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 bootcamp
• 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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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 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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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 Cuppa
• Victoria's LinkedIn
• 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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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 Design
• Ben on Instagram
• Ben on LinkedIn
• 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 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 packs
• Episode 14: Know the difference between a comms strategy and a comms plan
• 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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The rapid shift to remote work in 2020 brought incredible challenges and changes to our internal communications. From the quick fixes like the introduction of varying comms channels (i.e. Slack, Teams, Skype, etc) through to the bandaid work from home solutions - our IT teams were under the pump. 

However, as much as we can applaud their quick and efficient roll outs during a tense time - it’s becoming clearer as time wears on that these quick fixes are not only showing their limitations, but causing major headaches for a lot of folks; especially those in comms. 

This is the exact reason why we’ve discussed the importance of internal comms audits in this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast. However, we’ve gone one step further and even stepped out the exact six step process to conducting your own audit.

Join us as we talk you through the simple six-step process to ensure your communication strategies are effective and up-to-date.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• 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 2022 Australia was gearing up for a federal election. The Australian labor party or the ALP was in opposition at the time. And they needed to win over a specific audience: the younger generations. Meaning that the usual tactics wouldn’tcut it. And this is where a perhaps unlikely platform came into play - TikTok. 

At last count tikTok had over 1 billion active users, representing almost a quarter of all internet users. And the app has been downloaded more than 4.1 billion times. And of all those users, the largest proportion, at least in the USA are 10 to 19 years old with almost half of all users under 30. 

So how did a stodgy political party make this modern day social video platform work for them? That's what today's episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, is all about and we’ve brought in the expert: Dr. Susan Grantham to talk all about her research specialising in the intersection of trending social media, notably TikTok, and its applications within organisational contexts… alongside how it’s changed comms now, and potentially, for good.

Jump into this week’s episode! 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Susan's published paper 
• Susan's Griffith Experts page 
• Susan's LinkedIn 
• Susan's TikTok 
• 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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How many times have you avoided a tough conversation because you thought it would be difficult?  If you’re like most people, probably quite a few. 

The problem is that avoiding these discussions can lead to accountability issues and team frustration - especially in a corporate environment.  However, we're here to deliver some good news on this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, because were here to tell you that hard conversations don't have to be hard. 

That's right! They can be constructive and they can be really valuable if you take the right approach.... which is luckily what this episode is all about. You'll learn multiple techniques, tips and tricks on how to navigate challenging conversations in a way that ends constructively for all parties involved.

So... with all this free learning waiting for you, let's get into it!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Constructive conversations webinar
• 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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By 2025, it's estimated that the volume of data or information created, captured, copied and consumed worldwide will reach 181 zettabytes. That’s the equivalent of 4.98 quintillion movies, or 78 times the length of the Milky Way.

Now you may be thinking: firstly, that’s a heck of a lot of data - and you’d be right; but secondly, you may also be wondering why this matters for a communications podcast or to a comms professional?

Well, that would be because as communications professionals, data surrounds us everywhere we look, and it is a critical tool to make sure our work is the most effective it can be. And that is what today's episode is all about. 

In fact, we’re so sure of this implication to our work, that we enlisted the help of self-confessed (and proven) data extraordinaire, Roelant Vos from Agnostic Data Labs, to talk us through what data is, where to find it and how we can be using it as comms professionals. He also shared some of the challenges with using data that we need to be on the lookout for, alongside the tools that we can leverage to make it even easier for us to get ahead of the game… including AI!

So don't get left behind and sit back, relax and enjoy this chat with the wonderful Roelant Vos.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Roelant's LinkedIn 
• Roelant's Website
• Michelle Bowden: How to persuade book
• 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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How could improv possibly play a role in improving someone's communication abilities?

We're so glad you asked. This week on the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we've got the incredibly talented and incredibly knowledgeable Mandy Plumb, from Blah Blah Blah Improv in to talk all things improv, and how it translates for a comms pro.

Mandy talks us through how the skills crucial to an improv comedian can help people from all walks of life and professions to build on and refine their comms skills. From the obvious like public speaking practice, through to the less obvious, like collaboration and strategic thinking - it's all a part of the play, per se.

So, jump in this week and maybe you'll get yourself into the world of improv, too.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Blah Blah Blah Improv
• Mandy Plumb’s LinkedIn
• Workshops and training
• Change Isn't Hard! Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!
• Matt Abraham’s book

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