Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Are you guilty of copy-and-pasting your comms plan each time?  It may sound more efficient but when these habits become our norm, we risk repeating the same mistakes and missing the outcomes we actually want.In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore five common mistakes we see in communication plans, especially during times of internal change, and what to do instead. We look into things like forgotten audience context and focusing too much on the business perspective, while sharing how to fix these things to make the biggest difference.If your comms plan could use a refresh, this one’s for you!Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

What does it really mean to communicate inclusively and are we doing enough to make our messages accessible to everyone?In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we speak with Julie Malvian, co-founder of Code Read Dyslexia Network, Assistant Principal, and long-time advocate for children and adults with learning differences. Julie shares what dyslexia is (and what it’s not), how to spot the early signs, and why it’s often misunderstood; even in workplaces that pride themselves on inclusion. She also breaks down practical ways communicators and leaders can make information easier to absorb, from using clear language and fonts to creating content in multiple formats. Whether you’re a professional communicator, a leader, or simply someone who wants to connect more effectively, this conversation is a reminder that good communication is inclusive communication and small changes can make a big difference.Tune in this Dyslexia Awareness Month to learn how rethinking the way you write, design, and speak can help everyone feel more included and understood.Links mentioned in this episode:Code ReadJulie's LinkedInJulie's X (Twitter)Julie's Instagram90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

If you're in Australia, then Spring has sprung... or whatever that quote usually is. Generally speaking, us Aussies get the first inklings of Spring through the wafts of breeze passing our heads as we get swooped by territorial magpies. However, Spring also marks the start of our disaster season with floods, cyclones, fires and heatwaves. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we show you how communicators can strengthen internal readiness before disaster strikes. While many organisations focus heavily on external crisis communication, internal comms often gets overlooked and that can make a huge difference when things go wrong.We share practical advice on preparing internal channels, establishing clear ownership and message responsibilities, and ensuring staff know where to go for accurate information. We also discuss how pre-season awareness campaigns can help build a sense of preparedness and care across the workplace.When disaster hits, communication allows organisations to protect people, provide clarity, and keep teams connected when it matters most. So, listen in now!Links mentioned in this episode:Crisis Communications Toolkit90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Every October, workplaces across Australia shine a spotlight on safety during Safe Work Month. Posters go up, toolbox talks are scheduled, and inboxes fill with reminders about procedures and policies. For many workers, the messages feel repetitive, predictable and sometimes irrelevant.In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we sit down with Stephen Harvey, a safety professional with more than 18 years’ experience across high-risk industries, to talk about how safety communication needs to change. Steve shares why traditional approaches (often legalistic, technical and dry) fail to connect with the very people they’re meant to protect.Together, we explore practical ways to make safety comms stick, like weaving in humor and storytelling, and designing messages that feel human, relatable and timely. The conversation also looks at how organisational culture, leadership, and even the channels you choose play a role in whether safety communication is remembered, or ignored.If you’ve ever felt trapped in the “tick-the-box” cycle of safety messaging, this episode offers fresh ideas to spark genuine engagement, shift behaviours and, ultimately, save lives.Links mentioned in this episode:Steve's LinkedInHop Scotch Safety90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Moving to a new country takes courage, especially when there may very well be different language barriers. However, it's worth wondering... what happens when your new workplace has communication you can't keep up with? Even if it's not just a different language, there is a risk of misunderstandings, safety risks, and missed opportunities simply from cultural differences alone!Which is what this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast explores. We focus on how internal communicators can break down language barriers so every employee feels safe and included. We touch on plain English (no jargon!), visual tools and one-on-one conversations, and we give you six practical tactics that help messages land. We're here to make sure no one’s knowledge or experience gets lost in translation.Listen in to break your language barriers down!Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Engagement surveys are everywhere, and it’s tempting to use those scores as proof that your internal communications are working. In fact, a lot of people, and senior leaders, ask for exactly those scores to prove communication cut through. However, engagement isn’t just about comms because it’s shaped by leadership, culture, salaries, career development, values, and more.So if engagement isn’t the right measure, what is? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we unpack why engagement shouldn’t be your go-to metric. Then, we tell you what should and seven practical measures that actually demonstrate the value of internal communication. Th real kind of measures that will give you the data-backed and human-proven evidence you need to show senior management, and other employees, the internal comms impact on the business. If you agree that it’s time to move past vague scores and start measuring what really matters, you’ll want to listen in!Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Stepping into leadership doesn’t magically equip someone with the ability to communicate well. Yet, so many organisations still assume it does. In fact, research shows that 82% of new leaders receive no formal training, which means many simply copy the habits of their past managers. The result? Poor communication that trickles down and impacts whole teams.Which is why this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast explores the five core communication skills that every new leader needs to master. From listening with intent and translating strategy into something meaningful, to adapting communication styles, navigating difficult conversations and telling stories that inspire, these are the skills that build trust, motivate people and create clarity. If you’re new to leadership yourself or supporting others in their journey, you’ll walk away with practical ways to strengthen communication and avoid the common pitfalls. So get listening!Links mentioned in this episode:Episode 119: 5 things leaders can do to improve their communicationEpisode 132: Listening, and how it can change your internal comms (ft. Howard Krais)90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Change and communication work can be challenging, with shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and complex approvals creating frustration. Which is why on this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we sit down with Gilbert Kruidenier, organisational change expert, author, and volunteer firefighter, to explore common frustrations in change projects and practical ways to overcome them.Gilbert shares insights from over 20 years of experience across industries including retail, government, aged care, and disability. He explains how to distinguish between change and communications roles, manage workloads, navigate approvals, and make messages clear, simple, and human. The conversation also touches on lessons from Gilbert’s book Bad Change and strategies for improving the way change is communicated. Overall, we go over some of the mammoth pet peeves that all change and/or comms folks have, and how we can navigate them in a world where change is the new norm, and comms has to communicate about it.This episode is ideal if you're in change or communications and want practical ideas to make your work more effective and impactful.Links mentioned in this episode:Gilbert’s LinkedInKruidenier Consulting‘Bad Change’ book90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Discover how to tackle the challenges of siloed workplaces that stifle collaboration. Four actionable strategies are shared to enhance communication between teams. Learn the importance of creating a single source of truth and empowering employees to share updates. The discussion emphasizes holding leaders accountable to ensure transparency. Ready to break down barriers and foster trust in your organization? Tune in for insights that encourage alignment and effective teamwork!

When we think of internal communication, we often jump straight to emails, intranets, and town halls... but what about listening? How do we truly hear employees and act on what they share?In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're joined by Howard Krais, co-founder of True Communications and co-author of Leading the Listening Organisation. With decades of experience in global change communications, Howard has pioneered research into how organisations listen and why it matters.We dive into what makes a 'listening organisation,' the role leaders play in shaping culture, and how to move from hearing to truly listening. Howard also unpacks the barriers businesses face, how listening can become an early warning system for risks, and the surprising role AI might play in transforming how we listen.If you’ve ever felt like your surveys disappear into a black hole, or wondered how to build a culture where employees feel heard, this episode will change how you think about internal comms.Links mentioned in this episode:Howard Krais’ LinkedInTrue CommunicationsLeading the Listening Organisation: Creating Organisations that Flourish book90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question