Share this episode of Takis Talk Government communications is at the heart of this episode, as you sit down with Kara Roberson, Strategic Communications Officer for the City of Wentzville, Missouri, to unpack how a fast‑growing community uses smart messaging, data, and creativity to truly connect with residents. From managing 29 different communication channels to doubling down on branding and social media strategy, this conversation gives practical, real‑world insight into what modern government communications looks like when it’s done with intention, humor, and a deep respect for public service. Episode overview This episode is divided into two parts, both centered on government communications and persuasion in the public sector. In part one, you walk through concepts from three influential books on messaging and influence: “Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive,” “Magic Words,” and “Think Faster, Talk Smarter.” You translate lessons like the “foot‑in‑the‑door” technique, word choice, and mirroring language into everyday government scenarios such as code enforcement, building inspection, and tough resident conversations. In part two, Kara takes listeners inside Wentzville’s communications strategy—how her team of three supports a city that has been one of Missouri’s fastest‑growing communities for nearly two decades, while coordinating closely with economic development, police, and parks. Throughout the episode, you tie both halves together around a central idea: effective government communications is less about “compliance” and more about collaboration, trust, and meeting people where they are—online, in print, and in person. Inside modern government communications Kara started in Wentzville as a part‑time communications manager when much of the work was outsourced, and has grown into a strategic leadership role overseeing communications and customer relations. Today she leads a small but highly productive team that manages around 29 different ways the city communicates—from websites and social media to billboards, lobby screens, print newsletters, and e‑news. She explains how Wentzville’s median age of about 33 shapes their government communications strategy, especially the heavy emphasis on social media. Facebook remains the primary information source for many residents, and the city has grown its following from roughly 1,500 to about 25,000 followers over 11 years by consistently showing up where people already are and delivering content in formats that fit each platform. At the same time, community surveys made it clear that residents still deeply value the city’s print newsletter, so it stayed—a reminder that government communications has to be data‑driven, not trend‑driven. Kara also shares why Wentzville split core content responsibilities with its police and parks teams, while communications remains tightly integrated with economic development at the administrative level. A dedicated digital content coordinator supports economic development messaging so business recruitment, workforce stability, and quality‑of‑life stories all feel cohesive under the city brand. Social media strategy that actually works One of the most practical sections of the episode dives into how Wentzville fine‑tunes government communications for each channel instead of copy‑pasting messages everywhere. On Facebook, the team leans into longer, more detailed posts that align with the platform’s algorithm and audience expectations. On Instagram, they made a deliberate shift about four to five years ago to use only photos and videos—no text on graphics—after realizing that is what users with a visual mindset want from that platform. Connect at TakisTalk.com
