Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Technology change is no longer optional; it’s constant, accelerating, and deeply human. So, we’ve covered it in the final episode of the Topic in Ten five-part All Things People Change series.We chat about one of the biggest drivers of organisational change: technology. From AI-enabled tools and retiring legacy systems to rapidly shifting skill requirements, technology change is reshaping how people work and how they feel about work.With global AI investment surging and nearly three-quarters of employees reporting change fatigue, this episode focuses on the role communication plays in helping people adapt.We share four practical, communication-led tips to improve adoption of new technology, including how to build digital confidence, shift the conversation from business benefits to user benefits, co-create change with employees, and reduce friction by making information easy to find and use.This episode will specifically help you move beyond a “here’s the new system” approach, to communication that actually supports people through it.Listen now.Links mentioned in this episode:Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate 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

Too often, policy and benefits changes are treated as a tick-and-flick exercise. An automated email, a system checkbox, or a vague message telling people to “go look it up” is expected to do the job. However, that approach doesn’t lead to understanding, behaviour change, or reduced risk.Which is why this short, punchy Topic in Ten episode is all about the practical ways you can communicate policy and benefits changes so they’re not just read, but genuinely understood and applied.You’ll learn how to clearly show what’s changing and what’s staying the same, why simplicity in language and layout matters more than ever, how real-world scenarios bring policies to life, and why checking understanding goes beyond asking people to sign or click a box.So, get listening to this week's Topic in Ten. Links mentioned in this episode:Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate 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

Office moves and renovations often look simple on paper, but in reality, they’re people-heavy changes that can quickly become disruptive if communication isn’t handled well.So, in this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're doing another Topic in Ten with this week's focus on practical communication strategies to support organisations through an office move or major refurbishment.This episode is part three of a five part People Change Series, exploring common change scenarios and how communication can best support people through them. We run you through the basics of why people's feelings of displacement during a move can cause comms chaos, and how you can address it in a variety of different, innovative and new ways. So... get listening! Links mentioned in this episode:Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate 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

Explore the challenges of organizational restructures and the importance of effective communication. Discover the balance between quick change and a phased approach. Learn how to manage employee fears and the role of leadership in shaping experiences. Unpack essential strategies during the consultation phase, with a focus on empathy and clarity. Understand the best practices for offboarding and embedding new structures, ensuring a smooth transition for all involved.

Welcome back to another Topic in Ten, and on this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're chatting: Enterprise Agreements (EAs). EAs are one of the most common and complex people change scenarios in a workplace, and they require careful, consistent and well-planned communication. In this episode, we unpack EAs (from an Australian perspective) and explain what communicators, HR professionals and leaders need to know.We step through the full Enterprise Agreement lifecycle, including the initial notification, negotiations with unions and employee representatives, the voting process and the final outcome. Along the way, we share practical communication considerations, common risks, and tips for keeping information accessible, clear and fair for all employees.This episode is particularly useful for anyone working in internal communications, change management, HR, industrial relations or leadership, especially those who are new to people-related change. Stay tuned, because the next episode in the series will focus on restructures.Links mentioned in this episode:Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate 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

As 2025 comes to a close, Episode 150 marks a major milestone and offers a moment of reflection on the ideas, conversations, and insights shared throughout the year from a tonne of our incredible poddy guests.In this special wrap-up episode, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from conversations with guests across communication, change, leadership, and storytelling. Rather than introducing new material, this episode curates key lessons that are worth hearing again, especially as we head into a new year.You’ll hear highlights on:Why every interaction “leaves a trace” and how storytelling shapes reputationWhat alignment really looks like in organisations — and what happens when it’s missingThe difference between hearing and listening, and why action mattersHow humour and storytelling can transform safety and workplace communicationPractical ways to plan communication in change without underestimating the workloadCommunicating effectively across cultures and contextsWhy organisations are now facing change apathy — not just change fatigueHow body language, events, and leadership behaviour communicate more than wordsWith over 15,300 downloads and listeners in 98 countries, this episode is also a heartfelt thank-you to the guests and the global audience who have supported the podcast throughout the year.Whether you’re catching up, revisiting favourite moments, or setting intentions for 2026, this episode offers perspective, insight, and inspiration to carry forward... even into the new year ahead.So, get listening, get some tips and if you're interested, find the links to the episodes you'll want to hear below.Previous podcasts mentioned in this episode:#147: How to find, and tell, a story in the comms world (ft. David Pullan)#142: Strategic alignment: the role of comms and the impact on leadership (ft. Zora Artis) #138: How storytelling can save lives (ft. Stephen Harvey)#134: Change communications pet peeves, and how to fix them (ft. Gilbert Kruidenier)#132: Listening, and how it can change your internal comms (ft. Howard Krais)#130: Storytelling to drive change for NFPs (ft. Gurpreet Bhatia)#128: Building connection through cross-cultural comms (ft. Tiffany English)#126: How to use storytelling more effectively in your comms (ft. Soundari Mukherjea)#124: Why body language matters for your comms, even online (ft. Shea Evans)#117: Communications as the fix for change fatigue (ft. Kate Neilson)#108: Event management tips for comms pros (ft. Sally Porteous)Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookSay hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

In the wake of tragic events, silence from organisations can feel just as loud as saying the wrong thing.In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore five key things every business communicator should consider when responding to tragedy. From why ignoring the situation can damage trust, to when and how to pause planned content, we unpack what it really means to communicate with care when emotions are high.The episode also looks at how organisations can help people channel their grief or shock into something meaningful, why the choice of channel and voice matters more than ever, and how leaders can avoid amplifying division by sticking to facts and shared values.This is a practical, human-centred guide for communicators and leaders navigating difficult moments, where empathy, credibility and judgement matter most. Listen in now.Links mentioned in this episode:Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate 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 a year! Filled with political upheaval and natural disasters all the way through to global protests, major elections and fast-moving technological change... you could say 2025 has been a whirlwind. With so much happening around us and within our organisations, it’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed as we approach the end of the year.In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we take a look back at the trends that shaped the comms and change landscape in 2025 and what they signal for 2026. We unpack what communicators and change professionals need to be paying attention to as we enter a new year, and what trends are arising from the craziness of 2025 and beyond.In fact, consider this your roadmap to what’s coming next. No crystal ball required, just clear trends, practical insights and a chance to step into 2026 with clarity, capability and confidence. Get listening!Links mentioned in this episode:Topic in Ten - have your say!90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTemplate 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

David Pullan, an actor-turned-corporate communications specialist and co-founder of The Story Spotters, shares powerful insights on storytelling in the workplace. He discusses his DNA framework (Dream, Nightmare, Action) for engagement and why leaders should embrace vulnerability and co-creation. Learn about the PRET structure for impactful communication and how to make emails unignorable. David emphasizes that everyone has stories worth telling and highlights the importance of simplifying messages to connect effectively with audiences.

We’re officially entering the pointy end of the year and with the holiday slowdown approaching, there are only a few short weeks left to get your planning done for 2026. If you’re feeling overloaded now, that pressure won’t disappear next year unless you take time to reset, refocus and set your team up with clear goals and boundaries.In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we walk you through a practical, six-step approach to creating your 2026 communication plan. From aligning your goals with organisational strategy to defining deliverables, building capability, setting boundaries, celebrating wins and securing stakeholder buy-in, this is a roadmap to help any comms or change team plan with intention and impact.We share tips for running an effective planning session, why external perspectives matter, and the simple mindset shift that turns a plan into a strategic tool. And for those who listen to the end, there’s a little surprise waiting to help you build your own plan even faster.... so, tune in and get ready to shape a calmer, clearer and more strategic 2026.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