Speaking face to face is more effective than relying on emails or texts, according to a keynote speaker at the South Dakota Digital Government Summit.
More than 80 representatives from state, local, and federal governments attended the event Wednesday, where communication expert Anthony Huey discussed clearer ways to deliver messages. Huey said people retain only a fraction of what they read or hear digitally and often form impressions within seconds, making in‑person or phone conversations less prone to misunderstanding.
Governor Larry Rhoden delivered opening remarks, highlighting more than $300 million invested since 2019 in rural broadband to expand access across the state. He also pointed to the Governor’s Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force as a model drawing interest from other states.
Huey noted that while artificial intelligence is leveling the playing field for digital communication, strong verbal communication skills remain essential. Noting “The leaders of the future are people who can talk,”.
The annual summit, now in its third year, was hosted by the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Technology, whose commissioner Mark Wixon emphasized the growing role technology plays in public service delivery.
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