tools for creating an online learning experienceHow to be resilient in the face of changeImportant links and mentions:Connect with Crystal on LinkedInEDUCAUSEGoogle Docs, Sheets and SlidesCamtasiaKahoot!Poll EverywhereLearn more about the TechSmith Academy To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

How can you write better video scripts, faster?Scriptwriting can heavily influence the amount of time it takes to see a video through from conception to completion and while there are many different ways to write a script, having an efficient process to go from the blank page to the finalized video is the key to faster production. In this episode of The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, Dana Haines, a multifunctional content creator who specializes in video development and scriptwriting, shares her best advice for creating a scriptwriting process that can reduce the number of revisions and create more effective videos.Learning points from the episode include:How to design a scriptwriting questionnaireHow to encourage SMEs to engage with the content creation processHow long your script should beHow to turn your questionnaire into a scriptWhen to record and why you need a fast revision processImportant links and mentions:TechSmith Academy@thedanahainesLearn more about the Techsmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

Screen recording can be a very useful and powerful tool in your video arsenal, however, few people know how to utilize it well and, if you’ve never used it before, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.Understanding how to start creating screen recordings is the first step to optimizing your screen recorded video process. Learn how to set your videos up for success and you’ll discover a faster workflow that gives you better quality screen recordings and more engaging videos.Learning points from the episode include:Know what size you want to publish in, and stick with itMake your video smaller, or keep it the same size, and never make it biggerLimit distractions to keep the user focusedStart by recording your audio first, and edit your video to fit the trackIf you feel ambitious, capture extra material, but use it only for context or a screen reset, not to distract the user’s focusExperiment and play with your screen recording software to learn how to make it work for youImportant links and mentions:TechSmith AcademyThe Basics of Screen RecordingJosh Cavalier’s presentation for The Learning GuildFollow TechSmith on TwitterConnect with Matt on LinkedInTry Camtasia for freeLearn more about the Techsmith AcademyTo read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here.

What can you do to make sure that you design an eLearning course that delivers real results?Tim Slade is a speaker, award-winning freelance eLearning designer and the author of the book, ‘The eLearning Designer's Handbook.’ Having spent the last decade working to help others elevate their eLearning and visual communications content, Tim has a wealth of knowledge on the subject of creating eLearning that delivers results. I mean, he wrote the book on it!Tim was more than happy to share some of that knowledge and walks you through the eLearning development process, helping you to design eLearning that captivates your audience and delivers tangible results.Learning points from the episode include:Use a blueprint or storyboard to plan your eLearning courseOne of the things that makes a good educator is the ability to empathize with someone who is brand new at somethingFocus less on what people need to learn, and more on what they need to knowStop worrying about the tech side of things and focus on the quality of your contentYou must understand how to create eLearning for adults and understand the theory of adult learningThe goal of creating training that delivers results is to shift that moment of realization that you have of what is the right answer to the beginning of the project before you invest any time creating contentDon't measure if you're not going to do anything with the measurement… and so much more!Important links and mentions:The eLearning Designer’s HandbookCamtasiaLearn more about the Techsmith Academy To read the blog post on the topic or watch the video, click here

It is increasingly impossible to think of a content strategy that doesn’t utilise video as a strong and effective component. Yet for many people there are still barriers and obstacles stopping them from breaking into the video world.To get some expert insights into this, we spoke with Andy Crestodina, co-founder and CMO of​ the award-winning digital agency ​Orbit Media. Over the past 20 years, Andy’s provided guidance to over a thousand businesses, written hundreds of articles on content strategy, SEO and Analytics, and authored the book Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing.Learning points:Content marketing is giving people what they want (usually educational, sometimes entertainment) to grow brand awareness, to build loyalty and to grow trust.Video gives you better access to the human brain, by turning your audience into viewers instead of readers.Video is accessible and compelling. Seeing someone’s face, tone and body language helps establish a connection and build trust in a short space of time.The reason why people don’t make more videos is not that the tools are difficult, it’s people not being comfortable making something with their face and voice in it.Traffic driving videos should be hosted on social media platforms, Content Marketing Video should be on YouTube & your website, About Us / Testimonial Video should b hosted solely on your website.Outcomes can be measured in a few different ways. If the video is on your website, you can measure the change to the performance of that page. Or if the video is hosted somewhere like YouTube, you can measure the performance of it on that platform.Google Tag Manager & Google Analytics can be used to measure video plays.Comparing the behaviour of viewers and non-viewers provides invaluable data into what video content adds to your website.YouTube Studio has its own analytics that show you total number of hours people have spent watching your video, how many new subscribers the video generated, and which sources drove traffic to the video.Leverage your strengths - Make videos for any content you have that is consistently performing well over time.Do Some Measurements - If you’re not measuring your results, then how do you know if you’ve hit a home run?Work Harder - you can make a video relatively quickly, but if you put more work into making a video, you will see that pay off a hundred fold with the engagement.Content marketing really benefits if you spend more time and more effort in its creationLearn more about designing and creating images and videos for Learning from the Techsmith Academy.Andy Crestodina provided a few of his articles that we talked about during this episode:https://www.orbitmedia.com/blog/youtube-content-strategy/https://www.orbitmedia.com/blog/tracking-video-views-google-analytics-tag-manager/To read the blog post on this topic, click here.**What's New At TechSmith - Check Out These Blog Posts and New Content** We'd love to have you subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts. If you like what you're hearing, give us a 5 star rating, and we'd love your review. I know it's such a small thing, but it makes it so others are more likely to find our podcast.https://the-visual-lounge.captivate.fm/listen**Get Started with Online Education Videos** https://www.techsmith.com/blog/get-started-with-online-education-videos/**4 Prove Steps to Make High-Quality Product Demo Videos** https://www.techsmith.com/blog/make-demo-video/**Clear Voice Over - Continuing on with the Screen Recording Basics Course Series** https://youtu.be/ljaqZjdY-zg

How can you design content that will help people to learn?You don’t have to be a teacher in the traditional sense to teach others. You might find yourself faced with a teaching role that you didn’t expect.Perhaps you need to give a presentation, create an educational video, or even host an online course? Whatever the case may be, you must design your educational content for learning.Sharing your knowledge with others and creating an effective learning experience for your ‘students’ (whoever they happen to be) doesn’t have to be difficult. There are ways that you can design for learning and in this episode of The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, Mike Taylor shares the best tips and advice he has accumulated throughout his two decades of industry experience with training development.In this episode, you’ll learn:The crucial roles of curiosity and empathyHow to connect with your audienceWhat you can learn about designing for learning from marketersHow to keep your audience focused on learningHow to engage with your audienceDesign and development tipsLearn more about designing and creating images and videos for Learning from the Techsmith Academy.Important Links & MentionsSubscribe to TechSmith on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TSCYouTubesubscribeFind more great content on our blog: http://www.techsmith.com/blog  Follow TechSmith on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/techsmithLike TechSmith on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/techsmithHave our monthly newsletter for tips, tricks & info: http://bit.ly/TS-newsCAMTASIA: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

PowerPoint is boring. That’s what we’ve all heard, right? Too much text, too many bullet points, too much of the presenter just reading off the slides. But is it a PowerPoint problem or a design problem? There are a lot of ways to build slides for PowerPoint that convey information effectively and don't fall into the stereotypical design problems. Understanding how to make better slides is vital for holding your audience’s attention and conveying your message. It's also important if you're going to turn your PowerPoint presentations into videos. Here’s how you can design better slides, find the most visually appealing imagery, and turn your slides into better videos.Find out about:The differences between using PowerPoint for live presentation versus videoThe biggest common mistakes when getting startedThe steps you need to build a videoHow to tackle technical data without overwhelming your audienceWhich images you should be choosing for your slides, and whyThe great resources for finding great slide imagesHow to make a connection and build trust with your audience To read the blog post on this topic or watch the video click here.Find out more about the Techsmith Academy.Important Links & MentionsNancy Duarte's Resonate (Free ebook version): https://www.duarte.com/resonate-book/ You Suck at PowerPoint! by Jesse Dee: https://www.slideshare.net/jessedee/you-suck-at-powerpointTechSmith Asset Libary for images, music, videos, Camtasia templates and more: https://library.techsmith.com/camtasiaFreely Usable Videos: https://unsplash.com/Free Stock Photos and Videos: https://www.pexels.comSubscribe to TechSmith on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TSCYouTubesubscribeFind more great content on our blog: http://www.techsmith.com/blog  Follow TechSmith on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/techsmithLike TechSmith on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/techsmithHave our monthly newsletter for tips, tricks & info: http://bit.ly/TS-newsCAMTASIA: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

Current events have turned the world upside down for many people. Those in the education field have had to switch classrooms and lecture halls for virtual videos and remote teaching for the first time. Educators have had to swiftly learn how to educate virtually and effectively without traditional in-person instruction.Transitioning to remote work and creating and sharing educational content virtually can be difficult. What you may not realize is that online education does not mean perfection and on this first episode of The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, you’ll find out how you can create better educational content online and while you don’t have to get it 100% perfect every time, with our help, you can get pretty close.In this episode, you’ll discover:The power of educationWhy it’s okay to be ‘less than perfect’Tips to help improve your online education videosHow to edit videos for a classroom presentationOvercoming common fears around creating videosHow to avoid hesitation and speak fluently in videosWhy it’s so important to know your audienceHow to save time when creating a video….and so much more!Transitioning from real-life classrooms to virtual education videos doesn’t have to be difficult. If you need help creating education videos, we have a range of tutorial and training videos to help you create and edit professional-quality videos for educational purposes.To find out more, go to: techsmith.com/customer-education.htmlTo read the blog post on this topic or watch the video, click here.Find out more information on the Techsmith Academy.

Welcome to The Visual Lounge from TechSmith, the podcast all about using, creating, evaluating, and getting the most from your images and videos.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. Expect to hear from industry guests and experts in customer education, training and development, marketing, education, technical documentation, and more.We’ll also have the occasional how-to episode, so you can level-up your skills as you listen to help you to create better and more impactful images and videos.Join us on our weekly deep dives with some of the best in the business – we hope you’ll love every episode!Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don’t miss our first episode and any future content!