Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Rachel Miller, founder of All Things IC and author with 20+ years in internal communication. She traces the rise of internal comms during COVID. They discuss burnout from always-on messaging. Rachel outlines her Miller Framework for strategy. Practical advice for communicators and a focus on accessible, inclusive approaches round out the conversation.

For some people, standing on a stage feels like a nightmare. For others, it’s speaking up in a meeting or hearing their own voice played back that triggers discomfort. In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're joined by Sally Prosser, voice and public speaking coach, former broadcast journalist and author of Voiceprint to chat all things public speaking.We explore the myths around public speaking, including the idea that it’s something separate from everyday communication. Sally explains how tone, breath and resonance influence credibility and trust, and why a well-delivered message can have more impact than perfectly chosen words. We also discuss the inner narratives people carry about their voice, the concept of “voice confrontation” when hearing yourself recorded, and how to prepare for spontaneous speaking moments without sounding scripted.At the heart of the conversation is the idea of your voice print, a.k.a, the invisible mark you leave on others through the way you speak. This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t delivered overnight but it's something you can work on consistently to improve your speaking.Learn more and listen in!Links mentioned in this episode:Sally Prosser's websiteSally's latest bookSally'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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we explore why information alone isn’t enough to make workplace messages stick, and why storytelling is one of the most practical tools communicators and leaders can use.In a world filled with slide decks, summaries and carefully crafted emails, clarity is often prioritised above all else but while people may understand a message in the moment, that doesn’t guarantee they will remember it. What tends to endure is not the information itself, but the meaning behind it. Storytelling is what transforms abstract ideas into something tangible and relatable.This episode focuses on the first and most common stumbling block: finding the story. Rather than searching for something dramatic or extraordinary, we explain why the most effective workplace stories are usually simple and grounded in everyday experience. The conversation also explores the power of positive examples when leading change, and why highlighting progress and possibility is often more motivating than leaning into fear or worst-case scenarios.So, get listening and find your story.Links mentioned in this episode:Masterclass: Strategic Storytelling - make your message stick workshop90 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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

This is the grand finale of our five-part leadership series, and we’re finishing with honesty.In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we're once again joined by Prina Shah, host of Ways to Change the Workplace, to unpack the leadership communication habits that frustrate teams and quietly erode trust.We explore the gap between broadcasting and true communication, the rise of professional ghosting, the myth that everything is urgent, and the impact of late-night pings on workplace culture. We even discuss jargon and passive voice, meeting overload, forwarding emails without framing, and the damage done when leaders fail to align their words and actions.Throughout the conversation, we draw on behavioural science, change management and real-world corporate experience to explain why these patterns happen and how leaders can course-correct. Plus, we give you the lowdown on how they came to fruition to begin with.Remembering that every behaviour sends a message showcases exactly why leadership communication isn’t just about what you say but what you reinforce through your actions every single day... so, use this episode to remember those actions can be fixed!Listen in now.... and get in touch with your own pet peeves you want us to problem solve, too.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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Episode four of our five-part leadership series with Prina Shah explores one of the most critical skills modern leaders must develop: leading through change.With organisations navigating constant transformation driven by technology, shifting employee expectations, restructures and new strategies, change is now continuous and leadership has never felt more complex.In this episode, we unpack what change actually looks like in practice and why it’s far more than communication and training. We explore the five core elements of effective change, the importance of genuine consultation, and the evolving psychological contract between leaders and employees.You’ll hear practical frameworks to help you understand how different people respond to change, how to reduce resistance through co-creation, and why trust must be built through transparent, timely and thoughtful communication.We also chat about the risks of poor change management, and the critical differences between project management and change leadership alongside a plethora of other 'let me get on my high horse' activities. So, if you’re responsible for leading restructures, strategy rollouts, system implementations or cultural shifts, we're offering grounded, practical insights to help you lead change with clarity, empathy and confidence.Stay tuned for the grand finale of the series, where we get into our biggest leadership pet peeves and what to do about them.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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

In part three of our five-part Leadership Communication series, we are joined again by Prina Shah, host of Ways to Change Your Workplace and author of Make Work Meaningful, for a deep and practical conversation about tough conversations.We explore why so many of us avoid difficult discussions at work. We start with a fear of conflict and people-pleasing tendencies, and move through to the discomfort of delivering messages we may not fully agree with. We unpack the psychology behind avoidance, including the concept of cognitive dissonance and how leaders can move toward greater alignment and integrity.The episode covers real-world workplace scenarios such as delivering bad news, responding to crises, addressing toxic behaviour, and navigating polarised views and misinformation. We also discuss how silence can unintentionally signal indifference or approval, why empathy must sit at the centre of any challenging conversation, and how leaders can create space for honest, respectful dialogue even when tensions are high.Then, we give you the practical strategies for approaching difficult conversations with clarity and confidence, even when you cannot change the situation. At its core, this episode is a reminder that leadership is not about avoiding discomfort, but stepping into it with courage and clarity.Listen in to get the lowdown.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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Dan Sodergren, futurist and author of The AI Advantage, explores what AI means for internal communicators. He discusses shadow AI and policy gaps. He outlines role shifts as routine work is automated. He highlights the importance of training, trust, transparency and emotional intelligence. He also covers data ownership, personalization risks and AI’s potential for accessibility and learning.

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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

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 LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question