Less Chatter, More Matter
Less Chatter, More Matter
Mel Loy
Communications expert, business owner, group fitness instructor...that's your podcast host, Mel Loy! And in the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, Mel not only provides expert tips on improving your communication skills, but also shares her insights into starting and growing a small business, and the golden lessons learned from 10 years in group fitness and personal training on inspiring and motivating people. 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, Hey Mel! Communication & Training. Along the way she continued to teach group fitness and grow her gym with her business partner, join and become president of an industry body, start a podcast, learn to sketchnote ... and much more!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, and deliver change are top of the agenda, along with how to get started when you take that leap into consulting or freelance life, and mindset hacks that will encourage you to keeping learning and growing. 
#44 How people respond to change and what it means for your comms
Welcome to December friends, and with it, another episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast!This week, we finish off the change comms topic with the people side of change comms and why it matters. We share a model that explains how people respond to change and some of the techniques you can use to respond in kind (plus, you can use the linked quiz below to find out how you repsond to change!).This model goes into the ins and outs of four different change personalities, and why they are crucial to consider in your change and comms plans.We also use the model to explain processing times and risk aversion and how these key factors will shape your communications during any change.So, join us this week and finalise your change comms knowledge!Links mentioned in this episode:Find out how YOU respond to change!Episode 42: 5 behavioural science hacks you can use in your change commsEpisode 43: How to write a change communication planMel's new book - 'Change isn't hard'Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Dec 6, 2023
14 min
#43 How to write a change communication plan
If you're involved in communications, you're most likely involved in change work in some way, shape or form. Which is why this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast is going to give you the 101 on how to write a change communication plan.This may seem like a basic skill for those who dive into comms plans every day, but your typical, day-to-day communications plan is significantly different to a change communication plan. The biggest difference is the granular level that change impact needs to be assessed and addressed for different audience groups. Plus to add to that complexity, that granularity means you'll have very specific outcomes for each audience group, all of which will need specific messaging and strategies. Sounds complex, right? Don't stress because we run you through the ins and outs of it all in this episode. So let's jump in!Links mentioned in this episode:Find out how YOU respond to change!Episode 42: 5 behavioural science hacks you can use in your change commsMel's new book - 'Change isn't hard'Public workshops for 2024Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Nov 29, 2023
14 min
#42 5 behavioural science hacks to use in your change communication
When the words 'behavioural science' get brought up, you wouldn't be alone in immediately thinking about any CSI or Bones show you could fathom. However, behavioural science is not simply used in characterising serial skillers, but rather, characterising people and the way they act, and interact, across a plethora of topics.For example, behavioural science can become a key player in how you manage your comms overall, but specifically in a change heavy role. And change communication in itself is about really, deeply understanding human behavior and then using your comms to drive a desired response. So then, how do we use this behavioural science to back up our change comms? Well, you're about to find out in this week's episode!Links mentioned in this episode:My book! Get on the mailing list to be the first to know when pre-sales open Quiz: Change friend or foe: how do you respond to change?Episode 24: Change vs internal communication: What's the difference?Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Nov 22, 2023
16 min
#41 Crisis communications and the lessons we can learn from Optus
Another week, another episode full of knowledge on the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast. However, this week is a special one as we bring to you the perfect case study itself in crisis communications: the Optus outage of 2023.Last week, the hot crisis comms news came in the form of the colossal bin fire that was the national Optus outage (a.k.a the second largest telecommunications company in Australia) which left over 10 million customers without mobile, their phone, or internet services for over 12 hours. Now, over a week later and the mop up continues with what could be deemed the golden case study in what NOT to do for your communications in a crisis. So, we thought we’d dive right in and deliver some hot tips on crisis comms with some real-time examples.Plus, we'll talk you through some of the things they did right, a lot of the things they did wrong, and why we all need to be prepared for a crisis and what that can look like.So, let's get into it!Links mentioned in this episode:3rd Birthday training discount HMC workshops and trainingSay hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Nov 15, 2023
17 min
#40 How to use video as a powerful communication tool (ft. Joseph Bobadilla)
We live in a digital world, and video inundates every channel we use - from intranets and websites, to social media, messaging apps, and more. But why is it such a powerful communication tool, and what are some of the best-practice tips for getting it right?Which is what we asked the exceptional video expert, Joseph Bobadilla from Brown Fox Media House, on this week’s episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast. We picked Joseph's brains on everything from the big mistakes people make when they use video as a communication tool, all the way to the top tips you can use to get started, even if you’re on a budget. We even dabbled in a bit of chat about artificial intelligence and the opportunities and risks when it comes to video.So, get your notebook out and let's get into it!Links mentioned in this episode:Social handles - JosephInstagramTikTokLinkedInSocial handles - Brown Fox Media HouseInstagramLinkedInYouTubeVimeoFacebookLinksBusiness website Brown Fox Podcast (video marketing) From The Inside Out Podcast (personal) plus on Spotify and Apple PodcastsSay hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Nov 8, 2023
29 min
#39 How to create a content plan for your business or client
Our worlds revolve around content these days! But, with so many different channels to reach our audiences, and so many different ways of doing it - it can be difficult to figure out the nuances of each and what is going to work best. That's why this week's episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast is all about creating and maintaining a content plan for your business or client. This episode touches on how to create content that is purposeful, and how to make sure your channels are kept alive and performing! We've even got a FREE content plan template available for you to download! But you'll have to listen in to find out how to grab it.So, let's get into it! Links mentioned in this episode:Communication Career Fundamentals online courseLess Chatter, More Matter mailing listMy new book! Sign up to find out when pre-sales openSay hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Nov 1, 2023
14 min
#38 Mental health and the crucial role of communications (ft. Cherie Canning)
Welcome back to the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast. This week's episode starts with the impact of mental health in the workplace to celebrate Mental Health Month here in Australia this October. We asked Cherie Canning, founder of Luminate Leadership, to join us on this episode to explore how communication plays an instrumental role in advocating for mental health issues in the workplace. When done with mental health in mind, our communication practices can create safe spaces to have conversations, particularly in the workplace. And it's even more fortuitous in a way that the theme for Mental Health Month in 2023 is 'we all have a role to play'. So this episode is really about encouraging people to think about ways we can connect with the people around us in more meaningful, supportive ways.So, without further adieu, let's get into it! Links mentioned in this episode:Mental Health First Aid Training: www.luminateleadership.com.au/mhfaLuminate Leadership website: www.luminateleadership.com.auFollow Luminate on InstagramFollow Luminate on LinkedInConnect with Cherie on InstagramConnect with Cherie on LinkedInAbout Cherie:Cherie Canning is a passionate optimist, an avid traveller and the Founder and Director of Luminate Leadership.After almost two decades of leading teams and running development training at Flight Centre Travel Group, Cherie and her husband Andy were thrown a Covid redundancy curve ball. It was then Cherie knew she had to follow her passion of Leadership development and Luminate Leadership was born. Cherie is passionate about creating training and development experiences that challenge people, inspire them and give practical tools to create real life impact in their workplaces and lives.Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Oct 25, 2023
28 min
#37 3 big lessons from 3 big years in business
It's our third birthday! That’s right, Hey Mel! has been offering our communication and training expertise for three big years, full of big business learnings - learnings that we’d love to share with you.Whether you’re looking to start your very own consultancy, or you’re a lover of all things learning, we’ve got some pretty cool lessons to share from around the world of freelancing and what it could mean for your career. That's why this special birthday episode covers some of the key takeaways that the business has compiled over the three years we've been doing it! We've also packed all of said shiny insights in this one, fantastic podcast episode - full of insights you can use across the board in any career.So... why wait for the fourth birthday? Let's get into it!Links mentioned in this episode:Blog: Three tips for choosing the right channels for your businessCourse: Fresh 2 FreelancingOffer: Third birthday 30% discountEmail update: Sign up here! Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Oct 18, 2023
16 min
#36 How to choose the right channels for your business
Gone are the days of simple websites, media releases and CEO emails. These days, we have so many more channels to use and choose. But the challenge is knowing which ones to choose and why! Especially when a new social media app comes onto the market because it can be really tempting to jump onto it right away. And why not? It's the latest shiny thing and apparently everyone is using it… but, before you do, can you answer whether it will serve your business any good?Knowing which channels to pick, how to use them, and how to use them well is crucial before heading onto any new media platform. It’s especially important for those who are starting a new business or starting from scratch in an existing business. That's why we've gathered some tips on how to pick the right channels for your business here. So, let’s get into it!Links mentioned in this episode:Blog: Three tips for choosing the right channels for your business Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Oct 11, 2023
12 min
#35 Top tips for making and maintaining a great website (ft. Jessica Panozzo)
Do you know what it takes to create a website that is accessible, creative, design friendly, SEO ready, easy to navigate, and fits your brand? All of these things are crucial parts of your website's job in ensuring your brand is taken seriously and that your clients can trust you to deliver on what they need. Which is exactly why this week's podcast is all about website design. We've asked the fantastic Jessica Panozzo from Feel Good Creative to join us and share some of her insider knowledge on the key aspects to website design, and why it's so important to get it right, no matter if you're a small business or massive organisation.Jess is the owner of Feel Good Creative, a website design agency in Brisbane, Australia. She's a colour loving, food obsessed, website designer and an ex-accountant, but we won't hold that against her.  She works with creative businesses and all-round good humans to ensure that your digital home communicates a special sauce, stands out from their competition and is a dream for your visitors to use.She has mastered the art of managing website projects in an efficient, personalised two week period so that you can get back to running your business ASAP. That's why we were stoked to have her on the show to spill the beans on all the website aspects you'll need to know!Let's dive in.Links mentioned in this episode:Website: Feel Good CreativeInstagram: Feel Good CreativeEpisode 32: What is accessibility and why is it important? (ft. Kelly Thibodeau)Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question
Oct 4, 2023
30 min
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