Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

When your employees hear the word “brand”, do they think about logos, colours and fonts.... or do they understand the bigger picture? Your brand is much more than the shiny stuff. It's your values, your voice, your language, your tone and what you want your organisation to be known for. Which is why that brand needs to show up consistently inside your organisation just as much as it does externally. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore why brand consistency is so important in internal communications, particularly at a time when trust and employee engagement are under pressure. We look at three key ideas: why brand is more than visual identity, how inconsistency can erode trust, and why organisations need to find the balance between consistency and rigidity. You’ll also get three practical ways to strengthen brand consistency internally: educate your people, provide useful brand and writing tools, and build brand education into your induction process. If you're not sure whether this ep is for you... it's worth remembering: your brand doesn't stop at the front door because reputation and trust start from within. Listen in! Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minute S trategy Power Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we explore how to get underneath vague requests for 'better communication' and work out whether communication is really the issue. We share the questions you can use to diagnose the problem, the data worth looking at before designing an intervention, and the signs that tell you a team may genuinely need communication training for better use of skills. It's really that simple. We take a look at what the business communication skills are that you and your team actually need for effective communication. So... what're you waiting for? Listen in! Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minute S trategy Power Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Change communication has come a long way... but we are still treating it as simply telling people what’s changing, rather than ensuring they are understanding what we are saying, too. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're joined by Dr Jen Frahm, global expert in organisational change and change communication, co-founder of the Agile Change Leadership Institute and author of Change Communication: Less Noise, More Meaning, Change That Lands. Jen shares insights from three decades working across change, communication and transformation, including the research behind her latest book. Together, we unpack three distinct roles of change communication: monologic, dialogic and sense-making while exploring what approach is useful, why the three need to be deliberately sequenced, and what happens when the way we communicate doesn’t match people’s expectations. Then, we bring in neuroscience and what it can teach us about communicating change, including why people often look for the threat before they’re ready to hear about the benefits, why expectation management is becoming increasingly important, and what happens when there’s a vacuum of information. Plus, we chat AI, business acumen, measuring what actually matters, informal learning, empathy and the power of pausing for 60 seconds before sending yet another communication. So.. needless to say: you'll want to listen in! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Employees aren’t actually 'resisting' change, they're giving you feedback. In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we take a different look at one of the most frustrating parts of change: what happens when people don’t want to get on board. Rather than treating resistance as something communicators need to overcome, we explore what might be sitting underneath it from uncertainty and lack of control to poor communication, a lack of trust or simply the very human tendency to dislike being told what to do. Plus, we also chat about how communication can’t magically make every change popular... but it can help you understand what’s getting in the way. In fact, sometimes, the people pushing back are the ones giving you the most valuable information about what needs to change. Now, what can us communicators do to reduce this resistance? Let's find out. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minute S trategy Power Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Communication professionals are often called in after the big decisions have already been made. For example, a change is announced, a crisis erupts or a project is approved. Only then, after the fact, are we asked to communicate it. But what if our greatest value came before any of that happened? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we’re joined by communication and change expert Anne-Marie Blake, co-founder of True, to explore the growing importance of horizon scanning (plus, what is it?) and why communicators need to become more proactive, strategic advisors. Anne-Marie explains what horizon scanning is, why it's about preparing rather than predicting, and how communication professionals can identify weak signals, challenge assumptions and help organisations navigate an increasingly complex world. We discuss practical techniques for incorporating horizon scanning into communication planning, using scenario planning to test future possibilities, bringing diverse perspectives into strategic conversations, and helping leaders prepare for change before it arrives. Get your headphones on for some practical ideas on strengthening your strategic influence and helping your organisation prepare for whatever comes next. Links mentioned in this episode: Ann-Marie’s LinkedIn Ann-Marie’s website 90 minute S trategy Power Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

AI can write content in seconds, but it can't replicate your lived experience, your perspective or your voice. Which is why books remain one of the most powerful ways to build credibility, establish thought leadership and create meaningful connections with your audience. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast , we chat with author, artist and book coach Jade Miller to really understand what it takes to write a successful book. We start with the basics: nailing your core idea and identifying your audience, before navigating the self-publishing vs. traditional publishing dilemma and everything that comes after launch. Maybe it's time you wrote a book? We also explore the elephant in the room around AI and why books are becoming even more valuable for their lived experiences, including how storytelling creates trust, why your personal brand matters long before your manuscript is finished, and the common mistakes that prevent great ideas from ever making it onto the page. Even if you never take the leap to write your own, you'll know how to do it from this episode. So, listen in! Links mentioned in this episode: Jade's LinkedIn Jade's websi te 90 minute S trategy Power Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Trust is declining, scepticism is rising, and in a world where AI can make almost anyone sound like an expert, the result is that credibility alone is no longer enough. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're joined by leadership strategist, keynote speaker and author Petra Zink to explore why trust has become one of the most valuable assets leaders, communicators and organisations can build. Together, we analyse what's driving the global decline in trust, how AI is changing recruitment, education and leadership, and why organisations are placing greater value on judgement, consistency and transparency over polished outputs. Petra also shares her concept of "trust assets", i.e. the practical habits, behaviours and frameworks that help leaders build influence and confidence over time. In the day and age of AI everything, we've collated some of the best ways you can increase your credibility while staying efficient.... alongside keeping your comms at the forefront. Listen in now. Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Agentic AI this, LLM AI that - you may be wondering… what does that even mean? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we’re joined by AI strategist, futurist and storyteller Bosco Anthony to explore what the next wave of artificial intelligence means for communication, marketing and change professionals… plus, what agentic AI is. Moving beyond tools like ChatGPT and Claude, Bosco explains the rise of agentic AI, how organisations are already integrating AI into everyday workflows, and why the future belongs to people who know how to orchestrate AI rather than simply use it. Together, we discuss sophisticated prompt engineering, AI literacy, ethics, human oversight, and the skills that will become even more valuable as technology continues to evolve. We also explore the importance of curiosity over fear, why experimentation is critical, and how communicators can position themselves to thrive in an AI-enabled workplace. Ultimately, the main thing we took from this podcast was that without adaptation through curiosity… you may be left behind. Not to worry though, this episode runs you through how to keep up, too. Listen in now. Links mentioned in this episode: Bosco’s website Bosco’s LinkedIn 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Town halls have become the go-to communication channel for just about everything. Strategy updates, big announcements, leadership changes, engagement survey results - if there's a message to share, chances are someone suggests holding a town hall. …are they actually working, though? In this episode, we look into why so many town halls leave employees disengaged and what communicators can do to change that. We talk about getting clearer on the purpose of each event all the way through to creating genuine interaction and making it easier for people to ask the hard questions. Then, we share seven practical ideas you can use to make your next town hall one people actually want to attend. Yep, that’s this whole episode: let’s make your town halls not suck. Listen in to find out how. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Remember when SEO was the answer to everything? For years, communicators and marketers focused on keywords, backlinks and search rankings to improve visibility, but as more people turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude to find information, the rules of discoverability are changing. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore why communicators need to start thinking differently about content and consider AI tools as a new audience segment in their communication strategy. You’ll learn what Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is, how it differs from traditional SEO, and practical ways to make your content more likely to be surfaced by large language models. Then, we give you the exact ways to change your writing to fit LLM search! So, you'll want to listen in and take some notes - this one could possibly change the way your comms function works. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Ever noticed that one of the first questions humans learn to ask is also one of the hardest questions organisations struggle to answer: why? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast , we explore one of the biggest challenges in change communication: making a compelling case for change that people can actually connect with. Too often, change messaging focuses on the what and the how (timelines, implementation plans and project updates) while overlooking the one thing people are searching for most: meaning. Drawing on behavioural science, change communication principles and practical examples, we look into why people don’t automatically resist change, but they do resist change that feels unclear, disconnected or imposed on them. You’ll learn five practical ways to strengthen your “why” messaging, including how to explain what’s driving change, tailor benefits to different audiences, reduce uncertainty by talking about what isn’t changing, communicate challenges honestly and create a clearer picture of the future. Why? because people are far more likely to move when they know what they’re moving towards. So, you'll want to listen in now. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

If you listened to last week’s episode, you’ll know we opened up a big conversation about AI, ethics and the changing role of communication professionals with Adrian Cropley. Now, in part two, we go even deeper. This episode tackles the question so many communicators are asking right now: will AI take our jobs? Rather than offering easy reassurance, Adrian shares a practical and thought-provoking perspective on what’s really changing in our profession; from the impact on entry-level roles and shifting career pathways, through to the skills communication professionals need to build to stay relevant. Together, we unpack the future of communication work, including AI literacy, governance, responsible use, strategic counsel, storytelling and why change communication may become one of the most valuable capabilities organisations can invest in. Adrian also shares a three-tier skills framework developed through insights from the Global Alliance that explores the capabilities communicators need to remain trusted, influential and irreplaceable in an AI-enabled world. If part one explored the changing landscape, this episode is about how we respond. So get listening now! Links mentioned in this episode: AI-use survey Adrian's Lin ke dIn Cropley C omm s 90 minute S tra tegy Power Se ssion Publ ic workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

What does the future hold for communication professionals as AI continues to reshape the workplace? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we chat with global communication leader Adrian Cropley AM to explore one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing communicators today. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, Adrian reflects on the major technological shifts that have transformed the profession, from the rise of email and the internet to social media and now artificial intelligence. Together, we go even further into the nitty gritty on AI this week to discuss why it's different, what lessons communicators can learn from previous waves of disruption, and why trust, ethics and governance are becoming increasingly important. The conversation explores the growing challenge of AI-generated content, misinformation and declining trust, as well as the role communicators can play in helping organisations adopt AI responsibly. Adrian also shares his thoughts on whether AI will replace communication jobs, the risks facing entry-level roles, and how communicators can reposition themselves as trusted advisors rather than simply content creators. You'll also hear practical insights on the skills professionals need to develop, including AI literacy, governance, ethical decision-making, strategic counsel, storytelling and change communication. This episode offers valuable perspective and practical guidance for navigating what's next... and so does next week's, so stay tuned for Part 2 of this conversation with Adrian Cropley. Links mentioned in this episode: AI-use survey Adrian's Lin ke dIn Cropley C omm s 90 minute S tra tegy Power Se ssion Publ ic workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Whether it's a media interview, conference presentation, town hall meeting or leadership briefing, there comes a point in most careers when you need to speak with confidence under pressure. ... but what happens when the questions become challenging, the audience feels intimidating or the nerves start to take over? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we chat with media trainer, journalist and author Theresa Miller to explore what it takes to become an effective presenter and media spokesperson. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in journalism, broadcasting and media coaching, Theresa shares practical strategies for communicating clearly, confidently and authentically in high-pressure situations. The conversation covers why preparation is critical, how to stay focused on your key messages, and the role plain English plays in helping audiences understand and connect with what you're saying. Theresa also discusses how to navigate difficult questions, avoid common presentation mistakes and use your voice, body language and storytelling skills to strengthen your message. Listen to the podcast now to get the lowdown! Links mentioned in this episode: Theresa’s website Theresa’s LinkedIn 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

This episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast has us uncovering what it means to be a communicator in an AI-driven world; plus, why the profession is entering a major period of transformation. Communicators are being challenged to rethink where their value truly lies as AI takes over the practical, often menial, tasks of our everyday. BUT! The future of communication isn’t about producing more of this content faster, in fact it's more about becoming trusted strategic advisors who help organisations build trust, navigate uncertainty and strengthen human connection. So, this episode helps map out this change with a new framework for the future communicator built around five evolving roles: reputation architects, risk and opportunity identifiers, stakeholder engagers, human connectors, and leadership coaches. We also look at the critical capabilities communicators need to develop to remain relevant, including adaptability, creativity, business acumen, strategic thinking and relationship building. Get ready to learn all about how communicators can position themselves to lead in an increasingly complex, AI-influenced world. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we are joined by Bonnie Caver, founder and CEO of Reputation Lighthouse, to discuss why reputation should be viewed as one of the most valuable forms of business currency. We explain the difference between reputation management and reputation architecture, sharing how communicators can help leaders intentionally build trust, strengthen culture, and protect corporate value. Bonnie also explores the growing impact of artificial intelligence on reputation, including how AI can amplify both positive and negative patterns across every stakeholder touchpoint. But, we all love a quick run down... so, in this conversation you'll learn how to: Position reputation as a strategic business asset Apply the “Do, Say, Are” alignment model Use pattern recognition to identify emerging risks Understand the reputational implications of AI Elevate your role from content creator to trusted advisor Bonus points: Bonnie also shares her top advice for communication professionals who want to increase their influence and help organisations thrive in an increasingly complex and AI-driven world. So, get listening now to get the inside scoop! Links mentioned in this episode: Bonnie’s LinkedIn Reputation Lighthouse 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Communication is often seen as the solution to every problem in an organisation. Low engagement, unhappy teams, backlash to decisions and somehow, the default response is usually “let’s communicate more.” ... what if communication isn’t the fix? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore the role of communicators as gatekeepers, and why that responsibility is critical to protecting both reputation and trust. You’ll learn why not every issue can or should be solved with communication, how poor or reactive messaging can actually make things worse, and what effective gatekeeping looks like in practice. From governance and consistency through to challenging ideas and pushing back on stakeholders, this episode unpacks how communicators can move beyond being order takers and step into a more strategic role. We also share practical ways to handle tricky situations, including how to say no without shutting people down, how to reframe conversations around audience needs, and how to speak the language of risk and reputation when dealing with senior leaders. If you’ve ever been asked to “just send something out” to fix a deeper issue, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to respond differently... and why you have to in order to avoid being an order taker in a comms role. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

Every day, we make around 35,000 decisions, of which most of them are fast, subconscious, and driven by emotion rather than logic. So what does that mean for how we communicate change? In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Rush, a cognitive decision-making specialist, to unpack how decisions are really made, especially in complex, high-stakes environments. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and her PhD research, Samantha explains why acceptability is the critical first step in any change. Before people adopt something new, they make a series of micro-decisions about whether it feels safe, what it means for them, and how it might impact their reputation or standing. Together, we explore: Why logic-heavy communication often falls short The role of psychological safety in decision-making How fear, uncertainty, and self-perception shape responses to change Practical ways communicators can design messages that actually land What influences whether leaders align to, and follow through on, decisions This episode challenges traditional approaches to change communication and offers a more human, realistic lens on how people think, feel, and decide. Links mentioned in this episode: Dr. Samantha's website Dr. Samantha's LinkedIn 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

"Oh, when things settle down" - this is an almost direct quote from every business, ever. However, do things actually ever settle down anymore? We went from COVID to mass shutdowns, fuel crises to wars... we can pretty well assume that we’re living in a time of constant disruption. Not to mention the workplace shenanigans with AI. So yes, organisations might continue to adapt, but the workplace is not a bubble. What’s happening in the world is showing up in how people think, feel, and perform at work. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're looking into all the ways uncertainty affects the human brain... plus why it often leads to stress, fatigue, and decision paralysis. More importantly, we then share five practical strategies to help communicators and leaders provide clarity, reduce friction, and support their people through ongoing change. From acknowledging uncertainty (rather than avoiding it), to creating low-friction environments, reinforcing what’s stable, shifting mindsets toward adaptability, and amplifying the role of leaders. If you’re a communicator, leader, or change professional, this episode will help you rethink how you show up, and how you support others, when certainty is in short supply. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

When we think about change communication, it’s often within the walls of an organisation in things like new systems, strategies, or restructures. However, advocacy communication operates in a very different environment, where audiences are not captive, attention is limited, and influence must be earned. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore advocacy as a form of change communication before we share the five essential elements that underpin effective advocacy strategies. We also explore the importance of audience segmentation, the power of relatable storytelling, and the role of behavioural science in shaping effective campaigns. Ultimately, this episode is one that can apply across any industry and any role, because we all end up having to work in an advocate position at some point! So, listen in now. Links mentioned in this episode: 90 minu te Strategy Po wer Session Public workshops and training Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book Template packs Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources! Say hi! Follow me on LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question