Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Are you a comms professional searching for your next role, or are you in an organisation trying to find the right communicator for your team? It can feel tough out there right now: talented people are struggling to stand out, and employers are missing out on great candidates because their job ads just don’t connect.In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we share three practical tips for comms job seekers, including how to write a resume that shows your true value (not just a list of tasks) and crafting an opening statement that sets you apart. We also dive into three tips for hiring managers, which includes being clear about whether you need a strategist, an implementer or both. We touch on the importance of knowing the real market value of good comms talent and looking beyond just university degrees to find the right mix of skills.If you want to land the right role, or attract the right people, this episode will help you communicate what matters.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

When it comes to communication, what you don’t say can be just as important as what you do. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we sit down with speaking coach, performer, and strategist Shea Evans to unpack the often-overlooked power of body language, and how it can elevate your leadership, boost internal comms, and build stronger connections.With more than two decades of experience across performance and business, Shea brings a unique lens to communication. Together, we explore why body language is critical in both in-person and virtual settings, how leaders can communicate more effectively with diverse teams, and why internal communication deserves as much care as external messaging.You’ll hear practical tips for building trust through warmth and presence, navigating communication across cultures, and using body language more intentionally—whether you're in a town hall, Teams meeting, or cross-functional team discussion. Plus, we get some insights on the myths surrounding communication, why “start with who” should come before “start with why,” and the surprising psychology behind open palms and camera eye contact.If you want your message to truly land, with clarity, confidence and connection—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.Links mentioned in this episode:Shea’s consultancy websiteShea’s LinkedIn90 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

Are generational communication preferences fact or fiction?This episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast dives into one of the hottest topics from the 2025 IABC World Conference: navigating communication across multiple generations in the workplace. From Gen Z to Boomers and beyond, we explore whether the so-called generational divide is backed by evidence or built on unhelpful stereotypes. We unpack why some assumptions may be doing more harm than good and we offer three powerful strategies for communicators to break down generational bias, build psychological safety, and connect more meaningfully with employees, regardless of their age.Whether you lead teams, create change communications, or just want to challenge the status quo, this episode will shift your perspective on how to truly understand and engage your audience. Plus, it'll give you some insights onto stereotyping and how sometimes, it doesn't do us any good! So, listen in now.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

This discussion delves into refreshing change communication strategies amidst information overload. Discover why traditional methods often miss the mark and how using role avatars can personalize messages. The power of storytelling is emphasized, along with practical tips like employing metaphors and visuals to simplify complex ideas. Highlighting success stories boosts engagement, while choosing relatable messengers over rank can make a big difference. Tune in for actionable insights to enhance connection and clarity!

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we dive into one of the trickiest parts of being a communicator: managing challenging relationships with stakeholders who just don’t get it. Whether it's clashing with HR, navigating gatekeeping internal comms teams, dealing with leaders who think they know best, or trying to manage change in a project where everyone expects comms to do all the heavy lifting—we address it all, and we share all the practical, tried-and-tested techniques to help you shift from frustration to influence.Tune in if you're tired of battling egos, getting overlooked, or being undervalued as a comms pro, this episode is packed with strategies that will help you reframe the conversation and earn your seat at the table.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.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

Clear communication isn’t about using big words or sounding clever. It’s about making sure your message lands. In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we are sharing 7 practical tips to help you simplify your communication so it’s easier for your audience to understand and act on.Whether you're dealing with senior leaders, change-resistant teams, or complex topics that need breaking down, these tips will help you bring more clarity, confidence and cut-through to your message.We’ll talk about how to:Ditch jargon without losing credibilityUse structure to your advantageLeverage visuals (and even AI tools) to enhance understandingAvoid common clarity-killers in your writing and presentationsSo, in the interest of simplifying the complex - if you’ve ever been told your message is “too long,” “too technical,” or “not quite clear”, this one’s for you.Tune in now and start making your comms easier to understand.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.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

Effective communication isn’t a nice-to-have for leaders, it’s essential. But here’s the problem: 9 out of 10 employees say their leaders aren’t cutting it when it comes to communication, and 6 out of 10 new managers receive zero training in this space. No wonder so many leaders are overwhelmed and underperforming.In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we explore five practical, no-cost ways leaders can improve how they connect, share, and support their teams. Even if you're in your first leadership role or mentoring someone who is, these strategies will help cut through the noise and bring more clarity, trust, and impact to your comms.What you'll learn:How to ask your team what they actually want from communication (and keep asking)Why setting a predictable rhythm builds trust and reduces confusionThe value of short, sharp messaging (and the danger of email overload)Why it’s okay to say “I don’t know”—as long as you follow upHow showing up authentically builds stronger relationships and drives change Leadership communication isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional, consistent, and human. Let’s get into it.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.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

The return-to-office debate is back, and a lot of businesses are all but making their employees return to the workplace. However, are these organisations giving the right reasons as to why employees need to return... or are they still communicating in a way that doesn't resonate?In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we ask culture and comms expert, Anshuman Kumar, how he's seen leading organisations across Asia Pacific manage the return to office shift and what they've done right... or wrong.He highlights the shift away from rigid mandates and a new focus on the purpose of in-person work. The emerging undertone? It’s not about filling seats—it’s about solving problems, building culture, and making time together count.From here, we share fresh insights on making office days more intentional, the power of creative internal communications like gamification and immersive experiences, and the emerging role of AI as a true thought partner for communicators. Join us on this week's episode to challenge the status quo and find great new ways that you can reframe your hybrid work comms with clarity and purpose.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:Anshuman’s LinkedIn90 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

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we are joined by Kate Neilson, a Senior Editor and Content Strategist at Mahlab, to explore how change fatigue happens in an organisation, and what comms can do to essentially, fix it.With extensive experience writing for the Australian HR Institute and working closely with business leaders, Kate offers a unique perspective on the challenges organisations face in adapting to a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.As businesses continue to grapple with hybrid work models, mental health issues, and the increasing pace of change - traditional communication strategies are no longer working to foster the engagement and connection needed. Which is why Kate discusses the growing importance of a more human-centred approach to communication—what she calls belonging communications. This approach helps to mitigate change fatigue and reduce resistance to new initiatives, all while giving practical strategies for communicators to thrive in a world full of change.This episode is a must-listen for communicators looking to adapt their practices, stay ahead of the curve, and navigate the complexities of modern org-wide change with a focus on people and connection. Tune in now to get the low down.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:Kate’s LinkedInTraditional vs Belonging Comms slide90 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

When your team is 250 people strong, morale is shaky, and no one’s in the same physical location, how do you communicate a major organisational change—let alone get people on board with it? In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we get a behind-the-scenes look at an award-winning change communication project Mel Loy delivered for a local government client navigating a complex transformation.With multiple senior leadership changes, ongoing remote work due to office renovations, and a lack of clarity around what the change meant in practice, the challenge was clear: connect and engage people effectively without face-to-face interaction. You get the step by step strategy developed to turn this situation around—starting with a clear focus on outcomes and a commitment to simple, practical, and human-centred communication.Along the way, you’ll pick up key tips on strategy versus tactics, making virtual events more interactive, and supporting speakers to deliver with confidence. Whether you’re a change leader, communicator, or team manager trying to reach and engage dispersed teams, this case study is full of actionable insights to help you do it better. Tune in to learn what worked, what could be improved, and how creativity, clarity, and collaboration can turn a tough communication challenge into a big win.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.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