Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

This episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast is dedicated to setting you up for the future of your comms career. In fact, we've brought in an expert in all things professional communication with the real-life experience of teaching our new communicators on how to adapt to the professional world ahead of them: Ross Monaghan.Ross Monaghan is a strategic communications lecturer at Deakin University and chair of the IABC Asia Pacific region, with a passion for discussing the dynamic nature of the communications profession. Ross shares his journey from journalism to academia and various roles in the mobile telecommunications industry, alongside what exact factors he believed helped him thrive in each area. Key discussion points include the evolving skills needed for communicators, the importance of embracing new technologies like AI, the significant shifts in communication practices, and the role of professional communicators in internal and external organisational success. In summary: we asked Ross to elaborate on what skills he thinks we, as comms pros, need to develop for the future - alongside what new comms pros will need for theirs. So... why wait? Jump in!Links mentioned in this episode:Ross' LinkedInTemplate packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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

Welcome back to another episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast!This week, we're teaching you how to communicate like a human in a world of robotic, corporate jargon. We talk about the importance of clear, human-centric communication and how that influences your audience. We share some key tips and strategies for influencing others to adopt clearer communication practices, alongside some ways to help clarify your messaging.Tune in to learn how to transform corporate jargon into meaningful and impactful messages.Links mentioned in this episode:Template packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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 we told you that taking your stakeholders for a walk could drastically improve your stakeholder relationships.... would you, a) believe us and b) want to immediately know more about how to apply this?We're fairly sure it's a mix of both a and b, but luckily, the latest episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast features the brilliant Lisa Partridge from Sixcomms - a.k.a. the creator of the "Walk and Talk" method.On this episode, we dive head first into the importance of active and attentive listening skills in supporting stakeholder relationships, alongside how this plays a part in the six C's of effective communication. We discuss how genuine listening fosters connection, enhances curiosity, and assists in asking meaningful questions, alongside how you can do this out and about in nature or other ways that don't involve a board room.So, listen in to find out how to walk your talk... preferably in a beautiful park in Singapore! Links mentioned in this episode:Lisa’s business SixcommsLisa’s LinkedInLisa’s Walk and TalkTemplate packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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

Dive into essential strategies for crafting a change communications plan. Discover the importance of mapping out who is affected and why it matters. Learn how to engage with project sponsors to capture their vision effectively. Find out how to create a reverse brief for alignment and avoid future revisions. Uncover the value of drafting FAQs early, revealing gaps, and shaping your messaging. These actionable tips will empower communication professionals to navigate change with confidence!

Welcome back to another episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast and this week, we have a big treat for you! The incredible Cassandra Thurston, Global Communications Manager at Flight Centre Travel Group, has joined us to shed light on all things internal comms and a global workforce.She shares her expertise on managing internal communications for a global workforce alongside over two decades of experience in PR and employee communications. Cass discusses the challenges of reaching a geographically dispersed and diverse employee base while highlighting the strategies her teams have taken to unify their communications platforms, leverage data and AI tools, and create concise and targeted messaging. Cass also talks about her journey into internal comms, the impact of COVID-19 on Flight Centre, and the innovative programs that helped the company navigate the crisis. So... tune in for practical tips and insights on effective internal communication practices and get into it! Links mentioned in this episode:Cass' LinkedInCrisis comms bootcampTemplate packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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 haven't heard about the Optus cyber breach, the MediSecure cyber attack or even the St. Vincents ransomware shenanigans - you're about to. And mostly, not for good reason.In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter, podcast we give you some critical strategies for responding to cyber incidents. In fact, we emphasise the importance of preparation and clear communication, highlighting five key tips to navigating your crisis comms prep in lieu of a cyber incident. We run you through the big dos and don'ts in the comms world, and we give you some malleable tips on getting prepared for the semi-inevitable. In this digital age, are you willing to risk your brand rep?Join us to find out more!Links mentioned in this episode:Crisis comms bootcampTemplate packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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

Welcome back to another episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast!This week, we debunk five prevalent myths around communication. Myths like the misconception that there's no such thing as over-communication, the belief that one's audience is always everyone, the assumption that people should already know certain information, the conflation of communication and change management skills, and the idea that natural communicators exist. We talk about all the ways that these are in fact, not correct, and we look into ways to fix these common misconceptions. Most importantly, we look at the why these myths came to fruition and what it has meant for comms over time, and overall.Join us and put your mythbusting hat on for this week's episode!Links mentioned in this episode:Episode 24: Change vs internal communication - what’s the difference?Template packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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 week, we welcome the incredible Victoria Rennoldson to the show to talk to the way cross-cultural communication works in a highly globalised world. On this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, Victoria shares valuable insights on how leaders and teams can better communicate across different cultures, languages, and hybrid work environments. We then dive head first into common challenges, the importance of understanding cultural nuances, and we even find out some practical tips for tailoring communication strategies. At the end, we touch on the role of technology, such as AI and translation tools, in facilitating cross-cultural interactions... and how sometimes, it's not enough. Tune in for expert advice and actionable strategies in cross-cultural comms. So, what're you waiting for? Join us on this week's poddy!Links mentioned in this episode:Culture CuppaVictoria's LinkedInTemplate packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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

On this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we dive head first into the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual reality (VR) and its impact on communication... by interviewing one of the best minds in VR, Ben Breitenstein.Our resident virtual reality evangelist from Composit Design, sits down with Mel to discuss the current and potential states of VR in various fields, including communication, training, and telepresence. Together, this dream team explore practical applications of VR, its convergence with AI, and the future role of immersive technologies in building connections and enhancing workplace interactions. Ben shares insights from his journey into VR, including examples of VR use cases and tips for incorporating VR into professional practices. This insightful conversation sheds light on the transformative power of VR and AI, offering listeners valuable knowledge on navigating the next frontier of communication.So, what're you waiting for? Join us on this week's poddy!Links mentioned in this episode:Composit DesignBen on InstagramBen on LinkedInTemplate packsWorkshops and trainingChange 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’re diving head-first into the critical role of communications during mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Why, you ask? Because if you’ve never had to find out your workplace has been sold via a media announcement on a social media platform - have you ever really lived?Unfortunately, this is not uncommon - which is why this episode outlines the potential chaos and consequences of poor communication surrounding an M&A while providing a comprehensive guide on how to. do the exact opposite: manage your comms effectively throughout the M&A process. Some of our key topics include initial preparation, stakeholder mapping, scenario planning, developing key messages, executing a tactical plan, and maintaining long-term communication efforts post-merger. For the rest? Well, you’ll have to tune in to find out!Links mentioned in this episode:Template packsEpisode 14: Know the difference between a comms strategy and a comms planWorkshops and trainingChange 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