How to Do a Screen Pump Effect in Camtasia

One of the techniques we use as video creators is something called a “Pattern Interrupt”. This is simply anything that interrupts the pattern viewers fall into when watching a video. Their subconscious mind starts to think, “Ya…I got this. I know what’s going to happen here. Might as well drift off and think about or do something else…”.

This can be a sound effect they aren’t expecting or, in this case, a little visual “pump” to grab back their attention. I call it a Screen Pump.

Here’s what I mean and some tips on how to do it:

I like to use such a thing in conjunction with a little sound effect for extra emphasis.

Of course, like any special effect, don’t over do it or it ceases to be…well…special. 😉

Enjoy!

• Lon Naylor