Over the past 100 episodes of Less Chatter, More Matter, we've had the privilege of speaking with some incredible guests who shared their unique perspectives and invaluable expertise in communication. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reflecting on the top 10 lessons that have stayed with us—and how they’ve influenced the way we think about communication.

Let’s dive into the wisdom of our guests:

1. Develop business acumen

From Episode #97 with Sia Papageorgiou:
Sia reminded us that communication professionals must understand their organisation’s business to truly add value. It’s not just about crafting messages but also linking communication outcomes to tangible business benefits. She said, “Build your business acumen. Measure what matters, and link that to a business benefit by quantifying value.”

2. Make communications accessible

From Episode #95 with Matisse Hamel-Nelis:
Matisse highlighted the untapped $17 trillion spending potential of people with disabilities, emphasising why inclusive communication is essential—not just morally but financially. She shared a powerful example: “What if someone with sight loss has a daughter looking to buy a car? If your website isn’t accessible, you’re losing that potential sale.”

3. Navigate political divides in the workplace

From Episode #92 with David Imber:
David discussed the growing polarisation in workplaces and how personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn has blurred boundaries. He said, “Leaders need to understand that their personal views are seen by employees, and that can create challenges. Tailor your communication to your audience.”

4. Understand that audiences want you to succeed

From Episode #91 with Julian Mather:
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but Julian offered a comforting perspective: “Audiences don’t want you to fail. They want you to succeed. Show them confidence, and they’ll trust you to lead them through your message.”

5. Embrace the changing role of communicators

From Episode #85 with Ross Monaghan:
Ross emphasised the critical role professional communicators play in shaping organisations and society. He urged communicators to stay confident, continuously learn, and adapt. “We’re well-placed to lead organisations in addressing challenges like ESG and CSR. Listen to stakeholders, share experiences, and stay at the forefront of change.”

6. Adopt a marketing mindset for internal communications

From Episode #81 with Cassandra Thurston:
Cass shared how Flight Centre uses marketing techniques like A/B testing and user journeys for internal communications. She noted, “We’re analysing data to understand how people consume content, and we’ve learned that shorter emails with clear ‘read more’ links are more effective.”

7. Think on your feet with improv skills

From Episode #71 with Mandy Plumb:
Mandy explained how improv comedy techniques can make us better communicators by teaching us to embrace failure and actively listen. “‘Yes, and’ fosters collaboration. It’s about listening, responding, and building on ideas together.”

8. Simplify the complex

From Episode #68 with Kate Norris:
Kate provided a golden rule for presenting data: “One graph, one story. Avoid overwhelming people with layered or complex visuals. Focus on clarity so your message lands.”

9. Prioritise clear, consistent measurement

Many of our guests—including Sia and Cass—emphasised the importance of measuring communication outcomes. Whether it’s using analytics tools for internal comms or tying metrics to business goals, it’s clear that data-driven decisions are here to stay.

10. Stay curious and adapt to new challenges

A recurring theme across these episodes is the importance of curiosity and adaptability. Whether it’s embracing AI, navigating workplace divides, or adopting new tools, communicators who stay curious and open to learning will thrive in a rapidly changing world.

These lessons have shaped how we think about communication, and we hope they resonate with you too. Which of these lessons do you find most relevant to your work? If you haven’t listened to these episodes yet, now’s a great time to catch up! Here’s to the next 100 episodes of learning and growing together.