

Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast
Mel Loy
Communications expert, business owner, group fitness instructor...that's your podcast host, Mel Loy! In the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, Mel shares tips on how to improve your communication skills, and interviews with the experts.In 2020, after almost 20 years in corporate communications, Mel (happily) took a redundancy from her full-time, executive corporate job and went out on her own, founding her communications agency, Cuttlefish Communications.These days, she's a sought-after speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant, working for some of the biggest brands in Australia and popping up on speaker line-ups at conferences world wide. Expect short, entertaining episodes packed with valuable tips that will inspire you to try new things. Communication tips to improve your relationships at work, navigate crises, internal communication, and deliver change are top of the agenda.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 23, 2025 • 28min
#115 Building your personal brand and making LinkedIn work for you (ft. Fady Ramzy)
If you’ve ever opened LinkedIn, stared at the blank post box, and thought, “What do I even say?”—this episode is for you.Fady Ramzy is an international digital communications consultant, LinkedIn top creator, and trainer for LinkedIn Top Voices. He’s passionate about helping professionals and leaders stop lurking and start leveraging LinkedIn to build an authentic, strategic personal brand.In this episode, Fady shares practical, no-fluff advice on how to show up online without feeling like a self-promoter. He unpacks his signature frameworks for consistent, human-first content—including the “3 specifics” and “3 Cs”—and shares how AI tools can support your creativity and workflow (without sounding robotic).We talk about:Overcoming the fear of judgment and perfectionismWhy value matters more than volumeHow to find your content sweet spot by blending personal stories with professional insightsThe mindset shifts that help you stay consistent and connected on LinkedInWhether you're a communicator, executive, small business owner, or just someone ready to show up more intentionally online, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and aligned in your content.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:Fady’s LinkedInFady’s website90 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

Apr 16, 2025 • 19min
#114 Restructures - the good, the bad, the ugly, and what comms can do about it
Restructures are often chaotic and stressful, but they don't have to be! The discussion highlights why organizations repeatedly mishandle these transitions, pointing to poor communication as a major culprit. Listeners will learn about the critical role of empathy and transparency in helping employees navigate change. The hosts share innovative strategies to create clarity and trust during these tough times. With practical insights for communicators and leaders alike, this chat is a must-listen for anyone looking to ease the bumpy ride of corporate shake-ups.

Apr 9, 2025 • 29min
#113 How Comms & PR pros stay relevant in an AI world (feat. Ana Pista)
What would you do if a client came to you and said they no longer needed your services, because they’re going to use ChatGPT instead?This is the situation today’s guest, Ana Pista, faced recently.If you don’t know Ana, start now! She’s the founder and CEO of Ardent Communications based in the Philippines. She’s a seasoned PR expert with more than two decades of experience, having honed her skills while working for big companies like HP and Microsoft.In this conversation, we cover how to deal with clients who want to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) instead of our services, using AI in our own practices, the ethical considerations, and so much more.If you work in comms, PR or marketing, and AI is encroaching on your world, you want to listen to this one!Links mentioned in this episode:Follow Ana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-pista-apr-871742108/Ardent Communications Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ardent-communications/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ArdentPR AI Centre of Excellence (ACE) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aicentreofexcellence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AICentreofExcellence/ArticlesArdentComm advocates for responsible AI use in PR practices (Inquirer): https://technology.inquirer.net/140011/ardentcomm-advocates-for-responsible-ai-use-in-pr-practicesArdentComm founder and CEO pushes ethical AI in PR (Inquirer): https://technology.inquirer.net/138713/ardentcomm-founder-and-ceo-pushes-ethical-ai-in-pr Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Apr 2, 2025 • 16min
#112 Strategies for comms pros to rebuild reputation after a crisis
Reputation takes years to build and only moments to break... and a lot of the time, it's due to something fairly simplistic that many wouldn't have planned for. In other times, it can be as signficant as a media storm, unethical behaviour or even worldwide crises. No matter the issue, the real work comes after the crisis has been managed and dealt with. This is where the reputational recovery starts, and with it, the long-term work of rebuilding trust and restoring credibility.In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we unpack the critical phases of reputation recovery, alongside giving you five key strategies to help organisations repair their reputations and reset for the future.With it, we show you how to navigate the recovery phase in a way that effectively rebuilds your brand rep, and sometimes, helps it emerge stronger. So, tune in now for the big tips!Crisis Communications Virtual Bootcamps Open for enrolment now! Get early bird deals 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

Mar 26, 2025 • 14min
#111 5 key emerging trends in the comms and PR sector in the Asia Pacific region
The Asia Pacific region is a powerhouse of growth and opportunity, and for communication professionals, that means a lot of exciting trends to watch. In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we share key insights from the IABC Asia Pacific Fusion 2025 Conference in Manila.We dive into the five biggest trends shaping the future of comms and PR in the region, such as how the conversation around AI is shifting—no longer just about tools, but about ethics, accountability, and the economic impact. Change remains a constant, but the real challenge now is tackling change apathy. How can communicators re-engage employees and drive meaningful transformation?We discusses how professional communicators can step up to support and guide them. The importance of local representation in media and comms also takes center stage, highlighting the need for on-the-ground professionals to uncover authentic stories. We also explore the research behind some key trends and what can be done to support women in the profession.If you’re a comms pro, change manager, or PR consultant, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape. Tune 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

18 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 32min
#110 All things change and comms (ft. Lata Hamilton)
Lata Hamilton, a change leadership and confidence expert, shares her insights on navigating workplace transformations. She discusses the essential role of confidence in change management and offers practical tools like process mapping to engage employees. Lata emphasizes that true change isn't just about new systems, but what they enable for people. She also highlights the importance of empathy in communication and the need for adapting styles to foster collaboration and understanding. A treasure trove of tips for anyone facing career transitions or change!

Mar 12, 2025 • 16min
#109 What comms can learn from bulk toilet paper buyers in a crisis
Off the back of Tropical Cyclone Alfred here on the east coast of Australia, we have seen the quick rise of the not-forgotten behaviour seen during the height of the pandemic: toilet paper hoarding.Now, it may seem silly, and at both times you may have scoffed at the idea... but have you ever actually wondered why people rush to buy toilet paper during a crisis? Because we have. And right now, we're seeing it again. Which is why this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast is diving into the why behind the hoarding, and what we can learn from it in our comms. It’s not just about the need—it’s about psychology. In this episode, we explore the behavioural science behind panic-buying and what it reveals about how people respond to change. By understanding these psychological principles, we can better anticipate reactions to change and craft messages that resonate. Whether you’re leading a transformation or managing communications, this episode will give you valuable insights into human behaviour... so, get listening!Links mentioned in this episode:Public 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

Mar 5, 2025 • 29min
#108 Event management tips for comms pros (ft. Sally Porteous)
As professional communicators, team leaders, change managers, and even project managers, we can often be tasked with managing events. Whether it's a CEO town hall, a conference, an expo, or anything in between, there's always some kind of event we will be called in to help organise, if not manage, entirely.Though that doesn't mean we know what we are doing. In fact, quite a few of us have no idea what we're doing, which is why event management professionals should be on your speed dial. Because how do you make sure the event you run gets the outcomes you want? And that's what today's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast is all about. Featuring the expert, Sally Porteous, who is a passionate advocate for creating remarkable audience experiences where she has created three pillars of support for her event community. Red Lanyard is the production company supporting people and organisations to create their best work. Event Planner's Workshop is about creating space for people to learn, play, and test their work.And the Event Manager's Network that encourages connection, collaboration, belonging, and support. Still a self described work in progress, Sally continues to create meaningful event experiences, give others the confidence to do the same, and connect a vibrant community to make magic in the world. In today's episode, we cover everything about how to organise and manage quality events because events are a solid communication channel that we should be using.Links mentioned in this episode:Sally’s LinkedInSally's AI for events workshopPublic 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

Feb 26, 2025 • 18min
#107 7 tips for presentation success
If you’ve ever had your eyeballs assaulted by a PowerPoint disaster—think endless bullet points, chaotic graphics, and a structure that makes zero sense—this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast is for you.We tackle the all-too-familiar scenario of being handed a presentation that needs major help before it lands in front of a VIP... but instead of just fixing slide decks one by one, we've shared some go-to strategies for guiding people to create better presentations themselves—saving you time, sanity, and possibly your eyesight. With seven practical (and sanity-saving) tips, we cover everything from defining a clear purpose to structuring content in a way that actually makes sense, ensuring your slides don’t just inform but persuade.There is also some sneaky psychological tricks to help you get what you want—whether that’s securing more budget, buy-in, or resources. We break down how to make your slides more visually engaging, why fewer words are (almost always) better, and how to simplify complex ideas without losing impact. This episode is packed with smart, actionable advice to make your next deck a winner... so tune in now!Links mentioned in this episode:Episode 95: Inclusive communications: how and why you should do it (ft. Matisse Hamel-Nelis)Episode 32: What is accessibility and why is it important? (ft. Kelly Thibodeau)Public 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

Feb 19, 2025 • 36min
#106 How to stay creative in PR and communications (ft. Kirsty Visman)
Kirsty Visman, owner and managing director of Superdream with nearly 20 years in PR, shares insights on maintaining creativity in communications. She emphasizes collaboration as key to problem-solving and overcoming budget constraints. Kirsty discusses the shift towards decentralized media platforms and the rising importance of personalized approaches over mass press releases. She also dives into the role of AI in trendspotting while stressing the need for balancing data with creativity, making this a must-listen for PR professionals.


