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 Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Change is only as successful as the confidence behind it, which is why this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast features confidence expert Lata Hamilton. 

Lata runs us through the ways in which a lot of organisations often struggle with transformation, alongside how they can fix it. She talks to the way many lack foundational change capability, which makes even relatively small shifts feel overwhelming.

Lata shares practical insights, including why process mapping isn’t just a documentation exercise—it’s a powerful tool to engage employees and build momentum. We also explore how real transformation isn’t about new systems themselves but about what they enable for people and businesses.

So... whether your organisation is navigating change, or you're looking to navigate yourself into a new career - this episode is packed with tips to make the process smoother and more successful. Tune in now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Lata LinkedIn
• Lata website
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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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 training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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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 LinkedIn
• Sally's AI for events workshop
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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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 training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Creativity in Public Relations and communications isn’t just about artistic talent—it’s a mindset that thrives on collaboration. In this episode, Kirsty Visman from Superdream joins us to discuss how creativity plays a crucial role in problem-solving and campaign success, both in PR and comms.

Kirsty shares insights on overcoming barriers like budget and risk aversion, the evolving media landscape, and the importance of adaptability. From tapping into niche audiences through podcasts to leveraging AI for research, this conversation dives deep into the trends shaping the industry today.

But, you're probably wondering... why is this important to me? Well, here are some of the key things you'll takeaway from this episode:

• How collaboration fuels creativity in PR
• Overcoming budget constraints to drive innovative ideas
• The shift from traditional media to decentralised platforms
• Why personalisation in PR is more effective than mass press releases
• The power of partnerships and brand collaborations
• Using AI as a research tool for trendspotting and media outreach

So.. what're you waiting for? Hit play to learn how to keep your comms strategies fresh, engaging, and impactful (even in this day and age).

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Superdream
• Kirsty's LinkedIn
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Workshops and training
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Not everything needs a comms plan, and not every comms plan needs to be extensive.

On this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explain away how you can easily outline and specify your comms before you even start. In fact, we share three essential questions every communicator should ask before crafting their messages.

We all have busy schedules and information overload, meaning both communicators and audiences have little time for unclear, over the top or irrelevant messaging. 

By taking a few moments to consider these key questions, you can ensure your communication is clear, engaging, and effective—without the need for a full-blown comms plan. So, why wouldn't you spare yourself the workload and listen in for our simple three questions?

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Workshops and training
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, Mel Loy chats with personal branding and career expert Petra Zink about why your reputation, and your personal brand, is your most valuable asset—especially in today's digital-first world.

Petra shares why personal branding is more than just self-promotion—it's about shaping the perception others have of you. She explains how a strong personal brand can help you stand out in a competitive job market, future-proof your career, and attract new opportunities.

Key takeaways include:

• If you can't be found, you can't be considered—your online presence matters more than ever.
• Go beyond job titles and tasks—focus on the value you bring and the impact you make.
• Content pillars matter—define your expertise and share insights that are relevant to your audience.
• Overcome self-promotion fears—think of it as curating conversations, not just talking about yourself.
• The rise of YouTube and owned content—why long-form content and email lists are key to a sustainable brand.

Whether you're job hunting, building a business, or positioning yourself as a thought leader, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you take control of your personal brand.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Petra's company: Impaccct 
• Petra's LinkedIn
• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Workshops and training
• Change Isn't Hard! Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we answer a key listener question: "What is a quick framework for companies to adopt AI into the workforce?"

Now, this one is a particularly interesting episode as we chat about the new challenges that accompany the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence, alongside what it means for workforces around the world.

We dive into a 3P framework to help you foster adoption across your organisation, and we give you some pretty fantastic steps on breaking down the process in a way that’s manageable - for everyone.

Tune in to hear how communications professionals can lead the charge in integrating AI responsibly and effectively.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Workshops and training
• Change Isn't Hard! Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we dive into the challenge of encouraging people to volunteer, particularly on initiatives that rely on community support. We respond to another Topic in Ten question from one of our listeners about how to get more volunteers involved without resorting to nagging or threats. 

We share six evidence-based strategies to inspire action while mphasizing the importance of experimentation to find what resonates with you and your audience best.  

So, get into this short and snappy episode to get an understanding on how you can use science to make people give a sh*t!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• Template packs
• Workshops and training
• Change Isn't Hard! Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

Say hi!
Follow me on LinkedIn
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