Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Mel Loy
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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.

  1. #158 AI is here, and this is what internal comms needs to know (and do) (ft. Dan Sodergren)

    2D AGO

    #158 AI is here, and this is what internal comms needs to know (and do) (ft. Dan Sodergren)

    If you work in internal communications, you’ve probably wondered: is AI coming for my job? In this thought-provoking episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we speak with futurist, author and media commentator Dan Sodergren about what artificial intelligence really means for internal communicators and why this moment represents both risk and extraordinary opportunity. Dan shares insights from more than two decades at the intersection of technology, workplace culture and human potential. From the rise of shadow AI to the dangers hidden inside poorly understood AI policies, he challenges communicators to think bigger, act braver and step into a more strategic role. Together, they explore: Why AI isn’t new — but its adoption curve is unprecedentedHow internal comms could be amalgamated, evolved or elevatedThe critical importance of training, trust and transparencyWhy emotional intelligence will outlast artificial intelligenceAnd how communicators can move from content creators to culture architectsThis episode is candid, energetic and at times confronting (with a tonne of insights, regardless) but ultimately, empowering. AI may automate the grunt work, but the human work, like the emotional intelligence, trust-building and change leadership are all more valuable than ever. That's where we come in. Listen in to find out how. Links mentioned in this episode: Dan’s LinkedInDan’s websiteDan’s upcoming CSCE AI on for Internal Comms event90 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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    41 min
  2. Episode 157: Leader Communications - Part 2: Giving and receiving feedback (ft. Prina Shah)

    FEB 11

    Episode 157: Leader Communications - Part 2: Giving and receiving feedback (ft. Prina Shah)

    In this second episode of this five-part series on people, change and leadership, we are joined again by Prina Shah to unpack one of the most emotionally loaded topics in the workplace: giving and receiving feedback. Rather than treating feedback as a simple leadership skill, this episode explores the deeper dynamics at play. Why do leaders avoid tough conversations? Why do some people spiral when they hear constructive criticism while others lean in with curiosity? And how do poorly designed performance systems unintentionally create competition, defensiveness or even dishonest behaviour? We examine the many forms feedback can take, from formal reviews to informal coaching moments, and challenge outdated approaches like the “feedback sandwich.” We share practical communication frameworks such as AIR and STAR-R, while also exploring the psychology behind feedback, including self-awareness, self-esteem, emotional processing and rejection sensitivity. This episode blends practical tools with honest reflection, reminding leaders that feedback is not just about correcting performance but about understanding human behaviour, creating accountability and supporting genuine growth. So, if you're keen to up your feedback skills, you should listen in!  Links mentioned in this episode: Prina’s websitePrina’s LinkedIn90 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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    38 min
  3. #156 Leader Communications - Part 1: Adapting your comms style (ft. Prina Shah)

    FEB 4

    #156 Leader Communications - Part 1: Adapting your comms style (ft. Prina Shah)

    One of the biggest myths in leadership is that once you get the title, people will automatically listen. They won’t, and it’s not because they’re difficult or disengaged but rather, because communication doesn’t work that way. In the first episode of our brand new five-part series, we’re joined by leadership coach, author and podcast host Prina Shah to unpack one of the most overlooked leadership skills: adapting your communication style for your team. Together, we explore why there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, especially when you’re leading humans, not robots. We start with real-world examples from leadership journeys, including the challenges of new leaders, peer-to-leader transitions, managing people older than you, and why “that’s just how I communicate” is never a valid excuse. You’ll hear practical strategies for understanding different communication preferences, using tools as guides (not labels), building trust through listening, and creating a shared “user manual” that helps teams work better together. The conversation also dives into context and why it’s critical for leaders to think of things like timing, environment and emotional load and why they matter just as much as the message itself. So, get listening!  Links mentioned in this episode: Prina’s websitePrina’s LinkedIn90 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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    29 min
  4. #155 Topic in Ten: Four ways to manage technology change using communications

    JAN 28

    #155 Topic in Ten: Four ways to manage technology change using communications

    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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    19 min
  5. #154 Topic in Ten: Four ways to communicate policy or benefits changes

    JAN 21

    #154 Topic in Ten: Four ways to communicate policy or benefits changes

    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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    10 min
  6. #153 Topic in Ten: Communicating office moves and renovations in a way that works

    JAN 14

    #153 Topic in Ten: Communicating office moves and renovations in a way that works

    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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    15 min
  7. #152 Topic in Ten: Restructures and people change communications

    JAN 7

    #152 Topic in Ten: Restructures and people change communications

    Restructures are one of the biggest and scariest people change scenarios organisations face, especially when roles are impacted and redundancies are on the table.  In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're doing another Topic in Ten - this time, we're unpacking restructures from a people change and communications perspective. Drawing on extensive experience supporting large-scale restructures, we look at the typical phases, starting with raising awareness and managing rumours, moving through consultation and feedback, confirming the final structure, supporting redeployment and off-boarding, and finally embedding the new ways of working.  Along the way, we explore what employees are really worried about, the role leaders play in shaping the experience, and why empathy, clarity and timing matter more than perfect answers.  This episode is a practical guide for internal communicators, change practitioners, HR professionals and leaders who want to handle restructures in a way that supports people, protects trust and sets the organisation up for what comes next. 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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    15 min
  8. #151 Topic in Ten: Enterprise agreements and people change communications

    12/31/2025

    #151 Topic in Ten: Enterprise agreements and people change communications

    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 LinkedIn Find out what I'm up to Instagram Check out my website Ask a question

    13 min
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About

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.

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